Quick. Recall a pivotal moment in your life. Chances are, you have a soundtrack of songs to accompany that time: the first time you met someone, changing schools, your first dance at your wedding, the passing of a loved one. Music is one of the few things in this world that transcends language, time, age and culture. Plano musician Ron Bultongez knows just how cathartic music can be.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ron immigrated to the United States as a child. His home life was turbulent, and after being separated from his family when he was barely a tween, he was placed at City House–a local facility that, as Ron puts it, “fills in the gap as every child deserves.”
City House gave him a home, a place to feel safe, a place to sleep, clothes for school and counseling to help guide him toward his goals. Ron’s dream is to become a successful professional musician. He clearly points out that for him, success does not equal fame. After a childhood that was uncertain, he wants to be able to support himself and, most importantly, inspire others to chase their dreams. After all, he says, “Life is short. It’s so crazy that more people aren’t pursuing their dreams.”
First and foremost a vocalist, Ron Bultongez also plays acoustic, bass and electric guitar as well as drums and piano. He’s never taken a music lesson and admits he can’t properly read music. He just plays what feels right, just like artists Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
Ron’s love of music started accidentally in middle school. He wanted to be in the band but was instead placed in choir, much to his disappointment. He was forced to tough it out and quickly realized he loved singing. That love led to a voracious appetite for musical instruments and ultimately changed his life.
Ron Bultongez describes his sound as soul/pop/folk, and he says, with a little smile, that the fluidity of his musical performances is what makes him unique. Because he’s not reading note after note while learning a song, he takes creative liberty to tailor each song to fit his style, mood, emotion or even audience.
Ron plays his music in cities all over North Texas. In Plano, he’s a recurring performer at Angela’s at the Crosswalk and the Downtown Plano Art and Wine Walks. He proudly performed last year at the ribbon cutting for City House, and he will soon be traveling to Nashville and Los Angeles to meet with record labels.
But he’s got a new gig that he’s especially proud of; with recommendations from City House, Ron has been enjoying opportunities as a motivational speaker to different middle and high school campuses in Plano ISD and Frisco ISD. He incorporates music into his visits and hopes his music is a “transformational experience where people can see that they too can follow their dreams.”
One caveat Ron has regarding his performances is that he maintains a family friendly repertoire. After an unstable and tumultuous childhood, he says, “Life can be painful and I hope my music can be a healing experience.” With a mission trip being planned in the near future to Haiti, he is thankful for all the opportunities to share his life story, his music and his passion. With his soul guiding him, Ron Bultongez is breaching barriers and bringing people together.
Ron Bultongez’s debut EP will be available for purchase soon. Find out when it releases by following him on Facebook.
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