Welcome to the Rocks Off 100, our portrait gallery of the most compelling profiles and personalities in the far-flung Houston music community -- a lot more than just musicians, but of course they're in there too.

Who? Singer Coline Creuzot came onto our radar when her management team suggested that we link up with her for a holiday giveaway. While it was a bit too late to pursue a Christmastime partnership, we were intrigued by the management's excitement about Creuzot. What was it about this artist that made her so special?

After doing a bit of research, we quickly found out: While the hometown music scene is dominated by local rap and rock stars, Creuzot's brand of soulful pop bravely swims against the current. "I am a singer, songwriter (EMI/Sony ATV) and performer," Creuzot tells us via email. "My music is a blend of R&B soul and pop."

It also doesn't hurt to have worked as a background singer and dancer for fellow Houstonian Solange Knowles, whom Creuzot vocally resembles on her breakout single, "You." The song belongs to Creuzot's new EP, Acapella Now, available for download on her Web site, colinecreuzot.com.

Home Base: Creuzot is loyal to the Bayou City. "Houston [Texas] will always be home no matter where I go or how long I stay away," she says.

Why Do You Stay in Houston? "I'm based in Houston but travel between Atlanta, L.A. and NY to write, record and work," says Creuzot. "I haven't found a definite 'new home,' but it will probably be Atlanta sometime in 2013."

Good War Story: "I have several stories, so many that I can't just choose one!" she says. "I've had several amazing opportunities, doors opened and many closed. I think it's all about persistence and sticking to what you believe in and are passionate about. I've learned that this game isn't a race, it's a marathon."

Music Scene Pet Peeve: Creuzot and I are both graduates of Hampton University, whose prevailing motto is: "To be on early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late and to be late is unheard of." No surprise, then, that the singer is a stickler for promptness.

"I love people who are professional. I am very big about being on time," she says. "My parents don't do late! So, I always try to be on time and hope that others do the same."

Best Show Ever: "Opening for Keyshia Cole in New York's Times Square a month ago!" says Creuzot. "I got the call to send some music to be considered, and the program director liked the music and gave me the spot two days before the show! I had to put a show together in two days, flew to NY and had the time of my life!"

5 Desert Island Discs:

• Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
• Keyshia Cole, The Way It Is
• Destiny's Child, Destiny Fulfilled
• Sam Cooke, Greatest Hits
• Donny Hathaway, Greatest Hits

First Song You Fell in Love With: "Betty Wright's 'No Pain No Gain,'" she says. "I was in elementary school... and I fell in love with that song! I knew all the talking parts and would try to hit all the high notes at the end!"

THE ROCKS OFF 100 2013 ALUMNI

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