I am a 26-year-old South African artist living in Townsview, South Johannesburg. I attended the National School of Arts where I majored in vocal studies. I produce music, mix music and record music. I do numerous gigs, sometimes alone and sometimes with colleagues, particularly with my good friend JC who studied with me. We have just done the under 18 Colour Festival Johannesburg, which was reportedly the biggest so far and up coming events include Fanta Fest nation wide and Moonbeam. I also work with DJs Irmãos de Deus and Cody B. Presently I am working on two albums; one with up and coming hiphop artist Boko and one with DJ JC.
How did you get into music and why?
My mom sang in a gospel band long, long ago. I saw her performing on stage live when I was five or six years old – and that was it. There and then I decided I was going into music. I have never considered any other career. I love music.
I have dedicated my entire life to making it in music. I took music lessons and dance lessons; went to National School of Arts. I sang with the Eastern Gauteng Boys Choir (we even sang to ex-President Mandela once) and danced at the Hype Awards and MTV Base 5th Birthday and awards. As a teenager I partied a lot and went deep into house music. In 2012 a friend suggested that I study digital music composition and production. In 2013 I enrolled for the course that is offered by biggest house label Soul Candi and the biggest national college Boston City Campus & Business College and completed the one-year course. Doing the course helped me to take my career to the next level; it has taken me eight years and I am only now getting to where I want to be.
What does a typical day look like?
In this industry there isn’t such a thing as a typical day. If you want to be at the top of your genre you have to work almost 24/7. Your creative mind never rests … Sometimes I sit chilling with friends and an idea strikes me. Music is about creating and telling stories that have a sound and a beat. I rehearse a lot; to release two new songs at the ColourFest, JC and I rehearsed for many weeks. We don’t get much sleep during the weekends when we gig. People think it is all glam, but actually it takes loads of preparation and months of hard work.
What are your future plans?
To make and record my own music and become an established brand is my big priority at present. What do I want to do in the future? Conquer the world of course! I’d like to perform at big events like Joburg day. I’d like to open for international artists. I’d like to play a part in taking SA music to the rest of the world; we have a distinct sound and rhythm, like Brazil does and our sound is becoming popular overseas. I’d love to make music that the world can listen to. When I’m older, I’d like to own my own label, produce the music of other artists and develop other talent.
What does one need to succeed in your line of work?
Music is a tough industry to break into. You need talent, passion, a good mindset and to be prepared to work hard. It is a question of keeping your head up and your heart in and pushing forward until you accomplish everything you want to accomplish.
You need to get your music, your “stuff” out there: record it and post it where people can access it, use Instagram, SoundCloud, Youtube and everything available on social media .
I recommend doing a course like the Soul Candi/Boston course. While studying I worked with creative individuals that pushed me to be the best I can be; I learnt about performing as well as producing and made industry connections that have opened doors for me. I also made friends with people like JC with whom I have been learning, performing and growing.
Contact Bryce on bryce.macmillan@yahoo.com; contact Soul Candi Institute of Music at Boston City Campus & Business College 011 551 2000 or find details on www.boston.co.za/soul-candi.
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