Photography by Clarissa Villondo

DC-based electro-pop artist, Bryce Bowyn’s latest single, “Barbican” is a swirling synth-laden wonderland of a track and a testament to the ways in which we protect ourselves from heartbreak, yet feel the magnetic pull of falling for someone. His latest single is a dance floor anthem for those on the precipice of letting love back into their hearts. An advocate for LGBTQ+ rights + mental, Bowyn’s impact has extended far beyond the boundaries of conventional pop, showcasing his ability to juxtapose familiar late 2000s pop soundscapes with self-aware, cutting lyricism.

This track is a very wondrous track. What inspired the sonic landscape here?

Thanks! I was really inspired by ‘80s pop, especially synth pop, while making this whole record. I had Mylène Farmer on repeat right before I began writing —her music feels so delicate at first, but then you realize there are these huge, layered soundscapes underneath. I tried to capture that same vibe here.

When did you fall in love with the world of synths and incorporate them into your sound?

I got really into synths when I was a teenager. There’s just something about their cold, larger-than-life sound that really clicks with me. For ‘Barbican,’ I wanted to bring that icy, almost clinical vibe to help tell the story of locking yourself away emotionally to avoid getting hurt. Moises Zulaica totally brought that vision to life in the production.

Why Barbican as a title?

A Barbican is a gateway to a castle, and the idea of it really stuck with me after a trip to England last year. While visiting the old city walls of York, I learned they used to display the severed heads of traitors on the gates to intimidate enemies. It’s kind of dark, but I’ve always been obsessed with castles and horror, so that combination really spoke to me.

During that trip, I couldn’t shake this ‘ba-ba-barbican’ hook that popped into my head. I wanted this record to explore love and the process of overcoming heartbreak, and the metaphor of a walled fortress felt like the perfect way to capture that journey.

What do you want to say with your music ultimately?

I want people to dance, but more than that, I want them to really experience something when they listen to my music. I’m drawn to pop that feels like a rollercoaster of sounds, themes, and melodies—it’s at its best when it gets adventurous. That’s the kind of energy I aim for, and I hope people feel that same excitement when they hear my songs.

How do you protect yourself from heartbreak?

Honestly, I don’t really— and that’s part of the problem! ‘Barbican’ is all about building walls to protect yourself from getting hurt, but the downside is you’re also keeping people out. The song is really asking, ‘Can I let you in?’ Because giving your heart to someone means accepting the risk that they might break it.

What do you think we should do to help our mental health every day?

Touch grass and try to stay off the internet, even though it feels impossible. I always remind myself that everyone’s just doing their best, so it’s important to give people grace, especially yourself.

You have been a part of many charitable events so far. What was your favorite experience so far?

Playing at my hometown Pride was definitely a highlight. Growing up in a rural area, I didn’t have a Pride festival or visible queer community as a teen. This year’s theme was Pride Prom, and it was the biggest yet and raised money for PFLAG. I’m so grateful to the organizers for having me—it felt amazing to be part of something that gives young people an experience I never had growing up.