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BIO
From shaping boats, to shaping music; this makes a unique and interesting journey for this ambitious musician. Fully qualified as a boat builder, a teacher and an artist he has learnt skills such as attention to detail, creativity, experimentation, research, constant refinement- combined with the element of hard work has been transferred from his life experience and into Bryce’s music. The result: outstanding talent for penning beautifully written songs. Pure creativity that connects with the human spirit, this is what Bryce is all about.
Transformed by the physical hardship of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Toxic Poisoning from his previous career as a boat builder, Bryce delivers a captivating presence, both on and off stage. His boundless passion converts dreams into reality; inspiring the listener with his life experience and obvious depth of character rarely seen to this extent, in this day and age.
There is no doubt Bryce is an interesting and excessively creative individual. His musical artistry inspires others through his haunting lyrics and beautiful melodies. His songs are gaining respect wherever they are heard.
Bryce is well known for his relentless work ethic and charisma and he certainly knows how to charm a crowd! Highlights of his musical career include performing before 18,000 people on the esteemed Bowl of Brooklands main stage in New Plymouth, support act for the legendary Paul Ubana Jones, Brian Platt, guest artist on a luxury cruise liner, in acoustic show cases, and festivals in both NZ and Australia.
Born in Nelson, New Zealand, Bryce began performing on the piano at the age of 5, where he studied classical piano up to Grade 6. His earliest significant performance was at the Nelson School of Music at the age of 9, where an elderly gentleman had a heart attack halfway through Bryce's performance of Beethovens’ Moonlight Sonata. With sheer focus and determination he kept playing, remembering his music teacher's advice: "If something goes wrong during a performance, you should never stop, no matter what." When the paramedics left the scene, Bryce finished the song and received a standing ovation.
This display of a 'never give up' attitude from an early age is what drives him today. In 2000, Bryce won an art teaching scholarship to attend Avondale University in NSW, Australia and applied his skills to mastering the acoustic guitar, which he now plays every day.
With a hunger to learn, he began to perform in pubs, university cafes, busking, church events and Open Mic nights where he developed his skills quickly. Later in 2003 he graduated with a double degree in Visual Arts and began teaching at a south Auckland high school.
His talent for song writing was confirmed when he started an Open Mic night at the "Suede Bar" in Auckland, where it was evident both writing and performing music was his true calling.
By the end of 2004, one of his dreams came true and Bryce embraced the opportunity to perform in the cocktail lounge on a $30 million dollar American luxury cruise liner as it explored the beautiful coasts of New Zealand for a month.
In the summer of 2005, Bryce joined forces with international award winning guitarist/producer Dale Willis www.dalewillis.com with whom Bryce’s self-titled first EP was recorded, and has since sold over 600 copies commercially, with only self-promotion and word of mouth to advertise it.
Now a full time musician, based in Taranaki, NZ, he organises/hosts "Live and Local" (Open Mic) at the Grumpy Mole Saloon and the annual "Live in the Orchard" acoustic show case at the prestigious Waiau Estate winery. www.waiauestate.co.nz
He enjoys teaching guitar and performs regularly at selected wineries, where he has been a regular support act for international Blues/Roots guitarist Paul Ubana www.paulubanajones.com
Bryce has performed at some of NZ's larger music festivals including Parachute Christian Music Festival, Festival of the Lights, Parihaka, Riverside Festival, and was selected as the support act for the legendary Brewster brothers (guitarists from the "Angels") in Taranaki in March 2007.
His new album "A Perfect Day for Travel" is the result of more than one full year of hard work and dedication. Recorded in Sydney, it features Dale Willis (guitars), Tim Burcham (drums), Leighton Heise (bass) and Aly Cook (backing vocals). So far it has gained favourable comments from both Robert James (Ganggajang/Yothuyindi), Paul Ubana Jones and one major label A & R rep, who asked to meet and see him perform in Sydney.
Currently Bryce is working towards joining forces with a record label and booking agents in Australia and New Zealand, and is ready to take the leap of faith and take his music to the next level.