We had the good fortune of connecting with Ralyn Gayle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ralyn Gayle, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Truthfully, breaking down the difference between giving up and keeping on comes down to how bad you want it. I have never done anything but sing and write songs. I got my degree in music business, it is the only thing I even know how to do. There is no question of giving up, because I have no where else to go. My music career is the thing I wake up and go to sleep thinking about and I will never be able to shut that off or stop pursuing that dream.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since I was eight years old I have been singing and writing songs. I started out in a little bluegrass band until I released my first EP “Drive” and launched my solo career. I continued down the pop-country road until I got to college and fell in love with old-school style R&B. For about the next four years, I specialized in that genre and released “44” my second EP. It was not until the pandemic in 2020 when I fell back in love with country music, but I like to say my heart found its way back home. Now my music has a unique sound that bridges the wide gap between Alicia Keys and Miranda Lambert.

I have been incredibly fortunate with consistent opportunities to pursue my music career. The closest thing I have ever had to a 9-5 job was working as a contract entertainer at Six Flags Over Texas for a year. Even then, I spent more time on stage singing and performing than ever before. Leaving my contract performance job to re-launch my solo career was the most terrifying experience of my career so far. I had no contacts, no new music, no promotional material, just a feeling that it was time to get serious about being an artist and make my dreams come true.

It has not been easy, but some days are better than others. The most challenging part of being a solo artist is fighting off the self-doubt. I just try to remind myself that the people in my community want to see me succeed and that growth is generally a good, but scary thing. It is okay to be nervous about doing something new, but it is never okay to throw in the towel.

I spent a long time chasing trends and avoiding being genuine, because I discredited most of my ideas before I ever shared them. Now that I have gone back to my roots, I am proud that my brand is authentic. I write songs about my life and my friends’ stories. I wear a lot of pink and anything that sparkles, because it brings me joy. So, if you also like pink, glitter, good times and country music, you are gonna love me!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First and foremost I would take my friend to attend one of Bond Bourquien’s dance classes at AKT Plano. My favorite breakfast spots are Berries and Batter, First Watch, and Ida Claires. I also love to go shopping and if there is one store I wish I could turn into my entire closet it would have to be BuddyLove in Dallas. Some of my favorite lunch places are Low Key Poke Bowl, Guanataco, the Dallas Grilled Cheese Co., and Unicorndog. Of course we also have to go out to the Stockyards to see the cattle walk and go to Second Rodeo for some live music and cocktails. For dinner I would likely go to Oni Ramen, Rodeo Goat, or the Truck Yard for a fun evening hangout.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout my family for always encouraging and supporting my dreams even if they seemed irrational at times. I also want shoutout my husband, David Cacy, who is an incredible musician and a remarkably hard-worker himself. He has shown me the rewards of what dedication to your craft can look like and encourages me every step of the way.

Website: http://ralyngaylemusic.wixsite.com/rgmusic

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_ralyngayle?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ralyngaylemusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/watch?v=gAl4uHTTP5Y&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4aXAY7IJ4ixAWgiY62ppFj?si=jVpfyZdKQKmtuzEKZJARDA

Image Credits
Kassidy Parker, Andrew B. Carroll, Lauren Comegys

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.