Queer artist Bryce Antonio talks about new music, TikTok, and more!
Bryce Antonio has musical versatility and natural talent, and that places him in a league of his own — with starpower that shines in his somber and emotional music!
Bryce Antonio is an African-American musician, actor and writer living in New York City. Lately though, he’s been staying on Long Island, but likes to call New York City his second home. He currently studies drama at New York University and creates his music on the side as an independent artist. Besides music, he loves theatre, board games, video games, comics and has recently been getting really into Magic the Gathering. (He says “I blame my friends for that.”)
He describes that his music “would probably fall into the realm of the pop/alt-pop genre, but I dip into the full alternative genre sometimes too. I like to add a little bit of singer/songwriter and even lo-fi at times too!”
“I love writing songs about love, friendship, heartbreak and basically any emotions that I’m feeling at the moment! I’m an independent artist who just really wants people to relate to my work in an authentic way.”
Bryce is also currently sitting at over 36k followers and 349k likes on TikTok, where you can find him sharing snippets of songs and original content.
I personally love how intimate each song feels from Bryce. You can feel the emotions behind every vocal inflection in each of his songs, whether it’s through his upbeat fiery jam “DUMPSTER FIRE FIRE FIGHTER” where we hear him belting his lyrics straight from his heart, or his more somber and emotional single “Pretty Lies,” where we are gifted by his smooth delivery and catchy melodies.
One of my personal favorite songs of his is “COCA COLA,” where Bryce not only shares a piece of his heart with us sonically, but keeps us attached to every lyric with the catchy vocal melodies and ad libs. It’s the brass instruments and the soft piano that really perfect the vibe of this track for me. His single “Starkid” brings in pop elements and nostalgic instrumental vibes, paired with his beautiful voice that carries us away into his sonic universe. I truly cannot wait to see what Bryce Antonio does next, because with the gifts that he has, his potential is limitless!
I had the opportunity to interview Bryce Antonio. Check out our conversation below!
Bryce Quartz: When did you first start making music?
Bryce Antonio: Well, I’ve been writing songs ever since I was a child. Mostly just little jingles and songs I would make up in the car. My Mom would always ask me “Could you sing that again?” and baby me would go “I forgot it.” or simply just “No”. I started getting more serious about song writing in my high school years. Just writing song after song until I came up with my first actual recorded song, Starkid.
BQ: How would you describe your music style?
BA: Hmmmm… I never know how to answer these (laughs). My style is always changing. Even staying within pop is a challenge because there’s just so many versions of “pop” music. I guess I’ll say my style can be described as the chaotic ramblings of my mind. Chaos pop perhaps? I don’t know.
BQ: How has TikTok elevated your platform?
BA: Before TikTok, I didn’t even have a platform. I wasn’t expecting my page to grow as it did but it’s been quite a ride. I’ve gotten people messaging me about how my songs helped them through dark times or how they really relate to my music. It really warms my heart.
While I do have…issues… with TikTok as a whole I will say it has given me a fanbase of some really kind individuals and has even helped me meet some artists that I would have never in a million years dreamed of even being mutuals. It’s helped me grow a lot to put it simply.
BQ: What inspires you to make music?
BA: Mostly just my own thoughts and emotions. Like when I’m feeling super depressed or super in love or super…something…I write a song about it. I get my chord progressions from songs I’ve listened to. It really helps me to put down base chords and switch up my playing styles once I’ve gotten something down.
BQ: Are you working on any unreleased projects?
BA: Of course! I’ve been writing a lot of music lately (Plus a bunch of unfinished songs) but I’m hoping that later this year I can release some more work! Maybe even an EP? Who knows! Anyway I’m so excited for people to hear what I’ve got cooking. It’s gonna be a blast!
BQ: What other artists have you been listening to?
BA: One of my favorite bands Half Alive just released part one of their new album Give Me Your Shoulders which is excellent. Tessa Violet just released Yes Mom, which she teased for an eternity. My friend Everybody’s Worried About Owen just released his song “Gut Punch/Don’t Meet Your Idols”, and I’m in love!
Oh gosh, there are so many! Conan Gray released his song “Jigsaw,” that one is stellar. Ok, the last one I’ll mention is the Bonnie EP by Spill Tab. Specifically the song “Velcro” with Gus Dapperton. AMAZING!
