I spoke with Travis Rue, of The Satellite Station, a few months ago because his voice moved me so much, I really wanted to know about the man behind the music….and special thanks to Zachisatourist for bringing my attention to this talented artist.
Q: When did you start taking music seriously enough that you felt like this was something that you wanted to focus on doing it as a career? You play multiple instruments…how many and which ones can you play?
A: I played in bands when I was in college that were pretty serious but it wasn’t till I started The Satellite Station and people really started to connect with the music that I considered it an option. I play piano, trumpet, French horn, guitar, bass and mandolin. I have been wanting to start picking up the violin….so maybe that is next.
Q: There are many musicians of various genres to come out of Ohio with great success like; Bootsy Collins, Chrissie Hynde, Guided by Voices, Filter and John Legend to name a few…were there any artists that you grew up admiring that you wanted to be like or follow in their footsteps?
A: I have been influenced by so many artists over the years. Some more than others at different times in my life. I would say the artists who have influenced me the most are Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Gregory Alan Isakov, Counting Crows and Andrew McMahon in all his projects.
Q: Your latest album release, Only Human, it’s pretty obvious you’re an amazing songwriter…listening to the title track lyrics, “just try to keep myself from drowning, trying to keep my head from pounding, life’s short and we fail sometimes cause we are only human.” It’s pretty much the perfect song for every person on the planet. I felt like I was being swept up in a range of emotions. Was it difficult for you to write this album?
A: Well, I definitely appreciate the kind words! Writing is something I do everyday and is a daily struggle. Some days go better than others, but I try to finish a new song every week. That means for every song you hear there are likely 4-5 that you don’t. During the time I was writing and recording the Only Human album, I probably wrote between 45-50 songs. Some were not great and have been thrown away…and others were saved for future projects. Writing never feels easy.
Q: What does Travis Rue do when he’s not writing music?
A: I spend time with family and friends. I try to spend as much time as I can outdoors either running or hiking. I am ALWAYS reading a book. Currently “Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty.
Q: What are your Top 5 books that you would recommend to someone like me who needs to read more and watch less tv?
A: I love to read so this the perfect question for me. Here are some of my favorites I have read recently…. 1) Bear Town by Fredrik Backman 2) The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein 3) All the Red Rising books by Pierce Brown 4) Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty and 5) An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
Q: Who would you credit to have helped you the most in your career in terms of support and always being there for you during the ups and downs in your songwriting process, success and overall happiness?
A: I have to call out a few people here. First, my friend and producer Michael Estok. He has been critical to the success of The Satellite Station. And the songs would not be near as good if not for him. Alex and Beth at AlexRainBird Music. They introduced me to my first real audience and have been so supportive of my music ever since. Lastly, my wife, Mariah, who has put up with my ups and downs as an artist and all the times I play the same section of a song over and over again until I just get it right.
Q: Cats or Dogs? Kayak or Canoe? Mountains or Lakefront? Camping or Glamping? Summer or Winter?
A: Definitely Dogs… I have a Shorkie named Winnie… Canoe…….This is a tough one…can I pick a lakefront house in the mountains? Definitely mountains over oceanfront.. Glamping….I like being outdoors but have limited survival skills…. Summer over Winter but I would pick Fall as my favorite.
Q: Will you be taking the album out on the road in 2022? How do you think these COVID restrictions will affect this winter’s touring as opposed to 2020 where it was pretty non existent?
A: Yes! Hoping to ramp up the tour schedule in the near future. I have a close member of my family that is very high risk so I have been careful but plan to start increasing the show volume soon! I, also always working on new music!!
Q: Where can fans find your music and buy some merch?
A: You can find my music wherever you listen to it ( Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer). I have a merch store on my website at https://www.thesatellitestation.com/ ( link above also above)
You can also find Travis on his Instagram at thesatellitestationmusic.
Stay tuned for more interviews..coming up interviews with Betcha and The Burning Lights.. if you have a suggestion on who I should interview, drop me a line..
Until then, I’m Your Music Stylist..
Music To Your Ears 