Meet 444 Dust

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful 444 Dust. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with 444 below.

Hi 444, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

I’ve been through a lot of trials and challenges in my life, but personally I found that when I was walking with the Lord, things were easier. Isaiah 40:31 says

“but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.”

It’s a weird juxtaposition, because sometimes when we’re in a negative space we want to sit and dwell in negativity. But prayer, hope, calling out for strength – these are examples of contrary action. It’s not weak to call out to God and say “I don’t know what’s coming, but I have faith in Your plan.”

He doesn’t operate in our timeline – time moves differently for God. So even in the low moments, I now have hope in Him and His plan.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a singer-songwriter from Dallas, Texas. What excites me most about making music is the songwriting process. I’m a deeply emotional person, and for a long time, I saw that as a weakness. But writing has shown me how to turn that sensitivity into a strength. My lyrics usually come from an emotionally charged place — writing is therapeutic for me. Putting my feelings on the page is constructive. And every time I release a song, it amazes me how someone, somewhere, connects with the lyrics.

Each of my songs explores a different theme: “Lightning” is about fate and love at first sight, “As I Sit” is about the pain of losing a friendship, and “James 1:2” is about resilience. These are universal themes, and it means the world to me when listeners reach out and share how the music resonates with them. Those moments remind me we’re all more connected than we realize.

My most recent release, “Fear of Intimacy,” has been gaining traction in South Africa, London, and Australia — which completely blows my mind! I can’t wait to travel internationally and connect with my audience face-to-face. I have more singles dropping this year, and I’m so excited to share what’s next.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. You have to be able to be the loudest voice in the room. When I first started making music, I got a lot of feedback from my friends & family- suggestions about changing the tempo, switching lyrics, changing cover art, everything. At some point, I realized that this is my art and my voice. Now, I don’t share my songs with anyone until they’re released…I love them, but I had to learn how to filter out the noise. Make the art for yourself first.

2. I never compare myself to other artists-I only compare my new music to my older work. (And trust me, I cringe when I pull up my Soundcloud) They say “comparison is the thief of joy” and I live by that. Because each stage, there will always be another person who’s doing something differently than you. But each of us are so unique, so there’s no reason to compare your art to another person’s.

3. Finally, my faith is key. My relationship with God is the foundation of everything I do. There have been so many moments where things weren’t moving fast enough, or I wanted to give up. But every time, something in my spirit tells me to keep going. I’ve wanted to make music since I was a junior in high school, and I know I’ll continue to do it forever. Connecting with listeners brings me joy. And I have faith I’ll continue to improve. I trust that God will elevate me, in His way, in His time.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents are an anomaly because they’re both amazing artists themselves. My dad was a professional drummer, and my mom is an incredible writer. From the beginning, they’ve been my biggest supporters. They’ve poured so much love, time and belief into my journey, and I’m forever grateful.

What’s been most impactful is how they’ve always encouraged me dream without limits. They taught me there’s no ceiling to what I can do, and that foundation has shaped the way I approach everything. I’m grateful and lucky to have them in my corner.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jeremiah Richardson
Jack Alexander

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