Travis sits down with Joe Mansman of Joe Mansman and The Midnight Revival Band for a laid-back conversation full of old memories, chaotic band stories, and the funny moments you only appreciate in hindsight.

They talk about the unglamorous side of band life — roommates, road mishaps, and the kind of situations that sound insane once you say them out loud. It’s a hangout episode that focuses less on achievements and more on what it’s actually like trying to make something creative work.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy1jsUPChWMo7WbooGViaTg

This week on Rough Pumpkins, Travis hangs with Mikey Baish from The Sugar Hold — one of the wildest, most entertaining bands in the Capital Region. We get into everything: how the band came together, Mikey’s role at The Jive Hive, and why Upstate NY might secretly have more raw talent per square mile than anywhere else. Lots of laughs, lots of local music love, and plenty of stories that prove Schenectady/Albany musicians are built different.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy1jsUPChWMo7WbooGViaTg

Travis sits down with drummer/singer/guitarist Josh Morris, who moved to Nashville just two years ago and already found himself playing for country artist Caylee Hammack—including a surreal moment opening for Stevie Nicks.

Josh shares what it’s really like breaking into the Nashville scene so quickly, the grind behind the gigs, and the unexpected moments that make it all worth it.

Real stories.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy1jsUPChWMo7WbooGViaTg

In this episode, Travis sits down with longtime friend and keys wizard Dustin DeLuke to talk about the journey from small-town beginnings to professional stages. They break down the realities of being a modern working musician, shaping your sound, finding your voice in a band, and the creative life that happens offstage.

Whether you’re a musician, a music fan, or just someone who loves hearing artists get honest, this is a killer conversation packed with insight, laughs, and stories from the trenches.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy1jsUPChWMo7WbooGViaTg

Episode 1 of Rough Pumpkins is here.
Travis sits down with longtime friend and fellow musician Joe Defelice to break down what life really looks like when you choose music as a career instead of a “real job.”

They talk about:
• starting music for the love of it
• why being “too loud” actually hurts your performance
• the pressure creatives feel to justify their careers
• how to survive without a traditional 9–5
• chasing art while balancing real life
• the moments that make it all worth it

This episode sets the tone for the entire show—honest, real conversations with people who accidentally built a creative life.

Rough Pumpkins with Travis Gray
Real stories from people who should’ve gotten real jobs.

Listen, follow, and stay tuned for more episodes.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy1jsUPChWMo7WbooGViaTg

The official trailer for Rough Pumpkins with Travis Gray. Real stories from people who should've gotten real jobs.

Music By Travis Gray

Full episodes coming soon. follow to stay tuned in!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy1jsUPChWMo7WbooGViaTg