Today we’d like to introduce you to Darryl Hatcher III.
Hi Darryl, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in New Orleans and raised in Houston, and music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents would sing to me as a child, and their voices and music choices inspired me daily. Over time, I started learning different instruments, including trumpet, drums, and guitar, and eventually began writing, producing, and developing myself as an artist.
My sound has always been influenced by different sides of music. Artists like Stevie Wonder, D’Angelo, Lucky Daye, J. Cole, and Smino have influenced me in different ways, but one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that the *feeling* of a record matters more to me than how complicated or impressive it sounds. That’s led me to develop a style that pulls from R&B, soul, hip-hop, blues, and live instrumentation while still allowing me to experiment and evolve.
I started officially releasing music with songs like “Too Long,” followed by “Out of Touch” featuring Lil Bri, “Flooded,” and other records that have helped me figure out who I am as an artist. Each release has shown me something different about my sound. “Flooded,” for example, allowed me to lean into blues and even some country influence while still making it feel like me.
As I’ve grown, I’ve also realized that I don’t want my creativity to stop at simply releasing songs. I’ve become more involved in production, engineering, visuals, directing, content, live performances, branding, and the business behind the music. Being independent has forced me to learn a little bit of everything, but I think that has ultimately helped me understand the kind of artist and creative I want to become.
That same mindset has led me to build things outside of my individual artist career as well, including Four Walls HTX, an intimate live-music concept centered around bringing artists and audiences closer together. I’ve also been developing my own visual identity and merchandise around DHIII. For me, those things are all connected. I’m interested in building a world around the music rather than just putting songs online.
Today, I’m still very much in the building stage. I’m continuing to release music, perform, produce, and develop my sound while figuring out how far I can take everything I’ve started. Performing at UH’s Fashion Show earlier this summer really confirmed tome that I have a genuine passion for performing and it has been my biggest show so far! (250+ people!) I definitely don’t feel like I’ve reached where I ultimately want to be yet, but I can look back and see how much more intentional I’ve become about my music, my business, and the kind of career I’m trying to create.
For me, the story right now is really about growth. Taking everything I’ve learned from being a musician, artist, producer, and creative and turning it into something that can last.
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?
I definitely wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t say it’s been a bad one either. One of my biggest challenges has been balancing everyday responsibilities with pursuing music seriously. Working as a server, there are days when I spend hours on my feet and come home exhausted, but still have ideas I want to bring to life. I think the hardest part is having a vision for what I want to create but not always having the time or resources to execute it the way I imagine. Being an independent artist means wearing a lot of hats, from writing and producing to promoting and performing, and it can get overwhelming at times. But I’ve learned to be patient with myself and appreciate the process. If anything, it’s taught me that my passion for music goes beyond just enjoying it when it’s convenient.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an independent artist, songwriter, musician, and producer, but I think of myself as a musician before anything else. My music is rooted in R&B, soul, and hip-hop, but I don’t like limiting myself to one particular sound or genre. I enjoy experimenting with different styles and finding ways to make them feel authentic to me. I think what sets me apart is my approach to making music. I’m more concerned with how a song makes someone feel than how technically impressive it is. Whether I’m writing, producing, or performing, I want the emotion behind it to translate. I’m probably most proud of the versatility I’ve developed and my willingness to explore sounds that might not be expected of me. I don’t necessarily want to be known for making one type of music. I’d rather be known for making music that feels like me, regardless of the genre.
How do you think about happiness?
I think it’s the simple things that make me the happiest. Music is a big one for me, obviously. There’s something about hearing a really good song that can completely change my mood, no matter what kind of day I’m having. Stevie Wonder’s more upbeat records are a perfect example of that. Outside of music, I love watching basketball and spending quality time with my family. But on a bigger scale, I think one of the things that makes me happiest is seeing people come together for something positive. I’ve always loved the message behind Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World,” because I genuinely believe there’s something beautiful about people putting their differences aside for the sake of something greater than themselves. I think all of those things have something in common. Whether it’s music, sports, family, or complete strangers coming together, I find happiness in things that make people feel connected.
Pricing:
- Live Performances & Bookings: Pricing varies depending on the event, location, and performance requirements. Contact for inquiries and availability.
- Music Production & Songwriting: Rates vary depending on the scope of the project. Available for select collaborations and custom production.
- Music: Available on all major streaming platforms.
- Merchandise: Limited releases and pricing will be announced through my website and social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://darrylhatcheriii.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darryl.tres?exln=MXI5aGJidTdlcHZ0dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
