Singer-songwriter and innovative audio-visual artist Bryce Bowyn is making a name for himself as someone who creates dynamic, story-focused songs that address real experiences, while his electric performances have captivated the attention of audiences around the nation.

His latest single “Ruthless” is an empowering track with a dark edge, pulling listeners into the story of a bad breakup, where, sick of being the one to always get his heart broken, Bowyn turns the tables and becomes the one to shatter his partner’s heart first. PopWrapped caught up with Bryce to find out more about the song and to discover what fans can expect from him in the coming months.

Did you always want to be a performer, specifically a musician?

Yes, for sure. I love superheroes and I think pop musicians are the closest thing we have to real life comic book characters. We are larger than life, wear impractical-yet-amazing outfits, and provide spectacle. I’ve always wanted that for myself.

What is it about music that makes you so passionate?

I love pop music so much. It’s the blood pumping through my veins. Figuring out how to create my own gave me a purpose. Now I’m forever dedicated to getting bigger and better.

What message do you want your listeners to take from your music?

Treat yourself with grace and love. But also know that, at the very least, a shitty situation makes a great song.

Where do you find inspiration for your music?

Right now, I’ve been finding a lot of inspiration in industrial and new wave music. But overall, revisiting my youth and seeing a lot of my experiences with wiser eyes has been the driving force in my music. Taking off the rose-colored glasses and seeing situations for what they really were.

You found strength to turn the tables in a toxic relationship in your song “Ruthless.” How do you find that strength in your everyday life?

I work a lot on being assertive. I used to worry a lot about what people thought of me and that anxiety really held me back. You need to be your own biggest advocate because no one else is going to be.

What do you love most about performing?

I feel powerful when I perform. I struggle with confidence in other ways, but when it comes to performing and bringing my songs to life, I know undoubtedly that I’m a force.

What inspires you most when you’re developing the concepts for your live shows? How do you think your shows help shape your artistic persona?

When people come to my show, I want them to go on a journey with me. Song sequencing is an underappreciated skill. I love mapping out the arc for the audience. Where do we get hot and heavy? Where do we put a huge dance moment? Is this where we draw it in? Once you have that down, you can build the narrative of the show.  

With your shows being so spectacular, do you ever have stage fright or anxiety about stepping on stage and performing to a crowd?

Absolutely. With my shows, there are a lot of moving parts and so much to remember. I definitely get anxious, but I think that’s a good thing. Nerves ensure you’re not too comfortable and stagnant.

What connects your music to your activism?

I think we are in a moment where a lot of queer artists are enjoying success by just being themselves. I look at an artist like Lil Nas X and feel empowered. His art is undeniably gay and the message is not diluted to be more palatable for the masses. That’s powerful and I hope to do that with my music as well.

What is something music has taught you? Do you think writing regularly has affected your personal growth?

I don’t really love nostalgia and I’ve never known why until I started writing music. Creating these songs made me realize certain heartbreaks and memories were not as romantic as they seemed. I’m in a much healthier and happier place now.

Can you give us a preview of what you have coming next? Any new singles, or maybe an EP?

I have a brand-new single coming out on October 20^th. It’s a sparkling, dazzling ode to farewells. And then at the beginning of next year, I’m going to release my first ever EP. 

Check out the video for “Ruthless” above and for more information on Bryce Bowyn, visit his website, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Header photo credit: Clarissa Villondo.