For a number of you, Bryce Vine is going to be a new name. He's been making music for four years now but the LA artist had a landmark year last year with Drew Barrymore which sparked his first appearance on the US Billboard Hot 100. Mixing rap and singing, Vine has become a purveyor of sunny, personal songs that have already soundtracked plenty of people's summers.
Vine sits in the hip-hop world and pays homage to favourites like Outkast and Tupac but like many artists of his generation, he's inspired by early '00s pop/punk heroes like Blink-182. As a result, there's a melodic punk edge to a lot of his music which pulls him out of one particular genre.
Following collaborations with Wale and YG, he popped out his debut project this year Carnival, continuing that sunny aesthetic. Including production by one half of pop heroes Pop & Oak (Rihanna, Kehlani, Alessia Cara), Oak Felder, and consistent collaborator Sir Nolan (Demi Lovato, LANY, Rita Ora), he presented a charismatic debut that let us into Vine's world.
For those who have just joined with Carnival, we've put together a list of his essential tracks to get you up to speed.
Classic & Perfect
Classic & Perfect is the opening song on Carnival and it's a laid-back love song to a girl that would surely win anyone over. "Move like wine in a swimming pool / Nice day for another dive," he sings with that now trademark cheekiness. Production duties on this one fall with Sir Nolan alongside Aaron Z who has worked with Tinashe and Bebe Rexha.
Control (With Feder, feat. Dan Caplen)
Showing his versatility, Vine has also notched up hits in the dance world. On Control he teamed up with French producer Feder and vocalist Dan Caplen for an electronic smash. It's one of Feder's most streamed songs and also once of Vine's biggest tracks in Europe.
La La Land (Feat. YG)
La La Land had a big job coming hot off the heels of Drew Barrymore but it was another hit for Vine. As the name suggests, it's a West Coast cut with a beat that's as laid-back as Cali. When it comes to West Coast rappers right now, there's one name in particular that springs to mind and that's YG who pops up for some smooth bars here.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore is Vine's breakthrough. Julia Michaels has a co-write on this one and if you look at her discography you'll know that she rarely misses. It's a swirling, hypnotic love song that obviously name checks a Charlie's Angel fave. The pair are yet to come face-to-face but surely it will happen soon.
I'm Not Alright
I'm Not Alright is another dance collab for Vine, this time teaming up with Loud Luxury who scored a massive hit in Australia with Body. This one feels more like a Vine remix, allowing him to lay-down his characteristic sound in the verses before Loud Luxury come through with their bass-heavy sound.
Sour Patch Kids
This ones for the day ones. Sour Patch Kids featured on his debut EP Lazy Fair. Vine's always been tapped into that West Coast sound and it's no different here. It's stacked with carefree vibes and even without the sheen of his most recent cuts, it'll put a smile on your face.
