WATCH: The South’s own emerging star impresses judges in The Voice

A LOCAL songster is shining on national TV, impressing audiences and putting the South on the map. Bryce MacMillan (28) from Townsview chats to the COURIER about his involvement in the popular music TV show, The Voice.

When did you join The Voice?

I was away for my brother’s birthday late November 2016 and woke up on the Sunday to find all of them had packed up and were taking me to The Voice auditions. I did the prelim auditions and got through to the blind auditions, which were pre-recorded in December – which is when I made it onto The Voice SA Season 2.

What is it that you need to do in order to be part of the team?

You put together an audition song and you perform it on stage to four coaches who all have their backs towards you, so they can only judge you on your voice. The goal is to perform with all your heart and to get the coaches to turn for you. Lira turned for me in my first line.

Given the popularity of The Voice, has it sunk into you that you could be a winner?

It hasn’t sunk in yet, no. Haha. It’s all so unreal and unbelievable to be part of the show. Personally I’d like to take it one step – no, one performance – at a time.

What is it that you do or need to do to enhance your chances to win?

Firstly, hard work and dedication. Performing each song as if it’s your last and putting every ounce of vocal ability into it. Showing every bit of uniqueness that you have as an artist. Gaining a good following is also important, so image is another big factor. Mostly just sing for the love of music. After all, a passion is a dream waiting to be achieved.

Is Lira your coach? How is your working relationship with her so far in the competition?

Yes, Lira is my coach, which I am so happy about – I had my hopes set on her from the get go. It is absolutely incredible working with Lira. She is firstly an amazing artist to look up to and learn from and secondly just an incredible person filled with so much knowledge and passion that she has no problem at all sharing. Amped to be working with her!

Tell us about your family life in the South of Johannesburg.

Well I happen to have quite a large family: mom (Terry), dad (Bruce) and four brothers (Jared, Wayde, Trent and Aaron). I have lived most of my life in Townsview, South of Johannesburg. Grew up in a very loving home with a family that has always supported my dreams. My mom was in music before me so she inspired me into my music career and ever since my family have been there, every second, every song.

Where do you work?

I am a partner in an Interactive Drumming company called Brothers In Beat. We do corporate year-ends and team-building shows, as well as school fundraiser shows where we try to raise funds for schools at the same time. Especially seeing as though most government schools don’t have music programmes anymore. We also do private events and birthdays etc.

WATCH: Bryce wows the judges with his rendition of So Sick 

What are your future plans?

My future plans are to obviously become an established recording and performing artist. But other than that, I would love to eventually open my own studio and start my own record label so that I can hopefully give up-and-coming artists the opportunities that I never had. I would also like to get Brothers in Beat’s self-designed djembe drum into underprivileged children’s hands, as well as to promote musicianship within the youth.

Tell us about your schooling life in the South (primary/secondary/tertiary)

I attended quite a few schools in my youth; there was a period when we moved a bit. Primary schools were Highveld Primary and Farrarmere Primary. High schools – I attended Jeppe Boys and then had enough of normal schooling and begged my parents to go to The National School of the Arts in Braamfontein. I got accepted and studied vocals, performing arts, musical theory, piano and dabbled in some acting and dance here and there. I ended off my studies at Boston City Campus and Soul Candi where I studied audio engineering and digital production and composition. I passed with three distinctions and was given the award for the top student in the country.

What is your passion? And if it is for music, then what type of music is your favourite?

Everything music has always been my passion! Growing up I listened to a lot of pop and RnB and then my tastes broadened and I started listening to jazz, blues, rock, hip-hop and house. I love all genres of music. My absolute favourites are house (I mean SA house is the best!), hip-hop, RnB and a lot of commercial music as well.

What made you enter The Voice and who encouraged you or pushed you to do this?

I’ve tried out for other competitions before but it wasn’t until I saw The Voice that I got really amped to try out. I have been trying to break into the industry for so long just like a lot of SA artists have been. The Voice just gives any artist such an amazing platform to work with. I loved the concept of the show from the very first episode I watched. I got encouraged by all my family and friends to finally do it. So when they packed up their stuff and told me they were taking me to audition I just went for it and gave it my all. And here we are…haha.

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