In 2009, The Falcon Times, the former student newspaper at Miami Dade College, featured Travis Roig, a local aspiring musician embarking on the journey to musical self-autonomy.<\/p>\n
Roig, then 29 and a Psychology major at North Campus, had been working in the studio on content for his first record.<\/p>\n
However, lacking creative satisfaction, Roig kept the material he liked, tossed out the unusable, and devoted himself to creating a well-balanced and musically substantial record.<\/p>\n
After an arduous three years of writing, producing and collaborating with an array of local artists, his first official album titled Sincerely Manufactured was released Dec. 29 on iTunes and Amazon.<\/p>\n
This 16 track album fuses an eclectic arrangement of sounds in a genre Roig dubs \u201cJunkyard\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s in a junkyard?\u201d the singer-songwriter asked when commenting on his genre. \u201cThere\u2019s some stuff that is treasure and there\u2019s some s*** and I guarantee both in a song of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
The album is less than 50 minutes long, as brevity is an important factor for the musician when composing and recording.<\/p>\n
\u201cI try and keep [songs] as short as possible…I try to go in and out so that I don\u2019t overstay my welcome, you know? I look at the early Beatles records and they\u2019re out before the 2-minute mark. So you just get in, get out and get going,\u201d said Roig about the length of the record.<\/p>\n
His eccentric and mellow personality is reflected in his music and musical tastes, citing bands like Radiohead, Dashboard Confessional and The Dave Matthews Band among his favorites.<\/p>\n
Vocally, however, he credits musicians like Justin Timberlake, New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men as musical influences in his approach and style of singing.<\/p>\n
Evocative lyrics, cohesive guitar and drum solos, as well as catchy choruses, make Sincerely Manufactured a well-rounded, fun and feel-good record that can be played time and time again. Roig\u2019s simplistic and eclectic approach to life and music shines throughout the album, guaranteeing a connection with his audience. The mixture of rock, pop and even jazz makes this album a unique repertoire that audiences with differing musical tastes can all appreciate.<\/p>\n
Track Breakdown:<\/p>\n
Track 1 \u2013 Excuse Me Miss 3:15
\nA light tune and great starter to any day. Its smooth vocals are sure to create a good vibe for the rest of the day.<\/p>\n
Track 2 \u2013 I Had Had It 3:53
\nThis attitude-filled song is a rockin\u2019 tune relying mostly on fresh electric guitar background as well as a sharp drum solo.<\/p>\n
Track 3 \u2013 Lead to Believe 4:29
\nHeavy with a hint of spirituality, this tune features strong and poignant vocals accompanied by piercing drum solos.<\/p>\n
Track 4 \u2013 Anything Goes 3:04
\nThis witty tune is great for jamming with your friends while cruising, windows down, on the open road.<\/p>\n
Track 5 \u2013 A Simple Life 2:38
\nThis cool and sultry track reflects the artists\u2019 pop influences like Justin Timberlake in a fresh new way (sans the Timbaland collaboration).<\/p>\n
Track 6 \u2013 Overdose 2:46
\nCatchy and care-free, this tune employs Roig\u2019s deeper voice register and verses with a semi talkative, sing-song, Johnny Cash kind of way.<\/p>\n
Track 7 \u2013 Palm Trees in December 2:52
\nThis soft ballad is a sensual tune that features bits of sax and a great melodic structure. Great for curling up with a partner.<\/p>\n
Track 8 \u2013 Washout 2:25
\nThis semi psychedelic track is reminiscent of later Beatle\u2019s work, employing a drastic change in rhythm and time to drive its overall message home.<\/p>\n
Track 9 \u2013 Make Believe 2:33
\nThe positive message of this tune will win you over.<\/p>\n
Track 10 \u2013 Freedomland 3:51
\nThis track features beautiful vocals in a personal portrayal of patriotism.<\/p>\n
Track 11- I\u2019ll Still Be Here 2:06
\nThe shortest of the bunch, this intimate declaration of loyalty features a delicate and supple melody.<\/p>\n
Track 12 \u2013 Here With Me 2:52
\nThis upbeat pop tune is sure to be a hit. With a catchy melody and lyrics to match, it\u2019s sure to keep your head bumpin\u2019.<\/p>\n
Track 13 \u2013 Right This Wrong 3:36
\nReminiscent of Coldplay\u2019s heavy use of piano solos, this refreshing beat will have you humming it incessantly.<\/p>\n
Track 14 \u2013 Still Won\u2019t Leave 2:19
\nA cool guitar intro makes this an overall feel-good song.<\/p>\n
Track 15 \u2013 Tag Along 2:56
\nThis jazzy tune makes use of acoustic drums and sultry verses along with a quintessential piano background.<\/p>\n
Track 16 – Always and So On 3:15
\nA soft and romantic ballad that will have you reflecting on life and love. Roig\u2019s voice is sweet and delicate, much like the song\u2019s lyrics..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In 2009, The Falcon Times, the former student newspaper at Miami Dade College, featured Travis Roig, a local aspiring musician embarking on the journey to musical self-autonomy. Roig, then 29 and a Psychology major at North Campus, had been working in the studio on content for his first record. However, lacking creative satisfaction, Roig kept […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":282,"featured_media":6392,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[36,63],"class_list":{"0":"post-6391","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ae","8":"tag-music","9":"tag-alumni"},"yoast_head":"\n