Here’s something you don’t see everyday: The lead singer of an alternative rock band, who just happens to also be signed to T-Pain’s Nappy Boy imprint as a solo artist. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s an incredibly vague description of the man responsible for the smash of the summer, “Billionaire” (along with fellow hitmaker Bruno Mars). Travie Mccoy, whose music with band Gym Class Heroes walks the line between aggressive rap-rock and an appealing mopeyness akin to Fall Out Boy, has taken an interesting musical turn with his fun new record, Lazarus. On his 2010 effort, Travie trades in his Patrick Stump guest features and heartbreakingly emo lyrics for more upbeat, major chord-heavy tracks (like his next single, “We’ll Be Alright”) and some vocal help from artists like Cee-Lo and Colin Munroe. I sat down with Travie to talk about his new album, his recent arrest in Berlin, and his obsession with Hall and Oates.

Travie’s new album, Lazarus, is available now on iTunes.

By Alex Chapman     [Permalink]