Singer-songwriter Bryce Fleming holds the notes in her own story as she defies the stereotypes she has faced as an artist.

Fourth-year music industry student Fleming released her single “Pretty Till I Don’t Play Nice” after winning a contest through a music industry course that gave her the opportunity to work with InRage Entertainment, she said. Fleming added that the song was inspired by how she often felt that people made assumptions about her character and artistry. This latest release was a way to express the idea of never judging somebody superficially while using the sounds of old-school R&B, she said.

“I always wanted to write a song that says ‘never judge a book by its cover,’” Fleming said. “I was coming from a point of feeling a little pissed off, unseen and not understood.”

Although the song was born from a place of irritation, she said she now views it as a more playful response to those assumptions. As an artist, she said she likes to experiment with different writing styles, and this song specifically was able to reflect an earlier experience where she gained confidence from contradicting previous beliefs. Fleming said this was the first time she worked with industry professionals, which allowed her to take advantage of all the resources they had to offer.

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She said she built a comfortable working relationship with the InRage Entertainment team and set clear boundaries and guidelines to protect the integrity of her work and artistry. This included being thorough with contract reading, setting expectations with the songs and standing up for what she wanted out of the experience, she said. During this writing process, she said she was able to be more involved in the production aspect of the song.

“(I) made a pact with myself: don’t lose your ground, stand up for your work, get your credits,” Fleming said. “The biggest takeaway from the whole process itself was the overall confidence … (It) made me way more confident in the sounds that I wanted.”

Standing up for her artistic integrity is deeply rooted in her childhood, Fleming said. She said she was raised to stand up for herself, which has permeated how she approaches the business side of music. Fleming said it is important for her to ask questions and test the trust of the collaboration, as that helps her feel authentic as an artist.

Her time at UCLA has provided her with a community of people who connect with her work and opened opportunities for meaningful conversations, she said. Although Fleming did not grow up in a musical family, nor was she formally trained, she said the support from fellow musicians has helped her gain confidence in her craft. The passion and perspective that she gains from the people around her drive her to try new things and to explore the bounds of her music.

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Paix Auslander, a friend of Fleming’s and a fourth-year musicology student at UCLA, has grown to know Fleming over the past four years. He said throughout that time, he has watched her artistry evolve. As an artist, he said her range is incredible, as it encompasses both strength and emotion. While she is performing, her personality and passion are evident and the audience is fully trusting because of her confidence, he added.

“When Bryce steps on stage … you feel you’re being well taken care of,” Auslander said. “We know where we’re going, and we’re going to do it with style, and it’s going to be a comfortable arrival. It’s going to be a safe flight, no bumps, no nothing. You just kind of get to enjoy the trip.”

Nikhil Kumra, a fourth-year music industry student and Fleming’s friend, said along with her captivating stage presence and powerful vocal runs, Fleming is able to inspire people around her to grow as musicians. He added that he experienced her support, which guided him out of his comfort zone. Kumra said among a talented group of students in their major, he has only heard positive and supportive things from everyone about Fleming.

In an industry that often binds artists into a genre of music, Fleming said she is drawn to multiple styles, including pop, country, R&B and classic rock. Through her music, she said she is able to understand that she does not need to be forced into one genre but that she can continue to explore different musical inspirations, such as artists Stevie Nicks, Christina Aguilera and Taylor Swift.

With her music, she said she makes sure to not add pressure when she is feeling stuck in her process. Fleming said when writing, she closely reflects on her life and emotions, reminiscing on her experiences. She said she finds it important to trust herself and her abilities and feel the inspiration for her songs in her soul, as it is vital to be authentic and to focus on being completely herself.

“I try to calm my heart and trust the process,” she said. “It hasn’t failed me yet.”