Right here in Cypress, Texas, a musical sensation is taking center stage, captivating audiences with his soulful melodies and magnetic presence. Meet Dylan Rhys, a 15-year-old Cypress local whose journey from backyard performances to renowned venues such as Dosey Doe - The Big Barn and The Kenney Store has solidified his status as a rising star in the Texas music scene.
Dylan's foray into the world of live performances began unexpectedly in the spring of 2022. What started as casual singing sessions in his garage or driveway at home evolved into a remarkable feat when he clinched first place in a months-long open mic competition, surpassing over 80 contestants of varying ages and genres. This triumph catapulted Dylan into the spotlight, paving the way for a whirlwind of opportunities to showcase his talent at local venues across central and southeast Texas.
Reflecting on his musical journey, Dylan shares, "I've been playing music around the greater Houston area for about a year and a half now. I've been working on writing my own music and just performing covers of songs I really love." With influences ranging from Shane Smith and the Saints to The Turnpike Troubadours, Dylan's eclectic sound resonates with audiences far and wide.
Dylan remains grounded, diligently balancing his musical pursuits with the rigors of high school life. Juggling school work, extracurricular activities, and a burgeoning music career is no easy feat, but Dylan tackles each challenge with unwavering determination and a steadfast work ethic. "Dylan is such a hard worker," remarks his mother and Manager, Jennifer Huerta. "Not many 15-year-olds have a job where they're standing up and singing in front of hundreds of people at a time on any given weekend. We're really proud of his work ethic and the way he tackles things."
Navigating the intricacies of the music industry while maintaining academic excellence requires a delicate balance, but Dylan approaches each day with enthusiasm and passion. "Finding a balance definitely does get tough sometimes, especially on the weekdays when I have to do homework and I have baseball practice until 5 and I’m trying to write songs.” Dylan explains. “It does get stressful but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it and the people that I have around me, supporting me, make it a ton easier.”
Indeed, Dylan's entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he takes charge of every aspect of his music career, with some help from his supportive parents, from managing expenses to booking gigs. "Dylan pays for all of his own expenses," Jennifer explains. "He basically runs his own small business and is learning all that goes along with that."
As Dylan continues to captivate audiences with his enchanting performances, his unwavering confidence and infectious charisma leave an indelible mark on all who have the pleasure of witnessing his talent firsthand. "This experience has definitely helped him to grow in confidence, even though he’s never not been a confident kid," Jennifer observes. "He's super charismatic and smiley, and when he's up there on the stage, it just kind of shines out of him. You can't deny it."
Looking ahead, Dylan's musical journey shows no signs of slowing down. With a lineup of shows scheduled across Texas, including performances in the Austin and Fort Worth areas, and the possibility of two original songs being released before the end of the year, the sky's the limit for this young musical virtuoso. As he continues to hone his craft and share his gift with the world, Dylan Rhys remains an inspiration for aspiring musicians everywhere.
