PREMIERE: Belfast's Travi the Native shares raw ballad 'Love Doesn't Stand a Chance'

Northern Ireland's resident alt-pop dreamer, Travi The Native, is following up the critical and commercial success of 'COOL' with his brand new single 'Love Doesn't Stand A Chance'.

Born and raised in Belfast, Travis Gilbert (AKA Travi the Native) burst onto the scene in early 2020 but the talent was making moves as a singer-songwriter long before his alter ego materialised – touring extensively across Europe and attending writing camps with the likes of Sam Fender and Artful Dodger.

2020 saw Travi The Native release three standalone singles that demonstrated his credibility, scope and reluctance to be pigeon-holed. His electro-infused debut single ‘Heavy Love’, pop track ‘Still Hurting’ and hip-hop influenced ‘COOL’ paved the way for genre-blending success for Travi. Merging sounds reminiscent of Tom Petty and Talking Heads with the likes of Maggie Rodgers and The 1975; Gilbert’s sonic style is as distinct as it is unpredictable.

'Love Doesn't Stand A Chance' amalgamates the progressive spin of electro alt-pop and the emotion of an '80s power ballad with hugely impressive results. The song is an honest account of trying to navigate distance and mental health within a relationship, with Travi bravely baring himself emotionally. Earnestly inviting listeners in, the track coupled raw vocals and introspective lyricism for a sense of intimacy.

Dynamically enthralling and texturally compelling, his blend of vocal harmonies transports the listener into a world of stirring emotion. Melding droning synths, pulsating chordal progressions and masterful production, 'Love Doesn't Stand A Chance' is a multi-sensory listening experience.

The final part of Travi The Native’s inception comes to life next month, as Gilbert releases his highly anticipated debut EP ‘God Only Calls The House Phone’. Over a year in the making, this five track ensemble sees Travi claim his rightful place at the forefront of the alt-pop scene. It also sees him collaborate with some of Northern Ireland’s finest producers (including Amerik), session musicians and backing vocalists all hoping to curate a movement, not just a record.

“We’ve always known love as this force that can solve things. We know all the usual tropes ‘Love conquers all’, ‘All you need is love’. However, for love to work, so many other things need to work alongside it. Communication, closeness, intimacy, time, fun, excitement," Travi says of 'Love Doesn't Stand A Chance'.

"If all you have is love, just on its own, and things aren’t working quite as they should be, you start to question whether love is actually enough. What if our love doesn’t stand a chance?"

"The song started off as a hip hop tune. I wanted it to feel quite drunk and stream of consciousness. With big drums and a class stumbling bass line. It never really felt right though," Travi continues.

"I knew there was something in the song and felt the lyrics were strong and super honest. But I left it alone and when making the EP, I felt there was space for a ballad type song on there. We stripped it back and started with the piano and the vocal from the old demo. Instantly, it took on another life and the emotion in the lyrics were on display due to the sparse and open production. Then it just came together very quickly and naturally."

Listen to 'Love Doesn't Stand A Chance' below: