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Meet Kenneth Bryan

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Meet Kenneth Bryan

July 14, 2025
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We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kenneth Bryan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kenneth, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Absolutely—I’ve definitely felt misunderstood at times throughout my career, especially in those early days when I was just finding my place in an industry that often prefers artists to fit into neatly defined categories. From the start, I’ve embraced blending genres—house, pop, hip hop, jazz, electronica—and I’ve always presented myself boldly, with individuality and a vocal style that’s uniquely my own. That kind of creative freedom didn’t always sit easily with everyone. There were moments when people weren’t quite sure how to define me. Some saw me as “just a dance artist,” while others overlooked the depth of my musical training, the range in my voice, or the care I put into songwriting.

One moment that really stays with me is when my track “Makes Me Hot” started gaining momentum on club charts around the world. DJs and fans connected with it instantly—it became something of an anthem. But within some corners of the industry, it was brushed off as a fluke or labeled “just a club track.” What many didn’t realize was that it wasn’t a one-off. It was part of a much bigger story I had been writing for years—going all the way back to “Day After Day” in the early ’90s. This wasn’t about chasing trends; I was building something lasting, something true to who I am as an artist.

What that experience taught me is this: when you’re creating something original—something that doesn’t quite look or sound like what’s already out there—there’s a chance people won’t immediately understand it. And that’s okay. Being misunderstood doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path; sometimes it means you’re just ahead of your time. That realization helped me stay rooted in my own vision and reminded me to let the work speak for itself. Over time, people began to recognize the artistry, the consistency, and the innovation I bring—not just as a vocalist, but as a producer, a performer, and a creative spirit.

I’ve come to truly appreciate being different. I’ve never quite fit the mold, and I’ve learned that’s actually my strength. Today, I feel like the world is finally beginning to embrace the very things that set me apart.

Kenneth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not know me yet—my name is Kenenth Kynt Bryan. I’m an artist, dancer-choreographer, performer, producer, educator, and actor, and everything I do is driven by a deep love for music and a mission to help reshape the way we experience entertainment. I’m not just here to perform—I’m here to uplift, to challenge norms, and to open up space for creativity that doesn’t fit inside the usual boxes.

My sound and style are rooted in passion and individuality. I draw inspiration from the soulful falsetto of legends like Sylvester, the fearless innovation of Stevie Wonder, and the undeniable star power of Michael Jackson. I strive to create music that doesn’t just fill a room—it stirs something in people. It makes you move, makes you feel, and sometimes, makes you think a little differently.

My journey began in 1992 with a demo called “Day After Day.” That early project—and the response it sparked—let me know I had something special to share with the world. Since then, I’ve poured my heart into making music that defies boundaries. Whether it’s an anthem like “Makes Me Hot” or the club energy of “We Can Work This Out,” my songs are built on freedom, emotion, and the kind of energy that gets under your skin—in the best way.

What I offer goes beyond just music. It’s a full experience. As a vocalist—nicknamed the “vocal assassin”—I bring haunting hooks, silky falsettos, and grooves that are as hypnotic as they are heartfelt. As a songwriter and producer, I pull from house, electronica, pop, hip hop, and jazz to create a sound that feels futuristic yet deeply rooted in the legacy of Black musical brilliance. On stage, I blend fashion, movement, and pure authenticity to connect with audiences in a way that’s bold and real. And in film and television, I continue to grow and push myself, with performances alongside icons like Robert De Niro and appearances in shows like Claws and Queer As Folk.

What truly sets me apart is my versatility—and my refusal to be boxed in. I’ve built my brand around embracing everything that makes me different: my queerness, my artistry, my boldness. In an industry that often encourages conformity, I’ve made it my mission to stay grounded in who I am and to create space for others to do the same. My work encourages people to live out loud, to dance without apology, and to find strength in their uniqueness.

I’m especially proud of my longevity—and of how far my music has traveled. From underground clubs in Brazil to festival stages across Europe and screens throughout America, my work has touched people from all walks of life. And truly, I feel like I’m only getting started.

So to potential fans, collaborators, and creative partners—just know this: Kynt isn’t a passing trend. I’m a movement. I’m here to inspire you, move you, and remind you of the power that art has to break rules, build bridges, and change lives. This isn’t just music. This is a revolution. And I would love for you to be a part of it.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. My creative journey has always been driven by a deep mission: to use my voice, art, and visibility to empower the marginalized, break boundaries in music, and prove that authenticity is power. I’m also a Black, openly gay artist—and that identity shapes not just my sound, but my purpose.

When I first stepped into this industry, I faced intense resistance. Being a Black LGBTQ artist creating house and dance music in a city known more for bounce and jazz didn’t fit the mold. I was told I wouldn’t make it. I was mischaracterized, called names, rejected by labels that wanted my sound but not my image. But I refused to dim my light. I pushed forward—not just for myself, but for every artist who’s ever been told they’re “too different” to succeed.

That mission—to bring visibility and validation to queer artists, to stand tall in my truth, and to represent the overlooked—is what fuels me. I want my music to be a safe space, a celebration, and a rally cry all at once. My roots in New Orleans, my connection to the community, and my love for global rhythms—from Latin to house to pop—all play a role in shaping my art into something that transcends borders and binaries.

What truly sets me apart is that I’m not here to chase trends—I’m here to build a legacy. From the very beginning, I’ve been committed to creating something lasting, something meaningful. I’ve had the honor of collaborating with incredibly talented dj/remixer/producers from all around the world (Many with Billoard Magazine charting hits) —Germany, France, Jalisco, Canada, Brazil, Colombia, Portugal, Mexico, Chile, Estonia, London, Japan—the list goes on. And it all started from my hometown of New Orleans, long before this kind of global collaboration was even part of the conversation.

I’ve been so grateful to see my music embraced by legends I’ve long admired—icons like Roger Sanchez and Junior Vasquez—and by some of my absolute favorite DJs across the globe. My songs have charted on platforms like iTunes and Beatport, made their way onto club playlists worldwide, and continue to receive love in both club rotations and on radio.

Having my songs reach top sales and downloads across so many platforms, landing music licensing and distribution deals, and being signed to respected labels has truly been a dream come true. These milestones aren’t just career achievements—they’re deeply personal moments that reflect years of passion, persistence, and belief in my vision.

One moment that I’ll never forget is the sense of accomplishment I felt when my track “Makes Me Hot” was signed to EMI Germany’s compilation Instinct – Love and Pride Vol. 1. The Club Sound Station – BluRadio, beautifully mixed by DJ Mikey Friedman. It was such a powerful affirmation of my work. What made it all even more meaningful was the timing—it was released shortly after Hurricane Katrina. In a time of loss and uncertainty, that release felt like a reminder that creativity, resilience, and joy still had a place.

Moments like that continue to remind me why I do this—not just for the recognition, but for the connection. For the healing. For the legacy.

Beyond music, I’ve been fortunate to step into the worlds of film, television, and commercials—sharing scenes with incredible talents like Morgan Freeman, Josh Hutcherson, Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone, Jared Leto, Emma Roberts, Matthew McConaughey, Scott Bakula, Niecy Nash, and so many other inspiring, groundbreaking artists. Each of those moments has been a blessing, and a reminder of the power of showing up authentically.

Through it all, I’ve stayed grounded in one simple mission: to be a light for those who are still finding theirs. Whether it’s through music, performance, or simply standing in my truth, I hope to encourage others to embrace who they are, shine in their own way, and know that their voice matters.

At the heart of it all, my goal is simple but powerful—to create music that moves people, that affirms identity, and that reminds every listener: you belong, you matter, and your story is worth telling. That’s why I do what I do.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

As someone who has spent decades navigating the music and arts industry, I believe that building a truly thriving creative ecosystem requires intentional support, inclusivity, and infrastructure that recognizes the value of diverse voices. I’ve seen firsthand the obstacles that artists—especially LGBTQ+ and BIPOC creatives—face simply for daring to express their truth.

First and foremost, society must fund the arts consistently and equitably. Artists don’t just entertain; we tell stories, preserve culture, challenge injustice, and uplift communities. Yet so many of us are forced to operate without adequate resources or platforms. Grants, residencies, public commissions, and equitable funding for schools and community programs are vital to nurturing future generations of creatives.

Second, we need to create safe and inclusive spaces—physically and socially—where artists from all backgrounds can be seen, heard, and supported. For too long, artists like myself who fall outside the “mainstream” mold have been told we don’t belong. Early in my career, I was told I wouldn’t make it because I was Black, gay, and didn’t fit into the cultural expectations of my city. Even when my music topped charts internationally, I was often overlooked locally. This kind of marginalization is deeply harmful to creativity.

Support also means celebrating artists in our own communities, not just after they “make it” elsewhere. For example, New Orleans has always inspired me—from the rhythms in the streets to the vibrant cultural traditions rooted in African, French, Spanish, and Creole heritage. But electronic dance music isn’t always embraced here, and that’s taught me how important it is for local communities to uplift all genres and expressions—not just the ones they’re used to.

Collaboration is another cornerstone. Artists need to be connected—not isolated. My collaborations with producers from Latin America, dancers, and global record labels have expanded my artistry and enriched my sound. These creative bridges strengthen not only the work but the communities behind them.

Lastly, society must recognize that representation matters. Supporting artists means supporting visibility—on stages, in galleries, on airwaves, and in leadership. When people see someone who looks, loves, or creates like them thriving, it sparks possibility. I’ve spent my career showing up fully as myself—Black, queer, outspoken—and I’ve used that visibility to pave the way for others. That, to me, is the heart of a thriving creative ecosystem: when everyone has the right and the support to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

If we invest in that vision, we won’t just be supporting artists—we’ll be investing in a more vibrant, inclusive, and inspired world.

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Kenneth Kynt Bryan

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