Championing Young Creatives: Billy Ray Schlag and If A Bird
The music industry thrives on innovation, but some, like Billy Ray Schlag, go beyond chasing trends. As a passionate musician who is driven by a deep love for music, Billy has carved a unique path, creating art with personal meaning that resonates with and empowers others.
Known as Aver Ray by his fans, music wasn’t just a career choice for Billy but a calling. Growing up in a musical household, rhythms and melodies became the language of his soul. These early experiences, along with touring and traveling with his band during his youth, profoundly shaped his musical journey.
Billy sees music as a tool for upliftment. He prioritizes using his platform for social good rather than simply chasing popularity or catchy tunes. This philosophy is evident in his work with If A Bird, a nonprofit organization he co-founded in Germany with his wife, Tiana Kruskic.
If A Bird: Empowering the Next Generation
“I always used my creativity and skillset to create an environment for the people close to me where they can express and evolve,” states Billy.
Through If A Bird, Billy strives to provide underprivileged youth with the resources and encouragement they need to embrace their creativity and reach their full potential. “My wife and I both had mentors that didn’t just shape us musically but also as human beings,” Billy shares. The organization offers workshops, mentoring programs, and collaborative projects, fostering a space for young people to connect, learn, and develop their artistic voices.
“The association If a Bird, my wife and I are running in Germany, supports marginalized teenagers in engaging in their identity and unleashing their soul power,” he explains.
Billy’s commitment to mentoring reflects his belief in music’s transformative power beyond mainstream recognition. He’s building a community centered on empathy and inclusivity, empowering underrepresented youth to express themselves and find their voices.
Music as a Unifying Force
Billy’s dedication to giving back showcases his conviction that music can unite people and break down barriers. If A Bird fosters a space where young creatives can interact, learn, and grow together, regardless of background.
He states, “Being able to articulate yourself and be heard is a big privilege. My wife and I are using the chances given to us to share that privilege. When music is the core, you can meet people on eye level set aside that social background.”
Viewing his path as a constant evolution, Billy is using his platform to advocate for social change, sharing the experiences that shaped him as an artist. Music, for him, is a tool for empowerment and development, not just self-expression.
In a world where materialism can overshadow artistic merit, Billy Ray Schlag exemplifies the transformative power of music through his sincerity, integrity, unwavering dedication to his craft, and desire to inspire others. As he continues to hone his musical voice, Billy’s journey with his nonprofit music organization centered around youth empowerment and mentorship in Germany, If A Bird, reminds us that genuine artistic expression transcends boundaries and connects with the human spirit.
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
