Travis Richter - Our Drummer
A long time ago, in a post that is not very far away (here it is!), I mentioned telling you
about everyone in Pale Monsters. I never got around to it, but with the new album coming out, it seems like a good time to get up close and personal with each band member.
Travis Richter is our drummer and percussionist. He has a pretty great resume:
Drummer for Kingsley Flood (2012-present)
Drummer for the Motion Sick (2007-2010)
Drummer for This Blue Heaven (2011-2015)
Guitarist for Naked On Rollerskates (2010-2012)
Temporary drummer for: Aloud, St. Helena and more
I first met Travis sometime in the haze between 2007 and 2009 when I was singing and playing guitar in Muy Cansado, and he was in the Motion Sick. In 2009, we both performed in the WBCN Rock and Roll Rumble in our respective bands. We also booked a gig together, and then each performed at Boston Band Crush's first annual One Night Band.
After all of these close encounters in 2009, Travis and I became really close friends. Over the years, we supported each other's musical acts, binge watched Twin Peaks and The Wire, got to know each other's spouses, and spent many nights on the town with each other.
Travis has always been one of my favorite drummers in town, and he's also one of my favorite people. Before working together, we used to give each other sneak peaks into new music we were working on. We also got into multiple debates over the best Beatle (I maintain that it's Lennon; Travis is in the McCartney camp).
In late 2014, when I sheepishly asked Travis if he would be interested playing drums in a new project I was cooking up, I was thrilled when he said yes.
Since then, it's been a pleasure to work with him in Pale Monsters. His approach to his craft is focused and rigorous. He does his homework and expects everyone else do the same. He may be the definition of a person that does not fuck around. When we play together, whether at practice or at gigs, Travis often has his metronome in his ear piece to ensure we are on tempo.
On top of all of that, Travis brings his own fire-y, unique presence to the band. This includes an undying love for professional wrestling, Star Wars and disparaging banter.
For the band, Travis provides our foundation and drive. He always makes everything sound easy, no matter how weird or difficult some of the changes may be. Musically, he pushes us forward and onward at all times, and he often challenges us to get out of our comfort zone.
So that's the story behind the guy behind our drum kit, Travis Richter.
