Rough Pumpkins

Ten episodes in, and I’m starting to realize this whole “just make great music and everything will work out” idea… isn’t exactly how it goes anymore. In this solo episode, I’m riffing on what it actually feels like to be an independent musician right now — writing songs, playing gigs, trying to grow an audience, and learning the social media/content game whether you like it or not. I talk about th...

This week on the podcast, Travis talks with Kay Goutos, a stand-up comic from Glens Falls, about getting started in comedy, what it really feels like to bomb on stage, and the mindset it takes to keep going when things don’t land. They dig into confidence, self-doubt, and the uncomfortable moments that come with trying something new in front of people. A candid conversation about creative risk, le...

In this episode, I sit down with Rich Derbyshire, bass player for Wild Adriatic/ Andy Frasco and the UN, for a grounded, honest conversation about musicianship, taste, and what it actually means to jam. We talk about why real jamming isn’t about showing off chops, but about listening, understanding the room, and knowing when less is more. Rich breaks down how knowing your instrument — and knowing...

This episode is a little different. Travis sits down with his wife for an honest conversation about what it’s really like to build a creative life together. They talk about anxiety, uncertainty, and the quieter forms of support that don’t always get recognized — the emotional labor, the patience, and the work that happens offstage. It’s a real discussion about partnership, communication, and navig...

In this episode of Rough Pumpkins , Travis sits down with Hannah Williams , a mural artist based in Glens Falls , to talk about the deeper realities of living a creative life. Hannah shares what it’s like to paint murals in public spaces, where the work doesn’t happen in isolation and the community becomes part of the process. The conversation explores creative identity, purpose, and what happens...

Travis sits down with Photographer/Videographer Frankie Cavone of Mirth Films. They talk about the passion and motivation it takes to keep going in your chosen creative field, and share some old stories. You might even get to hear about when Frankie had to go to court on 'Judge Judy'. https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

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 o...

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 Sch...

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. ht...

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 art...

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 t...

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://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI