nico Bryant: Redefining the Sound of Soul
Nico Bryant has many names, each carrying a story and a distinct flavor of his journey. Some know him as Young Dynamic, others as 2thousand5, Marvin Jaye, or even Jethro Osmosis. He carries an assortment of identities, reflecting a broad range of experiences that he uses to paint his vibrant musical canvases. He is the founder of the soul music group SOULiloquy, and the driving force behind its debut album, a remarkable blend of vocals, beats, and words, shaping the course of contemporary soul music.
Born in Claymont, Delaware, Nico's journey has been underpinned by a rich musical lineage and an indomitable spirit. "Commissioned, the trailblazing group that helped launch the careers of Fred Hammond and Marvin Sapp, had a tremendous effect on me, specifically their reunion CD/video," he reminisces. Nico's fascination with music bloomed at an early age, with influence from his parents' band, DJ & Lisa, and Friends, which performed regularly at churches and cafes.
Nico Bryant
Nico's entrée into the world of music came in a rather unconventional manner. As he tells it, "I started playing drums and programming drum machines in 2005 at the age of 4. By the time I was 8, I was filling in for the band's drummer when he couldn't make gigs." However, his true calling came when he delved into the secular music scene in middle school, with influences ranging from Michael Jackson to Slum Village, OutKast, and A Tribe Called Quest.
Becoming a performer was a natural progression for Nico, nurtured by the overwhelming response to his performance of Michael Jackson's "Off The Wall" in his eighth-grade talent show. This experience catalyzed his songwriting journey, beginning with a love song he co-wrote that quickly became a school favorite.
The formation of SOULiloquy is a testament to Nico's dedication to collaboration and an innate sense for opportunistic moments. "SOULiloquy was officially formed in the fall of 2021," Nico explains. "When I first started at UArts, a mutual friend introduced me to Steve (stevedoesmusic). We ended up creating the song 'Remember (The September Song)' during our first session." The growth of SOULiloquy was nurtured during the 2020 pandemic with the third member Yoji, leading to multiple collaborations and, eventually, the birth of their first album, "Vol. 1". One of the album’s featured songs entitled “Fictional” has bee played on BBC Radio 1xtra.
An essential influence on Nico's music is the city of Philadelphia. Known for its rich history in soul and funk music, Philadelphia's vibrant music scene has deeply inspired Nico. He says, "The live music scene helped push me to create my live album 'Manifesto: Live In Philadelphia.' This inspiration transcended into his band, Nico Bryant & Vision Quest, receiving rave reviews and encouraging crowd response. The diversity of Philadelphia has also shaped Nico's creative practice. "Spending time in Philly and chopping it up with different musicians and creatives have definitely changed how I approach creating my music," he says. Nico is hopeful for the future and believes he could soon be at the forefront of the next big wave of music coming out of Philadelphia and Delaware.
As for advice for his past self, Nico reflects, "Embrace every opportunity. Seek out collaborations and connections. Always keep your passion for music at the forefront. The journey may be unpredictable, but it is worthwhile." Wise words from an artist shaping soul music's future, one note at a time.
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Photos by Lillie Cirino @lilliedphotography