S2 E83 TRAVIS DEMSEY, drummer for Melbourne band 'DOUBLEBLACK', formerly the drummer for 'The Living End'. Youth Music Officer, DJ ARTHUR, Motivational Speaker

BAND IT ABOUT - Podcast Series

Travis Dempsey grew up in rural Victoria in a dysfunctional family. At 15 he spent his time skateboarding, getting in fights with his mates, and moving from school to school as a result of this behavior. A high school teacher changed his life and set him on his musical path when he sent Travis to a time-out room that contained an old drum kit. Travis began hitting the drums and instantly felt connected to this instrument. Travis's family wasn't in a position to be able to afford to purchase a kit for him, and once again his teacher helped him by delivering a very basic kit to his home. He eventually joined a band with friends called 'Slaves of Pain', gigging locally. Travis left school when he was 16, first working as an apprentice Boiler Maker for about 4 or 5 months, and then as an apprentice Horticulturist until he decided to move away from the family home, making his way to Melbourne where he lived in Fitzroy. He managed to get a job working at Drummers Paradise in Richmond and began making connections with other musicians and playing in a variety of bands. Travis then got a job at the iconic Revolver Drum Shop which was located in Prahran, and it was while he was working there that he met Chris the bass player from The Living End. Chris mentioned that they were looking for a new drummer, so Travis who was looking for a regular band to play with told him that he would be interested in having a go. Chris gave him a demo tape and they arranged a time for Travis to come and have a jam. Travis initially didn't feel as though he was the right guy for the band, but on his third jam with the guys, he decided to play the songs his own way, this time it worked and he became their new drummer. After a year of solid touring things began to skyrocket after the release of the double A-side single, a single ‘Second Solution / Prisoner of Society’ that had the band breaking records, with it becoming the highest-selling single of the ’90s, scoring the band an ARIA Award and a whole lot more attention both nationally and internationally, with World Tours alongside AC /DC, Green Day, The Offspring, Chilli Peppers, Rancid, and Silver Chair. Playing and headlining international Festivals, TV Appearances on David Letterman, and Conan O Brian, living the life that most aspiring musicians can only dream about, a world of rock stardom. Then after five and a half years, he decided to give up the rock star lifestyle, choosing instead to explore new avenues and musical ventures, working with and creating programs for kids that encouraged them to follow their dreams and pursue their passion for music, no matter what limits society had placed on them. Travis become a youth worker for the not-for-profit organization 'Whitelion' initially working with young offenders, the focus on youth justice became a core strength recognized by governments, the youth sector, corporates, and the general community as making a real difference to young people’s lives. He also went to talk in adult prisons throughout Melbourne. During this time Travis set up his own Drum Tech business, working on hundreds of albums and hiring out drum kits for some of the best drummers in the world. He joined the Celt rockers 'The Currency' and played with them until joining the Melbourne three-piece band 'Doubleblack' in late 2012, which allowed him to contribute to the songwriting for their new music. Travis moved to South Australia and continues to work as a Music Youth Officer for local governments.

Music "Band It About" theme song written by Catherine Lambert & Michael Bryant. "Renegade" by Doubleblack, Matt Black, formerly of The Fireballs on guitar and lead vocals, Jason Skewes on double bass, and Travis Dempsey on drums.

Links: https://www.facebook.com/DOUBLEBLACKBAND Instagram: @travisdemsey BAND IT ABOUT Linktree: https://linktr.ee/banditaboutpodcastseries