Shoutout DFW: Interview

LOCAL STORIES

Meet Steven Binko | Singer-Songwriter, Author, Content Creator & Public Figure MAY 28, 2025

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven Binko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, what is the most important factor behind your success?

I think the biggest factor behind my success has been resilience. Not just bouncing back when things fall apart, but learning how to keep moving forward even when it feels like nothing’s working. A lot of the things I’ve created have come out of setbacks or personal challenges. When something doesn’t go the way I planned, I try to ask myself, “Okay, how can I turn this into something meaningful?” I’ve found that people don’t always connect with perfection — they connect with honesty. Being willing to be real, to show up as I am, and to keep going even when it’s hard has been the most important part of building something that lasts.

I once heard a quote by Francis Bacon that says, “A wise man makes more opportunities than he finds,” and that really stuck with me. I’ve never had a clear or easy path, so I’ve had to get really good at creating my own lane. I’ve also come to understand that setbacks are often just redirections. We get so attached to how we think life is supposed to unfold, but sometimes things not working out is exactly what leads us to something better. You have to stay open to the process.

And it doesn’t always come quickly — which has forced me to work on something I used to really struggle with: patience. I used to think that if something didn’t take off right away, it meant I’d failed or that it wasn’t resonating with people. But over time, I’ve realized that the adversity I’ve faced has been one of my greatest teachers. It’s shaped not just my work, but who I am. And that growth has become a huge source of inspiration.

The one thing I do think I truly excel at is being authentic and transparent — even when it feels vulnerable. A lot of people shy away from that level of honesty, but it’s something I’ve leaned into. If I had to sum up my brand, I’d say it’s about “saying the weird thing” — showing up in ways that aren’t always polished or easily digestible, but that hit people in a place that’s real. And I think the world is hungry for more of that. Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My path has never been a straight line — and I’ve stopped wishing it was. For a long time, I thought success meant putting in the work and getting the reward. But life (and art) don’t work that way. It’s messy, unpredictable, and full of detours — and that’s exactly where most of my creativity comes from.

I don’t write, sing, or share from a place of having it all figured out. I speak from the middle of it — the figuring-it-out part. I used to upload a lot of videos for a web series called “Binko: Unscripted,” where I shared deeply personal moments, like my divorce and surviving a suicide attempt. At the time, I thought my experiences and trauma made me uniquely damaged. But once I started opening up, I realized how many people are carrying their own version of that pain. That’s when it clicked: my story isn’t more important than anyone else’s — it just feels that way because I’m living it. And the more honest I got about that, the more connection I found.

I think what sets me apart isn’t just my willingness to be vulnerable, but my commitment to doing it with purpose. My brand isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention. I don’t need to be for everyone. I just want to be real enough that someone out there feels a little less alone because I chose to show up truthfully.

That honesty is at the heart of everything I do. The children’s book I just released, called “Keep Trying!”, follows a young boy who keeps failing when he puts himself out there and starts to lose hope — until his dad helps him realize that showing up, even when it’s hard, is how we grow. That story came directly from my own life. I performed the national anthem at a televised hockey game, and it didn’t go well. I was crushed. But it ended up teaching me more than any standing ovation ever could — and that lesson turned into something much bigger than a bad night. It became a message I wanted to pass on.

My music has grown in the same direction. These days, I write with a lot more intention and honesty. Some tracks, like “Warrior” (written after I was assaulted), were born from personal struggle. Others, like “Ghost,” were just me finding a way to laugh at something that hurt — in that case, getting ghosted twice in one week. I’ve learned that even the silly songs can be meaningful if they’re real.

And then there’s “Lungs of a Legend” — which honestly started with me asking, “What kind of song would I want to see Kelly Clarkson tear into for her Kellyoke segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show?” It’s catchy, emotional, and made to be belted. I wanted something people could sing along to — something that just feels good. That, in itself, can be powerful. But seriously, someone help make that happen!

Professionally, none of this has come easy — especially since relocating to Texas. I’ve chased a lot of opportunities: trying to land a redemption performance of the anthem at any of our local arenas, applying for summer festivals, reaching out to choreographers and bands to collaborate — and time after time, the door didn’t just stay shut, it never even cracked. I won’t pretend that didn’t wear me down. But instead of giving up, I hit a turning point where I decided to stop waiting for someone else to give me a seat at the table and just start building my own.

I quietly announced this on social media the other day, but this is the first time I’m really talking about it: “Binko Talk” is coming back. It was a late-night talk show I hosted in Nashville on the local network, and now it’s returning as a podcast based here in Dallas. It’ll be raw, honest, and community-focused — a space to uplift local creatives, performers, authors, and everyday people who have something meaningful to say.

