Pain to Purpose: How Skyler Ray Turned Survival Into a Mission

Skyler Ray’s journey isn’t one built on shortcuts or overnight success—it’s forged through survival, self-reflection, and relentless determination. From navigating foster care, homelessness, addiction, and incarceration, to finding clarity and purpose through music, his story is a testament to what it means to rebuild from the ground up. More than just an artist, Skyler Ray represents resilience in its rawest form—turning pain into fuel and using his voice not only to create, but to connect. In this exclusive interview with 10 Out Of 10 Magazine, he opens up about his past, his turning point, and the mission that now drives everything he does.

Photo of Skyler Ray taken in 2015

10OutOf10Mag: For those just discovering you, who is Skyler Ray beyond the music?

Skyler Ray: I’m someone who works very hard every day to be the best version of myself. Someone who has these big dreams and I don’t know how to get there, but I won’t stop until I achieve them. I try to be as honest as I can. My past isn’t the best, so I'm sually laughing through the growing pains.

10OutOf10Mag: Your story is powerful—if you had to summarize your journey in one sentence, what would it be?

Skyler Ray: A courageous tale about a kid who the world forgot about but stopped at nothing to remind them this is what he was meant to do.

10OutOf10Mag: You’ve been open about going through foster care, homelessness, and instability at a young age—how did those experiences shape your mindset early on?

Skyler Ray: It made me who I am. It gave me purpose. Painful but powerful. It has shown me that I can achieve anything I put my mind to and no one can stop me.

10OutOf10Mag: What was the lowest point in your life, and what did that moment teach you?

Skyler Ray: I’ve had a bit of low points and I’ve experienced success after the wreckage. I don’t really consider them low points—more like teaching moments or stepping stones.

10OutOf10Mag: At that time, did you feel like there was a way out, or did it feel permanent?

Skyler Ray:When it came to addiction I didn’t feel like it was permanent. But there was a time period where I wanted it to be. I was having so much fun out there. I was just sad I kept getting caught. But to be honest I always felt like I could do what ever I wanted. So I never really felt stuck.

10OutOf10Mag: You’ve lived through addiction and incarceration—what’s something people misunderstand about that lifestyle?

Skyler Ray: I think a common misunderstanding is that people in addiction or incarceration are bad people. Some are, yes—but it’s a slippery slope. Some of us were never shown the right way. Everyone walks a path, but if we’re willing to learn from it, we can grow. Addiction isn’t always a choice. Using might be—but addiction runs much deeper than just stopping.

Man in Prison (AI Generated)

10OutOf10Mag: Was there a specific moment where you decided, “I can’t keep living like this”?

Skyler Ray: I was on my bed the last time I was locked up in prison. I was 27 years old. I remember asking myself what I wanted to do with my life. Easy answer—music. Then I asked myself what I had never done with my music. I realized I had never made music sober, even from an early age. From that moment on, I made that commitment to myself—and my life changed.

10OutOf10Mag: What did that turning point actually look like in real life—not the highlight version, but the raw version?

Skyler Ray: People, places, and things. Having a plan and a vision. Working on myself daily. Waking up and choosing myself even when I didn’t want to. Realizing I can’t just have one of anything—because the outcome is always the same.

10OutOf10Mag: How did music come into your life during or after your recovery journey?

Skyler Ray: Music has been my dream since 1999 when I first heard Eminem. From that moment on, I knew what I wanted to do. I started making music at 11, and 24 years later—we’re still here.

Skyler Ray Performing Live on Stage

10OutOf10Mag: Would you say music saved your life, or did it give your life purpose?

Skyler Ray: Music definitely saved my life. The only thing I loved more than drugs was music. So I got clean to give myself my best shot. That’s why my logo is a microphone with wings—it’s my guardian angel. I got clean for music, but now I stay clean because of the life it’s given me.

10OutOf10Mag: When you write, are you reliving those experiences or releasing them?

Skyler Ray: I’m doing both. Music is my therapy—my way of healing. I don’t do meetings like it’s recommended. I pour everything into my music. Laying my life down on a record is how I take my power back.

10OutOf10Mag: What’s one song of yours that best represents your transformation?

Skyler Ray: I have a song called “He Looks Back.” It takes you through my whole life story. Definitely worth checking out.

Skyler Ray single "He Looks Back"

10OutOf10Mag: You’ve experienced things most people couldn’t imagine—how do you stay mentally grounded today?

Skyler Ray:

A solid team, a loving partner, a dream, and my bulldog. Shout out to momas (Poundcake).

10OutOf10Mag: What advice would you give to someone battling addiction who doesn’t believe recovery is possible?

Skyler Ray:

Give it a try when you’re ready. Do it for yourself and no one else. Because when you’re alone, you have to be enough.

10OutOf10Mag: How important is accountability in staying clean and focused?

Skyler Ray: It’s very important. You have to have drive. Find your “why” and run with it.

Skyler Ray speaking at Freedom Fest Charleston, South Carolina

10OutOf10Mag: You’ve turned your pain into purpose by speaking and sharing your story—what does the “Road to Recovery” mean to you?

Skyler Ray: It’s the journey. Working on ourselves is a lifetime commitment. We’re always evolving and trying to be better.

10OutOf10Mag: When you’re talking to people going through it, what message hits them the hardest?

Skyler Ray: Being relatable. Helping them see themselves in me. Letting them know that even if they don’t feel like it—they matter.

10OutOf10Mag: Do you feel like this is your calling now beyond music?

Skyler Ray:

I’m not sure what my calling is. I just follow my heart and try to approach everything with pure intentions.

10OutOf10Mag: Looking back, do you feel like everything you went through was necessary to become who you are today?

Skyler Ray:

100 percent. Remove any part of my past and I’m not the man I am today.

10OutOf10Mag: What’s something you had to unlearn to grow into this version of yourself?

Skyler Ray: I had to unlearn putting everyone before me. I still struggle with it, but it’s a work in progress.

10OutOf10Mag: What’s next for you—music, speaking, or something bigger?

Skyler Ray: Music and lots of it. I’m dropping new music every Friday. I’m falling back in love with the art. Whether it works out or not, I’ll always make music.

10OutOf10Mag: What kind of impact do you want your story to have long-term?

Skyler Ray: I want people to know they’re not alone and they are loved. You’re worth your dreams. You don’t have to be the best—you just have to outwork the next person.

10OutOf10Mag: If someone hears your story 10 years from now, what do you hope they take from it?

Skyler Ray: That it’s always worth making that jump—even when you’re scared. You never truly fail until you quit.