Live Report: Travi The Native on the Hot Press Y&E Series

Travi The Native delivered a blistering, intimate home set from his Belfast studio last Friday night (March 25) on the Y&E Series.

With a sound reminiscent to that of Tom Petty, Talking Heads, Maggie Rogers and The 1975, Travi The Native is the latest musical incarnation of Travis Gilbert.

Belfast’s alt-pop prodigy burst onto the scene in the spring of 2020 with his critically acclaimed debut single ‘Heavy Love’. However, he 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.

2021 saw Travi The Native release his highly anticipated debut EP, God Only Calls The House Phone. Turning heads across the UK, Ireland and Europe, this five track project saw Travi claim his rightful place as Hot for 2022 in Hot Press.

The multi-instrumentalist kicked off his live set with 'Shambles', a track steeped in yearning. Featuring Travi's trademark raw vocals, the song felt all the more poignant in its stripped back version. Tracing the idiosyncrasies and small details missed when someone is absent, it marks one of the Belfast rising star's most vulnerable offerings.

Gentle guitar accompaniment and a rock star voice is all Travi needed on the night, announcing a new music video for his forthcoming single 'I Should Be Sleeping'. Having shot the footage last week, fans should ready themselves for a predictably entertaining visual cut. Adding synths this time around, the track is both honest and full of universal feeling. Those moments of lying awake at night thinking about someone out of reach? We've all been there.

"You guys are all very kind, spending your Friday evening with me," he tells his livestream audience. Mingling chat with acoustic tracks is a tricky art, but Travi makes it look easy. It's one of the reasons why he's built up a loyal online following.

Leading into previous single 'Tired', Travi explains his ties to mental health advocacy. The track dives into the overwhelming feeling of wanting to give up: on life, on your job, on your relationships - it's pure mental exhaustion. Sometimes you can't just "get on with it", as the musician can attest to. The song sounds even more attentive stripped back, getting its points across with no distraction and powerful lyricism.

An ode to Belfast follows on, titled '39' after his favourite pub: 39 Gordon Street. Finished during lockdown, the song focuses on the craving to visit your favourite haunt with a pint and some musical pals - even on Sunday night when work beckons the next day.

An unreleased, fresh new song titled 'Night' (for now, at least) concludes Travi's set. Highlighting the need for something (or someone) at particular points of the evening, it's a simple track but we can't wait to hear the full, recorded rendition. Travis Gilbert is one of the most promising acts grifting on the scene today. If in doubt, just check out his talent without any electronics below:

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Coming up on the Y&E Series...

Monday, March 28: Mia Yermeche
It’s been a busy year for the 19-year-old singer-songwriter, whose debut single was released while she was still working towards her Leaving Cert. Following an impressive appearance on The Big Deal – performing in front of a judges panel that included Boy George – her powerhouse vocals marked her as one of the standout acts of ‘A New Local Hero’. Produced by Chris Kabs, the Irishman behind JyellowL's 2020 D|Vision, recent track 'Butterflies' is a smooth R&B offering with crisp vocals and floating organ synths. Kabs got in touch after spotting one of Yermeche’s Instagram covers, and created the TEMO Universal, Dublin.

Tuesday, March 29: Cathal Murphy
Hailing from Camlough, Cathal has been raised on Irish traditional music – a passion passed down through his family from his great grandad. The Edinburg-based singer-songwriter blends soulful vocals with expressive song writing and uplifting guitar. As a member of award winning Northern Irish contemporary folk five-piece Cúig he's already toured extensively across Europe and the USA. He released his debut EP, I'm Writing to You, It Can Be Lonely and Beautiful at the Edges of Print, last June alongside a 20-minute visual. Lead single 'Frame' paved the way for the project's success.

Wednesday March 30: D. Cullen
The Dublin singer-songwriter gained attention in 2019 when his single 'Alright' made waves at radio and led to an acclaimed performance on The Late Late Show. He followed up in 2020 with a slew of equally addictive releases: The Rising Tide EP, 'Rainbow Weather'; 'Birch Street' and a festive collaboration with Sinead McConville, 'Christmas Ain't The Same (Miles & Miles Away)'. 2021 saw the release of psych-pop tune 'All The People', romance-twinged gem 'She Is A Song' and instant pop hit 'Heartline'. Cullen's melodies and soundscapes aim to bridge the gap between Elvis Costello, Tom Petty and Taylor Swift; as demonstrated on his most recent musical number 'Radio'.

Thursday March 31: Tara Nome Doyle
In April 2018, the Berlin-raised Norwegian/Irish musician's first single ‘Down With You’ was unveiled. It has since been streamed more than four million times, with her first EP Dandelion landing that same year to similar numbers and acclaim. Debut album Alchemy came in 2020, cementing Tara’s status as a star on the rise before 2022's hugely unique sophomore offering Værmin arrived. Previewed by captivating singles 'Snail I', 'Crow' and 'Caterpillar', the album landed via Modern Imprint.

Friday, April 1: Tommy Cullen
The former frontman with Dublin alt-rock band The False And The Fair, Tommy Cullen has been building up a strong following over the past year as a solo singer-songwriter. Having spent recent years writing and producing new music, in 2021, he showcased the versatility of his approach with a string of well-received singles, including 'Night Moves', 'Violet Rainbow', and 'In The Winter', featuring Amy Ellen.

Sunday, April 3: Chris Leonard
Born in Dublin and raised in Ballivor, Co.Meath, Chris Leonard's passion for music was first shaped by watching his father play in sessions with the likes of The Fureys, and Barney McKenna of The Dubliners. Chris initially rose to prominence on The X-Factor, as a member of the band Stereo Kicks, who ultimately reached the quarter finals of the show. He's now a solo artist – and following the release of 'Fix' last year, 2022 will see him travel to America to record his debut album.

Monday, April 4: Molly O'Mahony
Initially rising to prominence as one quarter of art-folk group Mongoose, the Ballydehob native has struck out on her own over lockdown – armed with a serious knack for intricate, intimate songwriting, and one of the most uniquely resonant voices in the country. Following two well-received singles, her crowd-funded debut solo album, The House Of David, is set to be released later this year. Back in January, O'Mahony was tipped as one of our 'Hot For 2022' Irish Acts.