Kurt Travis is a Sacramento, California-based singer-songwriter known for fronting post-hardcore bands Dance Gavin Dance, A Lot Like Birds and Royal Coda.

In between work with his various groups, Travis forged his own path as a solo artist in the early 2010s. He released the solo EP Wha Happen? in 2012, followed by a self-titled EP and two full-length albums, Everything Is Beautiful (which was produced by former Dance Gavin Dance guitarist Josh Benton) in 2014, and There's a Place I Want to Take You in 2019. Travis toured extensively to support the album, performing with artists including Makari, Andrés, Body Thief, and Adventurer in order to grow his fan base.

When on tour as a solo act, Travis likes to play small, intimate venues to connect with his fans, and he often road-tests new material.

Kurt Travis Live in Concert

Born Kurt Thomas in Scottsdale, Arizona to two gymnast parents -- his father was famed American Olympic gymnast Kurt Thomas Sr. -- Kurt Travis changed his last name from Thomas after his parents divorced and his mother remarried.

Travis also comes from a musical family. His maternal grandfather was a Frank Sinatra-style lounge singer, and his uncles played guitar, drums and bass. His family would often sing around the fire on camping trips, and Travis received his first guitar as a birthday gift from one of his uncles when he turned 13.

Travis joined several post-hardcore bands, and while he enjoys performing with a collective, his solo work allows him the freedom of creating in a different environment. As Travis has said of his solo material compared to his bands, "They're two different monsters, but they're really fun, and I feel like they fuel each other."

Kurt Travis FAQ

Who is Kurt Travis and what bands is he known for fronting?

Kurt Travis is a singer-songwriter based in Sacramento, California, known for fronting post-hardcore bands Dance Gavin Dance, A Lot Like Birds, and Royal Coda.

How does Kurt Travis like to connect with his fans when on tour as a solo act?

When on tour as a solo act, Kurt Travis likes to play small, intimate venues to connect with his fans.

Who are some of the artists Kurt Travis has performed with while touring to support his solo work?

Kurt Travis has performed with artists including Makari, Andrés, Body Thief, and Adventurer while touring to support his solo work.

How has Kurt Travis described his solo material compared to his work with his bands?

Kurt Travis has described his solo material compared to his work with his bands as "two different monsters, but they're really fun, and I feel like they fuel each other."