About Rhythm & Rise Live

The story, the mission, the host, and the network behind Austin's live streaming cultural celebration.

The Mission

Austin's Sound Gets Its Stage

Austin calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World. But for the city's independent R&B and Hip-Hop artists, that title has rarely translated into stage time, press coverage, or professional platforms their talent deserves.

Rhythm & Rise Live was built to change that. One unified 12-hour live streaming event bringing independent artists from East Austin, South Austin, Manor, Pflugerville, and surrounding communities to a global audience. No ticket. No paywall. No barriers.

Presented by The Durite Network, founded by nine-year Navy veteran Kevin Stewart.

Your Host

The Man Behind the Mic

Kevin Stewart, Mr. Durite, executive producer and host of Rhythm and Rise Live

Kevin Stewart
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & HOST

Ten years building Austin's independent media landscape. Kevin Stewart, known professionally as Mr. Durite, is the founder of The Durite Network and the creator, producer, and host of Rhythm & Rise Live.

A nine-year Navy veteran, Kevin transitioned from military service into community media, building over a decade of experience in podcasting, live production, and Austin's independent music community. That work revealed a persistent gap: talented R&B, rap, soul, and gospel artists were being systematically passed over by the city's most prominent showcases, including SXSW.

Rhythm & Rise Live is the direct response. Not a workaround. Not a side event. A full production built specifically for the artists who deserve a stage and have not had one.

The Network

The Durite Network

The Durite Network logo

The Durite Network is a Manor, Texas-based media and events organization. Rhythm & Rise Live and the Frontline Manor Podcast are platforms under the Durite Network umbrella. Over ten years of podcasting, live production, and community engagement have built the foundation for what RRL aims to become: an annual institution for Austin's independent music community.

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