By: Katina Rice-Davis, Staff Writer
katina@thewoodrufftimes.com
For Woodruff native Travis Smith, music has never simply been about performing; it has always been about telling stories that matter. Whether singing about faith, family, friendship, or the simple moments that make life meaningful, Smith has spent years creating songs that resonate with audiences far beyond his hometown.
As the founder and frontman of The Travis Smith Project, Smith has built a reputation for blending country, soul, R&B, and gospel into a sound that is uniquely his own. While the band has performed at major festivals throughout the Southeast, including Fall for Greenville, Bele Chere in Asheville, and the Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia, Smith proudly carries his hometown’s values wherever he goes.
A Foundation Built in Woodruff
Growing up in Woodruff shaped not only Smith’s character but also his songwriting. “It allowed me to write about the important things in my life from a deeper place,” Smith said. “Most of my music is based around faith, family, and friends.” His love for music began at just three years old. Some of his earliest memories include singing in the choir at Lower Shady Grove Baptist Church while music filled his family’s home.
The church became the place where his musical gifts truly flourished. Watching Pastor’s wife Shirley Sweeney play piano inspired him to imitate her style, while opportunities to lead songs and perform gospel music helped build his confidence from an early age.
Finding His Voice
Smith credits musical legends such as Stevie Wonder for influencing his songwriting style.
“Stevie Wonder’s songwriting is simple, but the meanings are deep,” he explained. “I try to write simple lyrics that paint a picture. That philosophy continues to define his music today. While attending Woodruff High School, Smith served as Drum Major for the Marching Cadets, earning three Best Drum Major awards and the 2005 Best Male Vocalist award.
Those experiences taught him more than musicianship. “They taught me how to work with other musicians, listen to every instrument, and become a better frontman,” he said. Winning Best Male Vocalist also confirmed what he had begun to believe: that music could become more than just a passion. “Getting a positive response to something you wrote makes you realize, ‘I can do this.'”
The Travis Smith Project
Inspired by great storytellers like Stevie Wonder and songwriter Jeffrey Steele, Smith eventually formed The Travis Smith Project. Rather than limiting the group to a single genre, the band blends country, soul, R&B, and gospel to create an energetic, distinctive live performance. The project features talented musicians from across the Upstate, including Tyson Rothrock, Tyler Derrick Phillips, Daniel Everett Stepp, David Lanik, Ian Harrod, and Sean Conlin. “Their different playing styles add character to my music,” Smith said. Those collaborations have helped the band earn invitations to perform at some of the Southeast’s largest festivals, expanding Smith’s audience while introducing new listeners to his original music.
Learning from the Best
Throughout his career, Smith has shared the stage with artists including gospel recording artist Vashawn Mitchell and blues legend Mac Arnold.
Watching seasoned performers taught him that connecting with audiences goes beyond singing notes. “It’s about the delivery,” Smith said. “It’s about connecting people to what you’re singing and what you’ve written.” That connection remains central to every performance.
Music with a Message
Over more than a decade, Smith has released four albums, including Childhood and Matters of the Heart. As his songwriting has matured, he says he has learned an important lesson. “The simpler, the better,” he said. “It’s less about structure and more about getting the message across.” His inspiration comes directly from everyday life. Whether experiencing joy, sadness, or life’s unexpected moments, Smith transforms real emotions into songs that listeners can relate to in just a few minutes.
Never Forgetting Home
Despite performing in larger cities, Smith remains deeply connected to Woodruff. “The small-town values are something you don’t always experience elsewhere,” he said. “Most of the people you started 4K with are the same people you graduate with.” That close-knit community continues to encourage him. “The support gives me confidence and keeps me humble.”
Looking Ahead
The Travis Smith Project plans to continue promoting its current albums through touring and social media while producing at least two new music videos expected later this year. For young musicians hoping to follow a similar path, Smith offers simple but meaningful advice. “Always stay humble. Don’t forget where you come from. Those small-town values of respecting others and staying humble will come back full circle.” When audiences leave one of his concerts, Smith hopes they take more than music with them. “I want them to have fun,” he said. “Whether it’s through a cover song that brings back memories or one of my originals, I want people to leave feeling happy.” If he had to describe his musical journey in just three words, the answer comes easily: Faith. Family. Friends.
Those three words have shaped not only his songwriting but also the life behind the music, proving that no matter how far his career takes him, Woodruff will always be home.
