“When I saw the way music made me feel…it was magic. I realized that I wanted to have that type of control over people. I thought, ‘I want to be able to do that.’” Today, R&B vocalist, producer and writer Dallas is doing just that. From the age of seven, Dallas (also know as “Mr. Freakshow”) began singing and performing in church, which has helped shaped the artist’s soulful sound that leaves fans clamoring for his music. Although his name implies that Dallas may hail from the Big D, he was actually raised in the Bayou City. “Originally, I was raised by my mother in Dallas, Texas and later moved to Houston’s Northeast community Trinity Gardens to live with my father. I still held on to my affection for Dallas and my love for my mother, which has a great deal to do with me choosing that city as my stage name.” While acclimating to Houston life, Dallas busied himself singing, learning to produce music and penning his own lyrics. His high school and college years were enhanced by his participation in male R&B groups such as Mason Road, in which he used his triple threat skills to swoon the ladies as a lead vocalist, while simultaneously garnering the attention of local music industry executives such as Music World’s Matthew Knowles. Over the years, Dallas has had the opportunity to work with a plethora of artists including music producer Bryan Michael Cox, lead vocalist Kevin “Dino” Conner of R&B group H-town and rappers Lil Flip, Paul Wall, Kiotti and Trea of Gorilla Maab/Rap a Lot Entertainment. His work includes lead vocals, production and writing on the smash song Get It Girl, which is featured on the Bring It On 3 music soundtrack and Houston club and radio banger After Da Club with rapper/dj Madd Hatta. It was this smash hit that allowed Dallas to forge a relationship with Latium/Universal Records, which hosts artists Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, Frankie J, Natalie and Baby Bash. Dallas has also been featured on all of rapper Trea’s albums since 2004. According to Dallas, it is his personal experience that makes him stand out as an artist. He literally sees his music as an extension of himself, which is why he writes and produces the majority of his music. “At the moment, R&B is very trendy. What differentiates me from many R&B artists is that I have always been connected to the streets, regardless of what environment or situation I was in. I can definitely identify with people who struggle or have to stay on the grind because I’ve had to do it myself.” Dallas contends that he writes from the heart and with an authenticity that listeners notice and appreciate. “If I accept songs from another writer, I first make sure the lyrics relate to me because I want the authenticity to ring true when I perform the song,” said Dallas. “I don’t want to sound like a cookie-cutter artist and I want my fans to know they can’t get a Dallas album anywhere else.” In terms of artists who have influenced Dallas’ work, the list includes R&B group Jodeci, particularly the group’s producer Donald “DeVante” DeGrate, soul legends Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie, the always inimitable Prince and other artists responsible for their own writing and producing. Dallas considers himself the R&B yin to Houston’s rap yang, which is evident in his raw, real lyrics and groove-able beats. Although his onstage presence is exciting and in-your-face, Dallas says that most people are surprised to learn he is really quite shy. Still, he says it is necessary for music to make audiences feel, which explains his expressive vocal ability and performance skills. When asked which he would prefer if he had to choose between writing and performing, Dallas answered, “Writing…because it’s almost effortless. It’s more important for me to have people hear my music, than to be known, but, interestingly, being known is a byproduct of my music being heard. It makes me feel good when someone says, ‘I love that song,’ and to know that it’s something I’ve created. It’s great to know I birthed that.”