Inside The Voice SA: Bryce MacMillan
We fell in love with his lush voice and off-beat persona during his Blind Audition on The Voice South Africa and now he is heading to the all-new Knock-out Rounds.
I had the privilege of chatting to this awesome guy about his journey on The Voice and his musical career in general.
You are definitely the contestant who took the greatest risk as far as song choice is concerned during the Blind Auditions but it paid off in the end. Should you have not advanced past the Blinds, would you have considered returning to audition again next year?
Did I take a risk haha. Well I mean yeah I'm not the kinda guy to give up that easily so I definitely think I would have given it another shot. Just really happy that it happened the way it has because I've met some amazing people and learnt so much!
You have had the opportunity to perform at a variety of venues both locally and abroad. Which is your most memorable performance to date?
I think my most memorable performance has to be Burning Man in Nevada, USA. Got the chance to DJ there and did some live vocals while I played and people seemed to love it. Seems it wasn't something they had seen before and I just happened to play a good set that people responded to really well. Had the time of my life. I love Burning Man!
Did you ever, even for just a moment, thought that it was the end of your journey on The Voice when Bubbles was announced the winner of your Battle and what was your inner reaction when Bobby used his final steal on you?
I mean obviously I did. That's all that goes through your mind when you don't win your battle. But bubbles and I went in there with the game plan of just putting on the best performance we could and fight for that steal. And it paid off! When Bobby stole me I was in disbelief at first. I looked straight at him and he had this smile on his face that matched what I felt at that moment. Had to be Bobby.
You have studied performing arts and have a diploma in digital production and audio engineering under your belt. Was there ever a time in your life that you considered a different career path?
Never! Music has been my passion from a very young age. I've always wanted to do something within the music industry. Hence the reason I studied more than one thing. Would love to run my own studio/label one day to bring up other young artists. But performing has always been my first love.
A lot of viewers base their votes on whether they can visualize what type of artist a contestant will be after the conclusion of the show. What type of album can we expect from Bryce MacMillan? Will you conform to mainstream preferences or will you remain true to yourself?
What a question... its hard to answer because as an artist you're always developing your sound. At this moment I would love to do a commercial house album. Always had a big love for house music. But again RnB and HipHop is where I started so wouldn't mind that either... I just happen to like too many genres and I perform songs from all of them so I could go either way.
You have basically become an overnight celeb after your Blind Audition and seem rather oblivious to the fact that you have women of all ages drooling over your badboy-ish good looks. Have you had any interesting run-ins with fans you would like to share with us?
Hahaha I wouldn't say an overnight celeb or "badboy-ish looks", but it has been strange and at the same time inspiring... I have had so many messages and support from all over the country. Yes there have been some strange ones but for the most part it's all been great... I have had people shouting at me in malls as well as been surrounded at my local pick n pay... Those were surprising. Seeing as I shop a lot I better get used to it I guess lol
The International music scene is one of unsurpassed exhilaration. If you could collaborate with any DJ (local or international) who would it be?
Ah man right now there are so many! But I would have to say Black Coffee. There are international DJs and producers I'd love to work with but Black coffee is just in a world of his own... and he's local. Home grown South African all the way... Mi Casa is also high on the list as J Something's sound is amazing. Would love to do something Rnb with LIRA!!! And maybe try my hand at a ballad with Bobby.
You are co-owner of a company called Brothers in Beat. Care to elaborate a bit on this initiative?
So Brothers In Beat is an interactive drumming company founded by my good friend Reg Scheepers that I joined in on. We take a big sound system and a drum for each participant and teach them how to play the Djembe in a fun environment. We do corporate team building and year end shows. As well as school fundraising shows where we use the show to raise funds for school's music programs. As schools don't have music as a subject anymore someone has to do it. We have also designed our own drum called the Jam-be and designed a 6 month course which we would like to get sponsored for underprivileged schools. We're currently looking for CSR funding for that initiative.
We know you are a nice guy so why not share some words of encouragement to your fellow contestants as you are nearing the next stages of the show.
I mean all I can say is that I have met the most amazing and talented bunch of people who have honestly become like family! Being so close for such a period, you get to know people on a deep level. So to my Voice family I'd say keep sharing the love through your music. Tell stories. Give others a voice through your songs. And always stay true and humble
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A final question just to put you on the spot. If you had to be stranded on a deserted island for 90 days with a fellow contestant based on his/her survival skills who would it be?
Hahaha this question I really cannot answer. Everyone I know has different skills and personalities. Of course everyone will have their opinions, lol. So I shall just say... No Comment!
Tune into Mnet Channel 101 on Sunday to catch the next installment of The Voice South Africa!
