About Travis Keys

Travis Keys is a Nashville-based bassist and producer known for a deep pocket, melodic bass lines, bold arrangements, and an expansive sonic palette that bridges the gap between old-school analog and modern precision. A 2025 graduate of Belmont University, Travis has established himself as a touring and recording player for Universal and Sony artists, as well as an accomplished producer across genres ranging from Alt/Indie and Shoegaze/Dreampop to Hip-Hop.

While his roots are in the low end—specializing in upright, electric, fretless, and synth bass—Travis is a multi-instrumentalist at heart. His work often incorporates guitar, synths, samples, and world instruments like the sitar, allowing him to approach every session with a musical perspective.

In the studio, Travis operates a hybrid setup designed for premium remote tracking. Combining the character of the Golden Era of recording with a cutting-edge analog/digital workflow, he delivers streaming-ready stems that retain a timeless sonic signature. Whether tracking remotely for a pop artist or laying down a walking bassline for a jazz project, Travis delivers performance and tone in equal measure.

Gear List

Electric Bass

  • 1965 Fender Precision Bass: The primary vintage workhorse. The definitive electric bass.

  • 1977 Fender Precision Bass: For a brighter, punchier vintage tone.

  • 1980 Music Man Stingray: For classic funk textures, and a distinctive woody sound with plenty of growl.

  • Vintage 1988-90 Jerry Jones Longhorn Bass VI: baritone/tic-tac bass. The sound of old Nashville Country.

  • 2024 Vintera II '60s Precision Bass: Modern reliability with a classic sound. A bit more of a “modern” voicing than the original.

  • 2025 Joe Dart Signature: Loud, Punchy, Modern Funk.

  • Godin A4 Ultra Fretless: For watery textures and melodic lines.

  • Harley Benton 6-String: Extended range for modern arranging.

Upright & World Instruments

  • Upright Bass: Traditional acoustic low end. The timless sound of Jazz, Classical, Folk, Bluegrass, and old Nashville.

  • Authentic Indian Sitar

  • Shekere & Various Percussion

Guitars

  • 1967 Gretsch Country Gentleman: Vintage hollow-body tone. One of one sound.

Synths, Keys & Sampling

  • Yamaha DX7 (1983): The FM synth of the 80s. Undeniable influence in Pop, Ambient, and House.

  • Korg Poly 800 (1983): Lofi leads, gritty bass, detuned pads and swells.

  • Roland Juno-106 (1984): Definitive analog polysynth pads and leads. The sound in MOST of your favorite records.

  • Moog Subsequent 37: Analog paraphonic synthesizer. Legendary Bass.

  • Waldorf Blofeld: Ultimate synth for Ambient textures and experimental sounds.

  • 1997 AKAI MPC2000: One of the most important Samplers ever. The sound of Hip-Hop, particularly Boom Bap.

  • Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II: Unbeatable workflow, speed, and amazing time stretching abilities at the press of a button. Aphex Twin levels of manipulation.

Amps, Preamps & Outboard

  • 1969 Ampeg SB-12 Portaflex: The definitive sound of electric bass. The most well loved and used family of amplifiers in the history of electric bass.

  • REDDI Tube DI: Industry-standard tube direct box.

  • Roland JC40: Used frequently in the Shoegaze and Dreampop world, but not limited. Names include The Police, The 1975, The Cure, The Smiths etc…

  • Universal Audio 610: Legendary Tube preamplifier. The same as used on Petsounds.

  • Warm Audio WA12 MK II: API style pre amp punch.

  • Tascam 22-4 Reel-to-Reel: 1/4'“ Analog tape machine for saturation and processing.

Microphones

  • Neumann TLM 103: Large-diaphragm condenser from the most renown mic manufacturer.

  • Bock 187: Large-diaphragm, custom transformer FET condenser. Big low end, unique mid range.

  • Chandler TG Type L: Abbey Road circuit style Large-diaphragm condenser. Dark and smooth.

  • Golden Age Project R1 MKII: Classic ribbon microphone.