Today we’d like to introduce you to Houston Stray.
Houston, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was an undiagnosed autistic kid from Houston. I was bullied so bad that I wasnt allowed to go outside for 10 years. I have been dragged, beaten, and way more. When I was 15 I started living with my dad and went to high school in Lubbock. My senior year I came out as a transgender man then decided to restart my life in Dallas. I never been so I figured a fresh start is what I needed. I enrolled at UNT and moved everything I owned to a dorm room. I was recording myself and others under my bed. I performed at local student org open mics every week. After my freshman year I went through a lot of personal struggles that made me take a break from music. My grandma was in the hospital and needed me to care for her after surgery, the teachers at UNT didnt care so I quit school, I lost my job I had for years, and had housing insecurity for years. But now im trying to get back to that momentum I had. Now I manage a calzone restaurant to help fund my music and housing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have severe depression and anxiety that piggy back off my autism. Ive had terrible things happen just because i didn’t understand what was happening socially. People took advantage of me because they knew I wouldn’t understand. My depression makes it hard to be as consistent as I need to be in order to succeed with my music. A lot of people say that they do music to help their depression, my depression makes nothing enjoyable. I just lay in bed and go to work. Thats all I have energy for. I get writers block for months while I go through depression. People like to say im undisciplined because I should do it anyways but they clearly dont understand what im going through even if they say they do. Its hard to explain struggle to a rap scene that glorifies hustle culture. My struggles make it hard for me to connect with people which is the biggest skill to have in this industry. Me not talking to people is why I havent worked with more people. People have to drag me out of my house just to see me usually. I work 40+ hours a week and have a lot of responsibilities im learning as a first time general manager. I open and close my store on the weekends. I am a leader that cannot talk to people outside of work and thats one of my biggest struggles as an independent artist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist I do everything but make beats myself. Ive only worked with 3 engineers in the past 10 years ive been writing music. I record myself, write my songs, usually mix and master myself, shoot my own videos, and make my own content. I have friends that help me sometimes but I do most of it alone. I also struggle asking for help in general. I think what sets me apart is my imagination. I can see a video before I shoot it. I can hear a song before I record it. Im most proud of the times I Write poetically and logically at the same time. Not everyone understands it but I do. I explain my deep thoughts in a way you have to analyze it.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My employees support me a lot. One of them is a producer named “Pennix” ive been working with. He’s helped artists in Dallas make songs that go into the millions. They all work hard so I can do music too. I have a girlfriend that supports my dream. I have great friends that help me when they can.
Pricing:
- Recording $20 an hour
- Mixing/mastering $20 per song
- Song writing $20 per song
Contact Info:
- Website: https://houstonstray.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houston_stray?stkn=MTkweXN6M3M4eXdubA==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCoFampv3f6FYR9C6fVsUP0w?si=122wkAY4clsYc1Or
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@houston_stray?_r=1&_t=ZT-99ZlrjsYLDZ
