Travis Barker has been very busy outside of his day job with Blink 182 over the past year. He’s been working with hip-hop artists, signing talent to his new record label, and producing hit records. As one of the most respected drummers on the scene, he’s putting his clout to good use opening doors for a new generation of talent. His career has gone to a new level over the last year with room still left to grow.
In April he showed up with Post Malone at the much-talked-about Nirvana tribute for COVID-19 relief. Barker along with Malone, bassist Brian Lee and guitarist Nick Mack raised more than $500,000 for those in need according to CNN. The ‘Rockstar’ rapper filled the shoes of the legendary Cobain putting his own spin on 80 minutes worth of Nirvana classics. Each of the musicians was in separate rooms at Malon’s home in Utah with Barker holding it down on the ones and twos.
In December of 2019, it was announced via Billboard that Barker would be starting his own record label through Elektra, DTA Records. The goal of the label was to provide infrastructure for his collaborations and to be a home for artists in development under his guidance. The label is off to the races having signed the first artist to the new company, JXDN in May. Millions of views later on YouTube coupled with millions of spins across the streaming platforms and terrestrial radio, it’s clear he’s on the right track and has a bright future ahead of him.
It’s the collaboration with hip hop artist/alt-rocker MGK that’s garnered the most attention. Barker set aside two months to work on the breakthrough ‘Tickets To My Downfall’ album that topped the charts, spawned the number #1 hit song ‘Bloody Valentine’ and followup ‘my ex’s best friend’. Featuring a number of great guest appearances including performances by Halsey, Blackbear, and Bert McCracken of The Used, the project is solid front to cover.
Oh and we’re just finding out that he’s dating Kourtney Kardashian. He provides some insight on a recent appearance on the Drew Barrymore Show. With a new Blink 182 album expected sometime this year, there’s no sign of slowing down for Barker anytime soon.
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