Happiness can only truly be defined on one’s personal level based on their own life experiences. We may attribute our perception of happiness based on what we see from others but it’s mainly ourselves that we must make happy. We have to ask ourselves, ‘What makes me happy?’ Aspiring rapper/producer Travis “T.Dot” Herbert, a New Jersey native, has found his own form of happiness in the rap game. He has studied the blueprints of the greats like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent and Fabolous as he patiently waits for his chance to shine. Inspired by not only their music but their ability to hustle, T.Dot’s versatile lyrical ability and constant efforts to grind shows that he’s got more than enough heart , soul and potential to take the world by storm. T.Dot sat down with Parlè to discuss his aspiring future in the music game.
Parlé Magazine: Where did the name T.Dot come from?
T.Dot: Before I even started rapping, I would go into the studio with a friend of mine who knew I liked to write. He encouraged me to start rapping. He asked me what my name was going to be at the time and I didn’t even think about coming up with one. So I pitched Trav but there’s already a Trav that raps. So my friend nicknamed me T.Dot Raw but this was around the time Tyga would say T Raw all the time so I didn’t want to use that. So I went with T.Dot The Rawest because that’s what I write and rap about. My music is raw but it’s still relatable.
Parlé: How has the rap game treated you so far?
T.Dot: I’ve been doing good, people have been giving me a lot of positive feedback. It took me a while to actually put stuff out, because I was taking time to perfect my craft. I didn’t want to just put anything out there because there’s a lot of garbage out there already and that’s just not me to put anything out there.
Parlé: Have the fans been showing you love so far?
T.Dot: I get a lot of love in Toronto. Here in Buffalo NY where I’m at now people know me out here. I did a show in Cleveland where I opened up for King Chip, people probably know him best for working a lot with Kid Cudi. I got mad love in Cleveland when I did that show. Before I went on stage no one there knew who I was but by the end of my set they all wanted to. My songs get a lot of radio spins down in Little Rock, AK, Atlanta and Augusta, GA. So far there’s been nothing but love coming my way on that end with the fans. I love them and they love me back.
Parlé: How would you describe your music?
T.Dot: I speak on life and real situations. I don’t do a lot of that club type music but I prefer something with a little more feeling to it. I speak about things people have been through and can relate to. I’m not a preachy type of rapper but I do have a message. I can make a song that people would be able to party to but at the same time they’d gain something from listening to me.
Parlé: Are these “real situations” you rap about based on your experiences or from other people?
T.Dot: My songs are always through my perspective on things. They’re about things that I have done, things that I have seen and experienced firsthand. Even if the experience isn’t something I’ve gone through, there are some songs on my album about things my friends and family have gone through, I write about how it affects me and how I’ve handled it. Everybody goes through the same thing from time to time and that’s what I speak on.
Parlé: As an independent artist, do you feel you are able do more or less with your music?
T.Dot: It’s a gift and a curse. As an independent artist I can do a lot of stuff my way creatively and I don’t have a major record label telling me that I have to do it a certain way but at the same time I don’t have a lot of the resources and money that those companies have to put my music out there the way I want it to be. I’m more about the art with my music and I’m happy I’m able to make my music this way because I don’t have to alter my creative vision.
Parlé: What can readers expect from your upcoming album?
T.Dot: The name of the album is Thoughts of Ambition and it’s set to release March/April of this year. “Tell Me” was the first single off it. The album has different parts to it. I took my time with this because I wanted to relate to people who may be struggling, they want more out of life. Even people who may be successful, this album represents the thought not to settle for less and knowing you can do more. You’ll also be able to hear where I am in my life so far. There’s no set date yet just be on the lookout for it.
Parlé: Are you working on any new projects besides the album?
T.Dot: I’m shooting a mini movie with my next single. In the video for “Tell Me” you can see a little bit of it there. I don’t want to give away too much as of right now.
Parlé: Who would you like to collaborate with?
T.Dot: There are so many people that I would love to be able to work with. If I had to pick one off the top of my head I would say Kanye West. He’s such a genius with his music, the way he’s always raising the bar with his work, I feel like I’d be able to learn so much working with him especially with me being an artist and producer.
Parlé: Where can readers find your music?
T.Dot: You’ll be able to find me on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and Soundcloud
Parlé: If you had to pitch one song to attract newer fans from your new album what would it be?
T.Dot: That’s a hard question, it’s like asking a parent to chose their favorite child. “Tell Me” the video has been getting a lot of plays on YouTube and airplay, people have been loving it. “Hashtag” is another one, people can definitely relate to that one because it’s about relationships on social media.
Parlé: How can people connect to you on social media?
T.Dot: My website is under construction right now but when it comes out it’ll be www.tdot.com. Instagram, Twitter, Soundcloud and Facebook you can find me with @tdottherawest or just look up tdottherawest and you’ll find me. I’m not hard to find.
Parlé: Do you have any last words?
T.Dot: I don’t want to be cliché. Just be patient great things don’t happen overnight and to those that it has they aren’t here in the long run. I was always told to enjoy the journey and learn from your experiences and mistakes.
Check out T.Dot’s single, “Tell Me” here: