24 Hours in New York with Bryce Alakai
After spending the summer offline, the Love Island USA champion returned to a viral Ty Dolla $ign remix and a sold-out tour
Bryce Alakai returned from Fiji to discover that two sides of his career had taken off while he was inside the Love Island USA villa. The series made him one of its most popular contestants as the season became Peacock’s most-watched debut, generating roughly 2.3 billion viewing minutes in two weeks.
At the same time, his tech-house remix of Ty Dolla $ign’s “Blasé” spread online, with teasers surpassing 24 million views before Atlantic released the track in July. The attention built on a career already underway. The Los Angeles producer had held residencies at Insomniac and Mesa, released music since 2022, and shared lineups with John Summit, Carlita, and Don Toliver. After signing with UTA, he launched his first North American headline tour in August.
VMAN spent 24 hours with him as he took on New York for the day!
“So excited to be in one of the greatest cities in the world, New York City, this week to experience all my favorite things, sports, fashion, and, of course, play some music!”
“Love to start the day off with some music. Spotted this piano at my hotel and thought I’d take it for a spin.”
“Have to pick up a quick snack with a New York classic, street meat!”
“Growing up in LA, it is so fun to experience the fast pace and electric energy of New York. While I’m a West Coast guy at heart, I always love to visit this city.”
“Attended one of my favorite sporting events of the year, the US Open! I’ve always been a huge fan of tennis and feel so lucky to watch some of the goats play in person. Special shoutout to Coco Gauff, she’s incredible.”
“Time to shift gears and head to some NYFW events. I had the pleasure of attending the Rag and Bone event along with NYLON Nights, where I got to meet one of my idols, Chris Lake.”
“A moment I have been waiting for since announcing my North American tour, playing the legendary Webster Hall. Seeing my name on the marquee next to ‘sold out’ still feels so surreal, and I am so grateful.”
“Before the show, I always take a moment to fully take it all in and soak up the moment. I never take any of this for granted.”
“Getting in some last-minute prep for the show with my partner in crime.”
“So lucky to have the love and support from all the fans and also incredible athletes and artists that I look up to and have so much respect for.”
“The first person I’d want by my side at the booth. Trinity’s support means everything to me, and the energy she brings to the shows is next level.”
“New York City turned up! The energy in the room was incredible, and it was a night I’ll remember forever.”
“Once I start playing and get into a rhythm, I really feel at home on stage. It’s my favorite place to be.”
“This crowd was unreal. Nothing fuels me more as a performer than having a room full of people that love electronic music as much as I do. I feel so grateful to everyone who showed up, some even making the trip from out of town.”
“New York!! What a night! Thank you so much, and I hope to see you all at the next one!”
Styling Christopher Campbell
Photography Paul George & Yotto Agency
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