One thing I’ve learned is that the creative world doesn’t have to be so competitive. We all know what it’s like to live in our heads. We should be rooting for each other. I’ve always been someone who claps for others — genuinely. But I’m ready for my turn, too. And I’m building something where everyone can feel like it’s their turn.

If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my work, it’s this: you don’t have to be polished to be powerful. You just have to be honest. The hard chapters don’t disqualify you — sometimes, they’re the very beginning of your real story.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Honestly, my idea of showing someone a good time might look a little different than a typical “must-see” list. Most of the best adventures I’ve had weren’t planned — they started with a good playlist and a random, “Have you ever gone down that road?” I love the unpredictability of a spontaneous detour, and I’ve found that the most memorable moments usually happen when you don’t have an agenda.

To me, it’s more about the company than the destination. Dallas has a lot to offer, but one of the biggest traps people fall into is routine. I’m the kind of guy who probably annoys the server by saying, “Surprise me,” because I just love discovering something new — even if it’s random. That curiosity spills over into one of my favorite hobbies too: hunting for bargains at flea markets and pop-up events. Dallas has a ton of those, especially if you check Facebook Events — I’ve stumbled on some amazing local artists, vendors, and hidden gems that way.

That said, there are a few places I’ve recently enjoyed. Voodoo Doughnut surprised me — they gave my dog a free donut (which already had me sold), but their mango donut was the real game-changer. I’m also a big fan of The Wild Detectives — a cozy bookstore-bar that hosts unique events and has a chill, welcoming atmosphere. Their kiwi champagne drink is next-level.

Even though I don’t go out often, I love The Round-Up Saloon. It’s technically a gay bar, but it’s super inclusive and has something for everyone — multiple rooms, karaoke, line dancing nights, and a great crowd. One day, I’d love to collaborate with them on a performance or music video. And if you’re in the mood for pasta, Roman Cucina has an alfredo that’s honestly chef’s kiss.

For dog lovers, MUTTS Canine Cantina is another personal favorite. It’s a laid-back spot that mixes a dog park and a cantina — great food, drinks, and a safe space for pups to run around while you unwind.

There are still a bunch of places on my bucket list — immersive art exhibits with secret rooms, intimate live music venues, stuff like that. I haven’t had as much time to fully dive into Dallas’s scene as I’d like, but when I do go out, I’m not chasing the trendiest thing — I’m chasing the experience. The vibe. The stories I’ll be telling later.

So no, I might not have a full itinerary. But give me someone I care about, a tank of gas, a playlist, and a free day — and we’ll find the magic somewhere unexpected.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Absolutely. There are countless people who’ve made an impact on my life, and I could easily fill a book with names and stories. But for the sake of this piece — which is so deeply centered around arts and creativity — these are the people who come to mind first.

Marcin Gorski — my best friend, and one of the most consistent people in my life. He’s seen every version of me and never stopped rooting for the person I was trying to become. His support, honesty, and loyalty have gotten me through some of the darkest moments, and I’ll always be grateful for that. He’s also the founder of EverKind Collective — a purpose-driven brand I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with. Together, we released my children’s book “Keep Trying!”, which is currently available exclusively for pre-order through the EverKind Collective website. Being part of something so values-based has reminded me how powerful community-centered work can be, and I’m proud to build alongside someone who truly leads with heart.

Jean Atman — my aunt and very much my partner in crime in life — also deserves a massive shoutout. I look up to her a lot. We’ve always seemed to walk parallel paths, even when we’re not trying to, and that’s been incredibly comforting during some of my most difficult seasons. It’s hard to fully describe what she does because she wears many hats, but professionally, she’s a Soul Evolution Specialist who has released some truly transformative work. Right now, we’re also working on writing projects side-by-side, and it’s lit such a creative spark. We challenge each other in the best ways — I really believe we accelerate each other’s growth, both artistically and spiritually.

I also want to shout out Callum “Calibeats” Melville, the producer who helped me unlock not just a new sound, but a deeper understanding of what I actually want to say. He’s been an enormous blessing — someone who can take the wild, half-formed ideas living in my head and turn them into something real and tangible. That’s something I’ve struggled with in the past. But he’s been patient, collaborative, and willing to let me experiment — even when I’m taking myself too seriously. That kind of creative space has been everything.

And I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge the people who didn’t believe in me — the ones who underestimated me, tried to break me, or made me feel like I wasn’t enough. They unintentionally gave me one of the greatest gifts: a fire to prove them wrong and become the version of myself I always knew I could be.

Most importantly, I have to thank God — for the redirections, the second chances, and the strength to keep going when I didn’t think I could. There have been so many moments in my life where I know I wasn’t walking alone. LINK FOR THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE WITH ADDITIONAL PHOTOS: CLICK HERE