Pop Singer Bryce Bowyn’s ‘Bye Bye’ Is About A Boy In Love As His Relationship Crumbles
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Dance-pop singer-songwriter Bryce Bowyn has established himself as an utterly hypnotic brand of uncensored, unfiltered dynamism. Based in Washington, D.C., Bowyn’s anthemic electropop tracks effortlessly pulls listeners into his ethereal world and invites them along on an incredible journey of endless entertainment.
We spoke to Bowyn upon the release of his new single “Bye Bye” on Thursday.
Listen here:
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How did COVID affect you and your career? In some ways, it actually has really helped me and my music. I took the past year to develop my sound, write my upcoming EP, and connect with this amazing community of queer artists that thrive on the internet. By doing that, I got to take part in a bunch of virtual shows and collaborate with a whole world of new faces.
That being said, this lil mama is ready to get back out there and dance and sing with everyone in person.
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Is there something about DC’s gay scene that you would say is unique? The DC gay scene has changed so much since I first moved here. With music, I think we’re just starting to develop that world, but in terms of nightlife, the drag and burlesque in the city is so diverse and eclectic. There are no boundaries or rules and I think that’s really amazing to witness. There’s a lot of talent here.
What are some of the unique mental health challenges that face gay folks today? Outside of the obvious, what has really gotten me down over the last few years has been the wave of inertia. I think a lot of cis white queer people maybe felt the world was becoming a more accepting place. And I think there is truth there. But with the Trump presidency, really awful rhetoric got a huge platform and it became obvious there’s so much more work to be done. I feel for our trans and BIPOC community because the world has gotten so dark and the light seems very far away. Throw a pandemic on top of that and it’s hard to find hope.
But the younger generations are so inspiring. You go on social media and see a whole new world of queerness and diversity. These kids don’t want to live in this kind of reality and I think, with all of our voices combined, the light is getting a little closer.
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What are some qualities that make you stand out? I find a lot of inspiration in horror and the macabre. You might not hear that so much in my music. Melodically, it’s all about sticky melodies and anthemic choruses. Visually, I think there’s something so alluring about the unknown. There is a connection between queerness and horror. It’s the same reason why gay people love a villainess. We identify with the misunderstood, the kinds of characters that rebuke tradition and normality. So with my music videos, I try to bring some of that to the table.
I love comic books too though. I want to draw from that cauldron soon.
What are some headwinds you faced as you’ve navigated your career? Going back to mental health, my biggest obstacles have been all self-inflicted. It took me a long time, but I had to get out of my own way and learn that you have to be your own biggest supporter. I spent a lot time comparing myself to others and feeling a lot of anxiety about perception and other bullshit. Once you let that go and realize you are the shit, the game gets a little bit easier.
What’s been the most pivotal or impactful event in your life? I played my hometown Pride show this summer. It was my first live performance back since the pandemic started. I grew up in a pretty conservative town and never imagined in a million years they’d have a Pride celebration. It was an honor to play for them and we spent a very hot June night singing and dancing and it made my heart so full. It showed me that this is all worth it.
Listen to “Bye Bye” below.
