Today we’d like to introduce you to Rishad Jackson
Hi Rishad, 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?
Music and performance have been in my blood for generations. My father and his brothers were B-boys, my mother was a majorette in high school, and I grew up in marching band, surrounded by family who lived and breathed music. My older brother mastered horns and percussion, my uncle and cousin played instruments, and my grandmother was an opera singer and church choir lead.
As an artist, I’ve always admired live music, and when I started my journey as a rapper, I was shocked to learn that most producers didn’t use real instruments. Over time, I realized that my words had a completely different impact when backed by live instrumentation versus a studio-recorded beat. That discovery changed my perspective on performance and music as a whole.
As I got deeper into the music scene, I saw a huge gap—artists didn’t have access to a high-quality live performance setting with real musicians. Even when they did perform, they never got the content back to repurpose for themselves, missing out on a crucial tool for growth and branding. That’s when I created Stoney’s Island. I brought the idea to Stoney’s House, and they believed in it so much that they became the official sponsor.
The overwhelming success led us to relocate to the illustrious IYKYK Speakeasy, where we continue to build a movement that celebrates live artistry and gives artists a stage to elevate their craft, expand their reach, and own their content.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing worth building comes easy, and Stoney’s Island has definitely had its challenges. One of the biggest struggles was convincing artists to see the bigger picture. Many were used to the typical club performance model, where they show up, perform, and leave. Getting them to understand the value of a high-quality, professionally filmed live performance—something they could repurpose and use to grow their brand—took time.
Another challenge was building the right team. This wasn’t just about throwing a show; it required musicians, videographers, sound engineers, and a full production crew to make sure everything looked and sounded professional. Finding people who shared the vision and could execute at a high level was a process.
Of course, funding has always been a challenge. Quality costs money, and early on, I had to get creative with resources. That’s why having Stoney’s House step in as an official sponsor was such a game-changer. It gave us the backing to take things to the next level.
Despite the struggles, seeing the vision come to life has made it all worth it. The response from artists and fans has been incredible, and every challenge has only made Stoney’s Island stronger.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m Balance, the curator of Stoney’s Island, an acoustic content creation platform that provides independent artists with a premium live music experience. Our event takes place inside IYKYK, the oldest theater in Downtown Houston, which also operates as a speakeasy. This historic and intimate setting makes for a truly unique experience where artists can showcase their talent in a high-end, exclusive atmosphere.
What sets Stoney’s Island apart is our commitment to giving independent artists a professional, high-quality production at an affordable price. Each artist receives a live mixed and mastered audio recording, a full video of their performance, five professional reels, a podcast interview, a marketing package, and more. We provide a full band, rehearsals, and a built-in audience, ensuring that artists walk away with not just a great performance but also premium content to grow their brand.
I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve created an opportunity for artists to experience a “Tiny Desk”-style acoustic set in a setting unlike any other in Houston. Many independent artists struggle to find platforms that truly support their growth, and Stoney’s Island is filling that gap by offering them a stage, a community, and the tools to take their careers to the next level.
Our blend of historic ambiance, high-end production, and artist-focused approach is what truly makes us different.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always outgoing and creative, especially when it came to writing. I loved storytelling—whether through poetry, journalism, or music—but I was also the rebellious one in my family. If there was something to test the limits on, I was the one doing it.
Basketball was a huge part of my life, but so was music. My classmates and I would write verses and pass them around, constantly pushing each other to get better. Performing my work was something I always enjoyed, and looking back, it makes perfect sense that I’d end up creating a platform for artists to showcase their talent in a professional way.
I didn’t develop my entrepreneurial mindset until I was 23, after having my son. I realized how much time I was losing by working a full-time job, especially after missing his first steps. At the time, I was working in a fine-dining steakhouse, which gave me access to conversations with multimillionaires. That exposure completely changed my understanding of money. I learned that the key wasn’t just making money—it was using it strategically to invest in myself so I could “buy back” my time and create real freedom. That realization set me on the path to building something of my own.
Musically, I was heavily influenced by artists like The O’Jays, The Commodores, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jay-Z, DMX, and Ludacris. “The Black Album” shaped my perspective, especially because of the storytelling—it taught me the power of crafting a narrative, which is something I apply in everything I do today.
Another thing that led me to this point was realizing that artists were creating the same kind of content over and over again. I saw so much talent getting overlooked because they weren’t presenting themselves in a fresh, high-quality way. That’s what pushed me to build something different—an elevated, professional platform where artists could stand out and showcase their artistry in a way that truly resonates.
Looking back, I can see the early signs of what I’m doing now. When I started performing with a live band, I always struggled with capturing high-quality content from those moments. That frustration, combined with my drive to break the cycle of repetitive artist content, is exactly what led me to create Stoney’s Island—so independent artists wouldn’t have to face those same struggles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stoneysisland.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stoneys_island?igsh=MWh0NjJiZXNhOHlicA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@stoneysisland?si=f8G63nsf5o8B7YjQ
