INTERVIEW

T Staggs Talks Southern Soul Era, Vol. 2 and Turning Real Life Into Music

Published

1 month ago

10 July 2026

CelebrityHipHop

T Staggs Talks Southern Soul Era, Vol. 2 and Turning Real Life Into Music

T Staggs Talks Southern Soul Era, Vol. 2, Spartanburg Roots, and Turning Real Life Into Music

From Spartanburg With Soul

Coming out of Spartanburg, South Carolina, T Staggs is an artist who brings real experience, Southern soul, gospel roots, and grown-man honesty into his music. At 50 years old, Travis Staggs is not creating from a place of imitation. He is creating from life. His records carry the kind of emotion and relatability that comes from someone who has seen different chapters, survived real losses, and still finds a way to turn those moments into music.

The name T Staggs goes back long before the studio. In middle school, his football coach started calling him “Staggs,” and the nickname followed him through high school. By the time he got to college, his friends started calling him “T Staggs,” and the name became part of who he was.

Gospel Roots, Soul Influence, and Real-Life Storytelling

While he has been singing all his life, T Staggs officially stepped into recording in 2004 with the release of his debut gospel album, Available. That early gospel foundation still lives in his artistry today. As a Christian, faith remains a part of his identity, but his sound has grown into something broader — a blend of soul, Southern influence, and real-life storytelling designed for everyday listeners.

His musical inspirations reflect that same foundation. T Staggs credits Jodeci as a major influence and names Charlie Wilson as his favorite artist of all time. He also points to his older cousin Douglas Scott, a member of the gospel quartet group the Happyland Singers, as one of his earliest inspirations. Growing up, Douglas was a star in the family — the kind of figure T Staggs describes as their own Michael Jackson.

Southern Soul Era, Vol. 2

That mix of gospel, soul, and personal history comes through clearly on his latest release, Southern Soul Era, Vol. 2. The project finds T Staggs leaning into smooth production, honest emotion, and music that speaks directly to people who have lived through love, grief, celebration, pain, and perseverance.

One of the most personal records on the album is “Still Here,” a song inspired by the loss of his father two years ago. When asked about the idea that some artists write their best music during painful seasons, T Staggs understands why that belief exists. For him, pain can bring out something genuine — something that is not manufactured or forced. “Still Here” is proof of that. It is a record rooted in memory, loss, and survival.

Locked In With Days on 85

Behind the scenes, his creative process is built around chemistry and trust. T Staggs works closely with his younger cousin Days on 85, who produces and writes with him. Their process is simple but effective: T Staggs brings the direction, Days on 85 helps bring it to life, and they keep adjusting until the record feels right.

His last two albums were recorded at home, in focused one-on-one sessions with Days on 85. No distractions. No overcomplicated process. Just two creatives locked in, building records from the ground up.

Turning Life Into Records

That intimate approach helps explain why listeners often describe T Staggs’ music as easy listening, soothing, and relatable. He is not trying to overwhelm the listener. He is trying to connect with them. His goal is to create music that the average person can hear and immediately recognize a piece of their own life in it.

Recently, T Staggs turned a major life milestone into a career moment. For his 50th birthday celebration, he combined the party with the release of Southern Soul Era, Vol. 2 and performed the entire album live. For an artist whose music is tied so closely to real life, the moment was fitting — a celebration of age, growth, family, music, and legacy all in one night.

Mamba Mentality

When it comes to mindset, T Staggs points to Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality as a guiding principle. For him, it means doing whatever it takes to accomplish the goal. That same discipline shows up in how he approaches his music and his life.

His favorite song to perform right now is “Hey Hater,” a standout from the new album. And when it comes to dream collaborations, the answer is immediate: Charlie Wilson. T Staggs says he would love to work with the legendary singer and would also want to open a show for him.

Built For Longevity

As for criticism, T Staggs keeps it simple: don’t take it personal, and be open to receive it. That perspective speaks to where he is as an artist — confident, grounded, and still willing to grow.

With Southern Soul Era, Vol. 2, T Staggs is carving out his own lane from Spartanburg, bringing together gospel roots, Southern soul, personal pain, and feel-good music with substance. In a time when a lot of artists are chasing moments, T Staggs is focused on making music that lasts — music that feels lived in, honest, and true to who he is.

The Interview: T Staggs In His Own Words

What is your legal name and age?

Travis Staggs, 50 years old

What is your stage name and how did you come up with it?

T Staggs is my stage name. Since middle school my football coach called me Staggs and all throughout high school my friends kept calling me that. When I went to college, my boys was calling me T Staggs, so that just stuck with me.

Where are you from?

Spartanburg, SC

Where are you now?

Spartanburg, SC

Why did you first start making music?

I’ve been singing all my life, but I first started recording music in 2004. I release my first album titled “Available”. It is a gospel album.

Who would you say inspired you the most, as an artist?

I have several artists that inspired me. I’m a huge Jodeci fan but my favorite artist of all time is Charlie Wilson. Also growing up my big cousin Douglas Scott. He was part of a gospel quartet group called the Happyland Singers. He was like our Michael Jackson growing up. Those are my inspirations.

Talk me through your creative process.

The creative process has a lot to do with my lil cousin Days on 85 who produces and writes my songs with me. I simple just tell him what I’m want and he delivers. If it’s something I’m digging, I roll with it. If its not, then we make corrections.

Where and how do you work best?

My last 2 albums were recorded in the comfort of my home. Basically 1 on 1 sessions, just me and Days working nonstop.

Have you heard the theory that some musicians write their best music while they’re depressed or going through a bad time?

Yes I’ve heard that before and I can see why that is said because its genuine and not manufactured or made up. Like on my record “Still Here” on my newly release album Southern Sour Era, Vol 2. It’s a record about my dad who I lost 2 years ago. Take a listen and you can see what I’m talking about.

What’s the best advice you ever received?

Not sure if this is advice but I was a huge Kobe Bryant fan and he coined the phrase “Mamba Mentality”. That’s how I live my life everything, basically doing whatever it takes to accomplish what I’m trying to achieve.

Are you religious? If yes, what is your religion?

Yes, I’m Christian.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

I like to create relatable content. Something that the average everyday person could relate to or have experienced.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received about your music?

That its easy listening and very soothing.

What’s the coolest, most important show you’ve played to date, the kind of show you’d like to play more of?

I had a big 50th birthday party, so I incorporated my Southern Soul Era, Vol 2 album release with the party and I performed lived the entire album at the part. That was pretty fly if I say so my self.