Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Hollis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Richard. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a recording artist, multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, activist, and philanthropist. I have been blessed to achieved global success as an independent artist with over 2.3 million total streams across over 50 countries to date. I have performed for Congresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee and State Representatives Alma A. Allen and Jarvis Johnson who labeled me an inspirational and millennial “soulful narrator”. I’ve performed in concerts with r&b crooners Howard Hewitt, Dave Hollister, Chester D.T. Baldwin, Zacardi Cortez, Kim Burrell, Gary Mayes, James Fortune, Brian Courtney Wilson, and more.
Born and raised here in Houston, Texas, I first discovered my love for music while playing drums at the age of 5 in my father’s church. I later fell in love with singing, songwriting and began performing in plays, talent shows, and area concerts. Around my junior, senior year of high school I was performing in night clubs with r&b groups providing opening support for headlining artists like Dave Hollister, H-Town, Mya, and Dru Hill.
After finishing high school, the group and I left Houston for Atlanta and New York seeking a record deal where we were blessed with the opportunities to audition for label executives, A&R’s and music producers such as Jheryl Busby, Rushion McDonald, Jermaine Dupri, Dallas Austin, Jay Z, and Damon Dash. During our time in Manhattan, we began to create a buzz, but in my heart, my purpose was calling me home. After returning to Houston, I began working alongside my father in his church, and in the summer of 2003, I became an ordained minister.
In 2008, I launched my record label and began writing, recording, and releasing music. The first project, Brand New Start I was blessed to receive The 2008 Best New Artist Award from The Texas Gospel Announcers Guild. In 2011 my single “You Will Never Find” was voted Best New Indie Single and won a lead spot on the 2012 Oasis Inspirational Radio compilation CD. 2014 my second album release, Brighter Days received nominations from several gospel music awards, including two South Florida Gospel Music Awards, two Rhythm of Gospel Music Awards, one Voices of Gospel Music Awards, and one Independent Artist Christian Music Association Award. In 2016 I was voted as a finalist for the prestigious People’s Choice Award by the Gospel Image Awards. For service in the community and efforts working with inner-city youth, I was awarded the 2016 Impact Artist Award by The New Artist Profile Awards in Augusta, Georgia.
In 2019 I became the online pastor for MovementChurch.tv where I oversee our online digital hubs weekly operations of our Sunday Service and Movement City Groups. I also retired and became a full-time entrepreneur, launching my creative design agency, Red Slate Digital where we assist our clients in building their social brand in the areas of graphic and web design, social media branding, and digital media production. I am currently in the studio working on a new album and recently released a single from that album titled, Believe In Yaself’ where I preach unity and encourage my brothers and sisters to love one another despite what America looks like for us right now.
“This particular song was written and recorded to encourage my brothers and sisters in our time of need. This song I hope will be an anthem to engage conversation, encourage self-care, self-motivation, and self-worth. I also hope that this song will be used as a catalyst to empower its listeners to believe in their God-given abilities, reach to attain their goals, and empower others. No matter what anyone else may think about us or how they may see us, we don’t need their acceptance nor approval. It’s time for us as a whole to believe in ourselves and in one another.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. Just as life, the music industry and entrepreneurship will have its ups and downs. Being at the door of stardom and then choosing to come back home and start over has definitely had its days where I thought to myself what the hell was I thinking. Being an independent artist and entrepreneur, you understand quickly that you have to look out for yourself and make sure that every step, every choice you make is the right choice for you. Being independent, I’ve had to learn every area of music, music business, the music industry and just dealing with the public. Being a people person has really helped me in those areas. Knowing what I’ve been through, I want to help other artists not make some of the same mistakes I have.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I wear a lot of hats. I am a singer, songwriter, record producer, audio engineer, and creative designer. Richard Hollis Music is my music and ministry brand. Red Slate Digital is my creative design, branding, and entertainment agency founded and based here in Houston where we come up with strong and distinct brand identities based on your vision, research, and creative innovation. We specialize in taking the customer’s vision and creatively bring it to life. Also, under that umbrella is the record label and production studio, RSD Audio.
What I am most proud of as a company is my commitment to integrity and staying faithful to the purpose behind the music and design. With everything we’re blessed to touch we want to influence culture with good wholesome, spirit-filled inspirational music and media.
As an artist, I am known for writing and performing music with a message. I believe that your art should reflect and impact the times that you are living in and I believe my music does that across all facets. My music has been called inspirational RnB, gospel RnB but I like to call it soul food because not only do I want you to listen to it, I want you to sit down and experience it, enjoy like a good plate of catfish, mashed potatoes, and sweet corn. Let it get down in your soul, make you kick off your shoes, and think about some things.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my upbringing. I’ve been called many times an ‘ole soul’ that’s able to adapt to today’s culture and diversity. I never stray from my roots. Look a person in the eye, only speak what you honestly believe, and respect God’s creation enough that they should feel better about themselves after coming in contact with you.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I may call it something different. I call it faith and some call it hope. I believe that faith and prayer will carry you a long way in this life. Both have been the foundation I stand on. My faith in God pushes me to believe I can do things because He tells me so in His word. My faith is what keeps me moving ahead, even when things don’t work out the way I foresaw them. I know if it didn’t work out it wasn’t in His will for me right now. A no does not mean never, just not right now. I know my father wants the best for me and He gets the glory out of whatever happens for me, to me, or through me.
Pricing:
- (COVID19 Special) 1-3 Page eCommerce Website $495 *see website for details
- Small Business Start Up Packages $995 *see website for details
- Mixing & Mastering (Wav/MP3 Stereo File + Vocals) $120 per song
- Mixing & Mastering (Full Trackout Instrument Stems Files + Vocals) $245 per song
- Mastering $40 per song
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamrichardhollis.com
- Phone: (832) 680-0922
- Email: info@iamrichardhollis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrichardhollis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardHollisMusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/imrichardhollis
- Other: https://www.redslatedigital.com
Image Credit:
RSD Visuals.
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