Meet Raycheal Winters | Songwriter & Recording Artist

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

Hi Raycheal, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I feel like when you’re an entrepreneur, work-life balance kind of doesn’t exist — haha. But I still try my best to create it. For me, that means intentionally making time for personal things I enjoy that have nothing to do with my career. I’ll never feel like I have the time to do those things, so I’ve learned I just have to make the time anyway.

I also think a lot about the future — when I’m 60, I want to have fun memories to look back on, not just a highlight reel of projects I finished. So I kind of view it as my job to create those memories now. Sometimes those moments show up at inconvenient times, but if it’s something that can’t be recreated — especially when it comes to my kids — I’ll ditch work to catch the moment.

When it comes to managing my workload, I use a color-coded system to set priorities:

Red = needs immediate attention or is time-sensitive

Yellow = should be done this week to stay on track

Green = can be done when I have extra time

I also set timers to keep myself accountable. If something should take about 10 minutes, I’ll set a 15-minute timer — giving myself a little buffer in case I get sidetracked, but still creating a built-in reminder to refocus. The more efficient you can become with your time, the easier it is to carve out balance. I also batch similar tasks together — like admin work, editing, or phone calls — so I can stay in one mindset and move through them faster.

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.
My art lives at the intersection of storytelling and emotion — I’m obsessed with taking a concept and turning it into an entire world. Whether it’s a song, a visual, or a video skit, I love creating things that feel cinematic but still deeply human. I also love creating things that make me laugh, laughing is my favorite hobby. What sets me apart is that I approach everything like a scene from a movie — each lyric, each visual moment has symbolism and a story behind it.

I especially love songwriting and playing around with words. I get a thrill out of taking a challenging concept and figuring out how to bring it to life through lyrics — shaping abstract feelings into something people can hear, relate to, and see in their minds.

There are really two sides to my music. One side is bright, bubbly, and optimistic, often blending into an R&B-inspired sound that feels warm and full of movement. The other side is dark, reflective, and dramatic, pulling from a more cinematic pop world that’s emotional and a little mysterious. Both feel equally true to me.

That contrast shows up in my visuals too — black and white are a huge part of my brand’s identity. They represent the light and dark sides of life, and how we all live with both. Wearing one white shoe and one black shoe is the most visible way that duality shows up in my visuals — it’s a subtle reminder of that balance between the two worlds I create from.

I’m most proud of the fact that every project I’ve released has been completely independent — from writing and creative direction to styling and visuals. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to watch an idea grow from a single line in my notes app to a fully realized world that connects with people.

Getting here definitely wasn’t easy. There have been moments of burnout, doubt, and financial strain — but I’ve learned to treat challenges as part of the creative process rather than signs to stop. I’ve had to get scrappy, learn new skills, and wear every hat imaginable, but that’s also what’s made my work so personal and honest.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency beats perfection. The more you create, the more you evolve, and the more your voice becomes clear.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s rooted in truth and imagination. I want my art to make people feel something real while also pulling them into a slightly surreal world. Everything I make is a piece of my story — but it’s also an invitation for others to see their own reflections in it.

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.
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want to give them the full Houston experience — a mix of nature, art, food, and all the weird little gems in between. We’d start with a walk through Stephen F. Austin State Park, because it’s one of those places that makes you forget you’re anywhere near a city. From there, we’d swing by the Wunsche Family Cemetery in Spring, TX — it’s literally tucked between a freeway and a feeder road, which makes it such a wild and unexpected spot for a cemetery.

Back in Downtown, we’d explore Buffalo Bayou, where industrial structures blend with the natural landscape in the most hauntingly beautiful way. For food, I’d take them to Postino in the Heights, Ninja Ramen, or honestly, any sushi or Tex-Mex spot — Houston has some of the best in the country.

We’d grab chai lattes at Agora Coffee House, take a little reading break at Lanier Library, and spend an afternoon wandering through the Museum of Natural Science, especially when the butterfly exhibit is open. Evenings would be for catching a free concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre or strolling around Discovery Green when the city lights hit just right.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband deserves a huge shoutout — he’s my biggest supporter and constant inspiration. Anytime I throw a wild idea his way, he never meets me with resistance; instead, he gets excited to brainstorm how we could actually make it work.

My family (my mom, dad, and sister) also deserve endless credit. I swear I have the most supportive family on earth — we’re super close, and they’ve had my back through every creative phase and growing pain.

I’ve also got to give a shoutout to my producer, John Edward Ross, who’s behind most of my music. I’m so grateful for his talent, ear, and expertise — he helps me bring my ideas to life in ways I couldn’t do alone.

And I can’t forget my friend Hannah Jans. I don’t even know what title to give her because she wears so many hats — directing, booking, admin, you name it. She’s the definition of “having someone in your corner,” and I’m beyond thankful for her.

Website: https://www.raychealwinters.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raychealwinters/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raycheal-winters-3b6114238/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/raychealwinters

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/raychealwinters

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raychealwintersmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/raychealwinters

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Jl9hUvakeAkUpRlVXCNy4?si=PCncGevyRYG7–qb5yQEFg

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/raycheal-winters/1531031297

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raychealwinters?_t=8eS5fVReHIw&_r=1

Image Credits
Go Polaris Studios – 0. Cover Art Square, Raycheal Criminal-8 Final

Juan Sui – 1 DSCF4559, 5 DSCF4564, 7 DSCF4577

Billy McQueen – IE0A3662 (EDITED), IE0A3920 (EDITED)

Cold Creek Productions – Raycheal Winters 1, Raycheal Winters 3