Jersey Boys Blog

As reported earlier, Travis Cloer has launched a Kickstarter campaign to produce a new, fully orchestrated Christmas album to go along with his amazing show and its classic Old School vibe! Click HERE to be a backer! Only FOUR more days to go on the campaign!

We had a blast recently catching up and chatting with Travis about his BIG Christmas recording project and we’re so excited to share his JBB Exclusive Interview!

Jersey Boys Blog: Travis, Your upcoming “Christmas at My Place” sounds amazing! Where did this idea come from?

Travis Cloer: I’ve always loved the classic holiday specials on TV that I watched as a kid. I put together my own two years ago at Cabaret Jazz here in Las Vegas & it was a huge hit! I had a great band, special guests, the whole thing. Now I want to make a new record to go along with the show.

JBB: We’ve been fortunate enough to attend your “Christmas at My Place” spectacular concerts in Vegas! Honestly, the experience is like going back into time, yet with a new fresh spin! Will your upcoming recording have that same kind of experience?

TC: Absolutely. I’m doing a handful of Christmas classics (& a couple of new tunes) & setting them to brand new arrangements. I want it to have that throwback feeling but with a new energy.

JBB: You are asking for backers on KickStarter. What’s the scoop behind Kickstarter?

TC: Kickstarter is a crowdfunding website that allows artists to pitch a project to the public in order to gain backers. The backers pledge a certain amount of money to help get the project made. It’s great and allows independent artists like myself to get projects that are only ideas in our heads the opportunity to turn them into reality. The financial aspect of this type of thing can be overwhelming. This way it takes a bit of that out of the equation. It’s also an amazing way to connect with your fans and have them actually be a part in the making of this record. Without them I couldn’t do it…literally.

JBB: What about the different contribution levels?

TC: Each level has a reward to it. The amounts range anywhere from $10 to funding the entire project. Some of the rewards include digital downloads, personalized copies of the record, tickets to this year’s holiday show (date TBA), and the chance to sit in the studio with me and the band, just to name a few.

JBB: Tell us about what the funds will be used for?

TC: Funds will be used for studio time, musicians, producers,arrangements, mixing, mastering, licensing, duplication, and everything else that goes into a project like this.

JBB: Back in 2007, you recorded on of my personal favorite holiday CD’s, “Christmas from the City”! How will this CD be different?

TC: That record was very laid back. It was a mellow Christmas that year. This year, I’m pulling out all the stops. Horns, strings, you name it!

JBB: Could you fill us in on the recording process? Are you the producer? Will you be hiring the arranger, musicians, finding a studio, background vocalists? Are there any surprise songs or guest vocalists?

TC: We first start with a list of songs. Then, we determine the feel we’d like to have for each. Is it slow, is it fast, what key is it in? Once we have that, we write the arrangements. Once that’s done, we book the studio and bring in the band. I’ll be co-producing the record along with JB Vegas Music Director Keith Thomspon. He is also doing all the arrangements and I’m doing an original tune of his as well. Ultimately, I’m in charge of everything, who gets hired, where we record, what songs, special guests…everything. No pressure.

JBB: There are obviously bigger challenges with this recording than others?

TC: Oh yes. It is a logistical nightmare. Making sure arrangements are done on time and getting the band to get in the studio all together, the list goes on. Maybe I should hire an assistant!

JBB: Truth be told, Travis, you’ve done it all as an entertainer, including headlining a cruise ship, performing on Broadway, cabaret performances in many cities, and of course, starring for several years as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys Las Vegas. As a performer, what does the idea of doing “Christmas At My Place” mean to you? Is it the icing on the cake? Will it be a dream come true to give the world such a unique holiday recording?

TC: It will be the end of something that I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. I love Christmas music and to do a record with this kind of feel is something that has always been close to my heart. That’s why I want to do it right. I want to give fans the record that they have to listen to every year or else the holidays just won’t be the same. I have a handful of artists that make my holidays complete and I want to be in that group for my fans. This record is going to be timeless and something I hope people can enjoy for many years to come!

To be a backer, click HERE!