Concert Review: Bryce Vine Takes Us to La La Land

He has been hustling in the music business for over a decade. Now it is time to add him to your playlist. Popularly known by his fans as Bryce Vine, Bryce Ross-Johnson is an American rapper and singer from New York City who is taking the indie-pop/rap culture scene by storm. With his three albums and hit singles, Bryce displays his knack for storytelling and his strong, raw emotional connection with his fans. And I was able to experience this first-hand at his concert, live and in person.

As my friends and I ventured down to West Hollywood, little did we know what the night had in store for us. We had purchased tickets to one of our favorite artists, Bryce Vine, the month prior and had been looking forward to the show ever since. Counting down the days, listening to every song on loop and awaiting the moment where we would see him perform our favorites live and in person! This particular concert he held was in support of and advocation for cancer awareness, as all proceeds became a donation to FCancerLosAngeles. Amazing music and a good cause – for what more could you ask?

Stepping into the venue downtown, the club was vibrant and chic with its gold-rimmed coffee tables centered in every white, plush couch nook around the dance floor. With lights flashing and excited chatter throughout the length of the venue, we all pondered when Bryce would take the stage. Then, as the DJ played and people wandered, who did I spot out of the corner of my eye? Was it? It was. Bryce, himself, was intermixed with some of the crowd near one of the couches next to the DJ booth as if it were a completely normal affair. So, of course, I grab my friends and make my way over to him.

The first hit of being a bit starstruck as I approached him immediately wore off as I realized he was such a genuine and down to earth guy who truly cared about his music and his fans. We all talked, laughed, hugged and snapped a few pictures together before he started his set. As he stepped foot on the platform to perform, we were dead-center first row, right in front of him for the entire show. It was pure euphoria. As he sang his hits “Classic and Perfect”, “La La Land” and “Drew Barrymore”, my friends and I sang the words back to him as he reached out and touched our hands. The energy was so pure and genuine, making the experience all the more special. After making a moving speech about cancer and how “in an odd sort of way, this tragedy really does make us all more connected,” the connection in the room only grew stronger.

After the show, my friends and I told him how we truly enjoy his music and really appreciate his genuineness, only to be reminded that he is just glad to have such an amazing community filled with real connection and inspiration on both ends – the fans and the music. Taking our last few pictures and saying goodbye, it was a night that made me realize that the energy, stories and people behind the music are what really have the power to bring people together. So go out and find that connection. And maybe start with Bryce Vine.