Born in Manhattan but raised in L.A, Bryce Vine’s music reflects a diverse upbringing. His widely influenced, genre-bending style joins his teen punk-rock days through his studies at the Berklee School of Music, blending in with his bright, pop roots. I was able to catch him at Cornerstone in Downtown Berkeley live for the first time since the release of his chart-topping single “Drew Barrymore.” His set, comprised of songs from his first E.P Lazy Fair (2014) to his latest single released on March 1st, “La La Land,” kept the crowd off the ground, singing along. Vine gave us his heart and soul for the night, and we eagerly reciprocated.
The B-Side had the opportunity to chat with Bryce Vine a couple of days after his concert to discuss his current hits, life on tour, and plans for the year.
So, I know Bryce Vine is a stage name for your real name, Bryce Ross-Johnson. Where did the inspiration come from?
I was at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, singing for G-Eazy and some other artists. A group of my friends said I should use the stage name “Bryce Vinyl” because I like to sing jazz. So, it became Bryce Vine for short, and I just stuck with it. That was before the app.
Your most well-known single is “Drew Barrymore.” What was the inspiration for the song and why do you think it exploded like it did? Did you expect it?
I knew it was good. It has wide appeal because every girl wants to be thought of that way — she wants to be known for her beauty inside and out. And at the same time, every guy wants to sing about someone special that way too. I had actually made the beat originally and kept working on it for months with other writers to find the right hook. The Drew Barrymore comes from a voice note Julia Michaels left some time ago, and it was just a perfect fit.
Speaking of hit songs, you just released a new song on Friday, “La La Land,” and I know you are planning on releasing your Debut album Carnival soon. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
There’s a lot going on in my life and Carnival speaks to that. Some of the songs are like “La La Land,” some are completely different. There is one that I would want someone to play on the day of their wedding and one that is about ruining a relationship. It all follows a theme: so much can happen at a carnival.
Last fall you went on tour with MAX and now you are on your own sold out headline tour. What’s that like?
It actually goes long before that. I have been opening for people for four or five years now. To be on my own sold-out tour with my own bus and crew and everything, there is just nothing quite like it. My crew and I are celebrating every night because it has just been such a great time.
Favorite part about touring?
The show. That’s my favorite hour of every day. I’m not comfortable anywhere like I am on stage. I have been in bands since I was in high school and have had a long history performing. It’s crazy how practice improves things, and it’s nice to know that the crowd is willing to let themselves go with me. Fans aren’t just there for one song; they are there for the entire show. Also, a good group of people you tour with; that’s important.
Favorite song to sing on tour?
“Bang Bang,” “Glamorama,” and “Guilty Pleasure.” “Bang Bang” reminds me of when I was in a punk rock band when I was young. It’s about police brutality and putting that in perspective. If you are sitting inside on your couch, watching TV and see something like that happening outside your window, what would you do? I’m not a politician, nor will I ever be, but I want to make music that speaks to people. You know, I’m black and I’m white. I grew up with all kinds of people. The people in my crew are all different kinds of races and ethnicities. You keep taking in things and try to say what you believe in. I do that with my songs.
Any pre-show rituals?
I like to do a quick jog, do some jumping jacks, drink some tea. Right before I go on stage, I always take a shot of whiskey. It helps open up the throat.
You’ve had a crazy 2018 with the success of your singles and tour, what are you most excited for this year?
I’m really excited about “La La Land.” I think it is a big summer song, so I’m really looking forward to that. After this, I’m going on a college tour and hitting some festivals, like Hangout, this summer. I also really want to travel more, maybe go to Africa since I’ve been wanting to do that for a while.
Any last words?
I just appreciate all the support, and I want to keep making music that speaks to everyone.
Article by Nikita Bhatia