Today we’d like to introduce you to Houston.
Hi Houston, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Oklahoma, spent much of my childhood in Alaska, and later moved to Massachusetts, so music has always been connected to a variety of places, people, and experiences. My father was a country musician, and I started singing and writing songs at a young age. Like many artists, I had big dreams, but the road wasn’t always straightforward.
Before pursuing music full-time, I served nine years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard and earned a college degree. Music remained a constant throughout those years, and eventually I decided to take a chance on myself and move to New York City to pursue it seriously. I spent years performing in clubs, touring throughout the United States and Europe, learning the business, building relationships, and developing my sound as an independent artist.
Along the way, I’ve experienced both personal and professional highs and lows, including significant loss, financial struggles, and plenty of setbacks. Those experiences shaped not only who I am as a person, but also the stories I tell through my music. I’ve always tried to write songs that are honest, relatable, and rooted in real life.
Today, I’m based in New England and continue to build my career as an independent country and Americana artist. In 2024, I was honored to be named New England Music Awards Country Artist of the Year. My latest album, Oklahoma Stars, reflects many of the places and experiences that have influenced me throughout my life. Whether I’m performing for a packed venue, writing songs in Nashville, or connecting with fans online, I still approach music with the same passion and determination that inspired me when I first picked up a guitar as a kid.
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?
Not at all. In many ways, the struggles have shaped both my life and my music.
I grew up in a broken home and faced a lot of challenges at an early age. Later, I experienced significant personal loss, including the death of my daughter shortly after she was born. That was one of the darkest periods of my life and forced me to reevaluate everything. There were times when I questioned whether I would ever find my way forward.
Professionally, the music business has been filled with obstacles. I’ve spent decades building my career independently without the backing of a major label. That has meant wearing a lot of hats—artist, songwriter, promoter, booking agent, marketer, and entrepreneur. There were years when I was playing small clubs, driving thousands of miles between gigs, sleeping on couches, and investing every dollar I had back into my music.
Like many independent artists, I’ve faced rejection, financial setbacks, failed projects, and opportunities that didn’t work out the way I had hoped. But every challenge taught me something. I learned perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of believing in yourself even when others don’t.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change much because those experiences gave me stories to tell and helped shape the person and artist I am today. The struggles made me more grateful for every opportunity, every fan, and every milestone along the way. They also gave me a deeper appreciation for the power of music to connect people, heal, and inspire.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a country and Americana recording artist, songwriter, performer, and entrepreneur. As an independent artist, I write, record, release, and promote my own music while performing throughout New England and beyond. My music blends modern country, Americana, roots rock, and heartland storytelling, drawing from experiences that have taken me from Oklahoma to Alaska, New York City, and New England.
I specialize in authentic, story-driven songs that connect with people on a personal level. Many of my songs are inspired by real-life experiences, struggles, relationships, perseverance, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether I’m performing with a full band, playing an acoustic show, or writing in Nashville, my goal is always the same: create music that makes people feel something.
What I’m most proud of is building a career on my own terms. I’ve spent decades pursuing music without a major label, continuing to grow as an artist while navigating the challenges that come with being independent. In 2024, being named New England Music Awards Country Artist of the Year was a meaningful recognition of that journey, but I’m equally proud of the relationships I’ve built with fans and the fact that people connect with my songs and stories.
I think what sets me apart is my life experience. Before focusing on music full-time, I served nine years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, earned a college degree, worked a variety of jobs, and experienced both significant successes and hardships. Those experiences give me a perspective that finds its way into my songwriting. I’m not trying to be someone else or follow trends. I’m simply telling honest stories through music and sharing the journey with the people who listen.
Beyond music, I’ve also built and operated successful businesses, which has taught me the value of hard work, persistence, and adaptability. That entrepreneurial mindset has helped me navigate an industry that is constantly changing while staying focused on creating meaningful music and genuine connections with audiences.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is family, connecting with people, and doing something meaningful that has a positive impact on my community.
At the end of the day, success isn’t just about awards, ticket sales, or accomplishments. It’s about the relationships we build and the difference we make in other people’s lives. My family keeps me grounded and reminds me of what’s truly important, while music gives me an opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life through shared experiences and emotions.
I’ve always believed that whether you’re performing on stage, serving in the military, running a business, or volunteering in your community, you should try to leave things better than you found them. That’s one reason I’ve remained committed to both my music career and my work as a business owner. Both allow me to serve people in different ways and create experiences that make a positive impact.
Music has taught me that everyone is carrying their own struggles, hopes, and dreams. If one of my songs helps someone feel understood, inspires them to keep going, or simply gives them a reason to smile, that’s meaningful to me. Building genuine connections and contributing something positive to the communities I’m part of is what motivates me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HoustonBernard.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houstonbernardmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonBernardMusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoustonBernardmusic
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@houstonbernardmusic
