The Mindful Musician

One of my most interesting experiences in music has to be the time I toured with the band of a spiritual teacher(read: cult leader.) I was the only one in the band who was not a devotee of his. Well, about 10 years later, this teachers community dissolved amidst scandal. For the first time since then I talked to his 2nd in command who was the guitarist in the band. I finally got some answers about what was going on behind the scenes. This guitarist, Stas Mavrides, also happens to have had a very colorful career in the music business. He has toured with the Beach Boys, recorded several award winning albums, and has a new album out with his band Baraka Moon.

For More Information:

www.facebook.com/BarakaMoon

www.barakamoon.com

and visit me at:

www.mattoestreicher.com

Here's a mini-episode related to ep.33 where I interviewed Jazz Educator Jamey Aebersold. Mini-episodes are for:

talking about a specific idea from the interview that I was inspired by, keeping the momentum of the podcast, and for talking about some of my current projects(self-promotion.)

Information about Stas and his band Baraka Moon's new release:

BARAKA MOON Links:

http://pressjunkiepr.com/video/bismillah-baraka-moon-album-wind-horse-2017-official-video/

For More Information:

www.facebook.com/BarakaMoon www.barakamoon.com e: [email protected] t: 415-596-3518

sign up for the Mindful Musician mailing list at www.mattoestreicher.com

https://www.facebook.com/themindfulmusician/

share and like us on itunes!

Check out the mindful musician podcast at www.mattoestreicher.com/podcast

Support Matts non-profit work bringing arts education to in-need communities at: http://www.yourtime2shine.org/donate-now/

As musicians we are always meeting and working with new people in new places. For this episode I asked several working musicians about their worst experience in the music business - how they dealt with it, what red flags there were going into it, and how they would advise someone else to prepare for and navigate through these types of experiences. Episode 24 features a story by musician/producer Travis LaMothe

Travis La Mothe Bio:

With first club gigs starting at the age of 15, Travis has been actively performing for 23 years. Studies with Frank Giguere, Casey Scheurell, and Steve Wilkes, allowed a quick evolution in Travis’ skill set. Amassing performances in percussion ensembles under the direction of Sal Raniello (Hartford Symphony Orchestra,) live performance became a place to thrive in all genres.

Attempting to live up to his influences and working at creating his own, Travis spent six years touring with New England regional act Rane (Tides Records), opening for numerous national acts including the Barenaked Ladies, Ozomatli, Santana, and Tom Petty and playing almost every room in New England. After multiple albums and recording credits with the group, Travis left to pursue other musical worlds.

After winning the 2006 Hartford Advocate's “Best Drummer” award, Travis went on to play with several Advocate-acknowledged bands including The Bill Carleton Band, and Jet Black Jane. A jaunt into the jazz world helped Travis to see a different side of performance after spending 2 years as a member of the house band for WOR radio in Manhattan. He also joined Hank Agency artists “Jimmy and the Hat Tricks” for a 3-year stint in general business music. He was called to play with The Last Goodnight (Virgin Records), and subbed several gigs with Girls Guns and Glory (Lonesome Day Records) as well. All of this while maintaining 10-20 private students for the duration.

The pursuit is endless, and Travis currently plays pick up gigs throughout New England with many talented groups. He has also begun establishing himself in the production world. After opening his small studio “Sunderland Sounds” in Sunderland MA, Travis has already cut a few spots that you’ve likely heard on the radio...

To reach Travis for gigs and/or production inquiries:

[email protected]

860.604.7414

Samples of performances/work

Performance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs4Z7N3e-oE

Commercial Spot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_xL9wlORDI

Telefunken demo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28-jmeeGqFY