After a year of studying theater at the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, Ross exited to join a national tour of Dear Evan Hansen, where they took the titular role from 2018-2019.

In 2020, they went on to star in the Kennedy Center’s production of “Next to Normal”and by 2021, they made their film debut in Netflix’s Tick..Tick..Boom!. Now, in 2022, Boychik’s artistry expands further into uncharted territory–filled with confidence, boldness and vulnerability–and much more.

These multi-disciplinary theatrical origins lay the foundation of Boychik, the musician, as they begin their ascend into music for the very first time. “Dust After Rest,” produced by Jake Luppen and Nathan Stocker (Hippo Campus), sees Boychik’s crystal clear vocals float over shimmering strings and keys that feels both dreamy and unapologetic–self-assured, but not without collecting some bruises along the way.

What do you think is the most important aspect of your life right now?

My sight. And my dog. 

What makes this song special in your opinion?

It’s special to me because writing it really helped get me out of a very stagnant place of crisis. It was also the first song I recorded with my friends Jake Nathan and Sam, and I think we all felt like we were onto something special after the first day. 

What inspired this track?

Mahler’s second symphony mostly. 

What are some of the core messages here?

Perspective is holy. And our existence is precious and finite. Take care. 

How do you think TikTok and social media are contributing to change an artist’s career?

I think the role social media plays in the life of an artist can be both negative and positive. On the one hand, it allows new artists the space to launch themselves into the world without needing the funding/support of a large corporation. But I think where it hurts independent artists is that there’s now this pressure to be constantly self promoting one’s work in an almost unnatural way. It puts a pressure on the artist to be an all around “personality” and branding machine rather than just a conduit for the work. But I dunno. It works for some. 

What excites you about your life?

The prospect of collaborating with other artists that I love and respect. Also just love in general. And admiring the passage of time. 

Photo – John Novotny @johnnovotny

Stylist –  Iliana Penichet-Ramirez @ilpr

Makeup – Grey Hoffman @grey__hoffman