Today we’d like to introduce you to Ris.
Hi Ris, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was raised in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward, surrounded by music before I ever fully understood the power of it. I am the product of many incredible musicians, beginning with my mother and father. My mother sang background for legendary artists, including The Allman Brothers, Bonnie Bramlett, and Joni Mitchell, while my father became one of the first African Americans to own a recording studio in Houston, Warehouse Recording Studio. He was also part of the Conrad Johnson band at Kashmere Senior High School, the same school I later graduated from in 2002. My own musical journey began at seven years old when I started playing flute, and ten years later, my grandfather gave me a guitar — a gift that changed the direction of my life. The first song I learned was “Cherish the Day” by Sade, but my sound quickly expanded into grunge, rock, funk, soul, blues, and jazz. Over the years, I studied under and was shaped by incredible music educators and mentors, including Professor Frank Murray, Marvin Sparks, Dr. Howard Harris, Dr. Randy Snyder, and Grammy-winning guitarist Corey Stoot. I also had the honor of performing with the Conrad Johnson Youth Orchestra, receiving recognition such as an outstanding solo award at the North Texas Addison Jazz Festival, and contributing credited work to “Taste the Sky” for local children’s artist Uncle Jumbo, which received a 2024 Grammy nomination. As my listening catalog grew, I fell in love with artists like Carlos Santana, Slash, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Melissa Etheridge, A Taste of Honey, and Jennifer Batten. Michael Jackson’s music also shaped the way I hear guitar — from the iconic Eddie Van Halen solo on “Beat It” to the tight, rhythmic guitar parts in “Billie Jean.” Today, as Ris, lead guitarist for Blaze X Black, my story as an artist is rooted in legacy, discipline, faith, and discovery. Every stage, every church, every conference, every lesson, and every influence has helped me build a sound that is powerful, soulful, and unmistakably my own.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the greatest challenges of my life was losing my mother to ovarian cancer in 2020. That loss shook me to my core, not only because she was my mother, but because she was also my musical partner. For over 20 years, we played together in a worship trio for City of Refuge Global Outreach Ministries, also known as CORGOM, and music had always been one of the deepest ways we connected. After she passed, I fell into a deep depression. Most days, I felt like a walking zombie, and the joy I once found in playing — especially in church — became difficult to reach. Not long after, I was in a serious accident and lost my job, and it felt like life kept stripping things away. My aunt, who had already taken me in after we lost everything during Hurricane Harvey, became one of my saving graces. Her support, along with grief counseling, helped bring me back to life piece by piece. Today, I am back in church, working on my own rock album, revamping my business CR Creative Solutions to help older generations better understand AI, and reestablishing my love for painting. My challenges did not destroy me — they reshaped me, deepened me, and reminded me that my purpose is still alive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the time of this interview, I am in a season of reestablishing many parts of my life creatively, personally, and professionally. I am currently preparing to release the first single, “Disociation,” from my upcoming rock album within the next few months, possibly sooner. As a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer, I am taking my time with the process because I want the music to sound and feel exactly the way I hear it in my spirit. This project is deeply personal, and every layer — from the lyrics to the guitar work to the production — is part of my healing and artistic rebirth. Alongside the album, I am also rebuilding my creative business, CR Creative Solutions, which is designed to provide affordable support to established businesses that may not yet have a strong online or social media presence. My goal is to help bridge that gap by offering creative, tech-forward solutions that make digital tools, branding, and AI feel less intimidating and more accessible. Right now, my work is about restoration, expression, and helping others find the confidence to evolve with the times.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My favorite book of all time is Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. I do not get to read as much as I would like these days, but I still enjoy a good tech article, especially anything that helps me stay inspired or learn something new. As far as apps, I spend a lot of time on Instagram and YouTube, mostly for music, creativity, inspiration, and keeping up with what is happening in the world. I may scroll through Facebook or TikTok every blue moon, but not as often. And I have to admit, I absolutely love Royal Match — I am somewhere around level 2,978, so yes, insert geeky grin here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://risofficially.com/
- Instagram: @guitarfrkhtx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@risofficial1127
- Other: https://www.crcreativ.com
