Today we’d like to introduce you to Rodger Dority
Hi Rodger, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began making music in 2006 as part of a hip hop group called the Backhouse Boys. We released five projects between 2006 and 2010. In 2010, I dropped my first single, “Bout To Be a Party” featuring DSR’s Fat B. The song gained traction with college students and fraternities, leading to opportunities to perform at multiple universities. This exposure opened doors for me to perform across Texas alongside artists like Slim Thug, Paul Wall, DSR, and others.
In 2014, I took a break from music to focus on personal matters, but I returned in 2022. All of this was merely a prelude to the journey I’m on now. The passing of my father in June 2024 marked a pivotal moment in my music career. Up until that point, everything I had done felt insignificant. My father was my biggest supporter, attending every show he could—whether it was a sold-out SXSW set or a 2 a.m. Club Chrome gig in Fort Worth. His passing, combined with the birth of my daughter, has shaped my brand and brought me to where I am today.
I believe 2025 marks the true beginning of my music journey, with everything before serving as a guide to this moment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing is ever truly smooth—unless you’re butter or a song by Santana—but I have zero complaints. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the bumps along the way. There are the obvious struggles of being an artist in a world where everyone wants to be one. With the market so saturated and filled with amazing talent, it’s hard to stand out.
I started making music in 2006, and there was a lot of growth to be had. Ironically, 2006 was also the year I pushed my music the most. While still in school, it was easy to share mixtapes with everyone. But many people got their first impression of me during that time, and looking back, I wish I could erase it. The hardest part was getting people to take me seriously. My group was full of talented artists, and at that time, I was the weakest link. Some people even told me to quit so they could grow, which led me to pursue a more solo path starting in 2010.
But the biggest struggles I faced were just life in general. As an only child of divorced parents with a Hispanic mom, family has always been everything to me. When you’re that close to your family, it hits the hardest when you lose someone. I lost two uncles in their 40s and 50s, both of whom I was very close with. My mom battled cancer and survived, while my dad was often in and out of town. These life struggles were tough, but they also made it harder to find time for music when life was moving so fast. Still, they were necessary challenges that helped me push through.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make music. I’m an artist born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and I’m 100% authentically myself, which I express through my music. My music reflects where I am in life, and right now, I’m navigating grief and trying to make sense of the world. What I’m most proud of is knowing that my story resonates with others. I want to be a voice for those who need it. Losing my father was the most difficult experience of my life, and it’s something many people can relate to. Until you go through something like that, you don’t realize how deeply it affects someone.
What sets me apart from other artists is authenticity and passion. I make music for myself—to process the past—and that’s when I believe the music is most relatable. I’m not trying to be a cookie-cutter artist; I want to be true to who I am. I don’t care about fame or wealth from music. Music has saved my life, and I want to offer that same sense of hope to anyone who needs it.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
My music is available on all streaming platforms. My goal is to collaborate with local talent and help build this city’s music scene. My latest album, Rooted in Greatness, tells the story of losing my father and my journey through grief. It’s also the most personal project I’ve ever created, offering a deep look into my perspective.
I had the incredible privilege of working with Big Jerm on this album—someone who’s collaborated with some of my favorite artists like Mac Miller and Wiz Khalifa. Knowing that he, having spent countless hours with Mac, lent his ear to my project meant the world to me. Since then, we’ve formed a strong partnership, and I’m excited for the future of my music!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Rodgerdmusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodgerdmusic/
- Twitter: https://x.com/RodgerDmusic
