"Rainy Weather," Bryce Hedtke's debut single from his upcoming album, was released on April 5. Sing It Anyway, which will be released to the public on May 3, pays tribute to the recent events in Hedtke's life and the meaningful connections with the people who make life worth living. (Photo by MBT Photography)

Bryce Hedtke's passion for piano began at his grandmother's house, where he played on her basement piano. As his interest in music grew, the piano was moved to his current home in Eau Claire, where it has remained ever since.

Fast forward to today — Bryce Hedtke, a soon-to-be Memorial High School graduate, now multi-sport athlete with a UW-Madison acceptance letter in hand, has become a budding musician on the brink of releasing his debut EP, Sing It Anyway.

Sing It Anyway, which will be released to the public on May 3, pays tribute to the recent events in Hedtke's life and the meaningful connections with the people who make life worth living, he said. With support from Halliewood Recording Company, the artist has been influenced by folk and country musicians from a young age, he said.

"Rainy Weather," Bryce Hedtke's debut single from his upcoming album, was released on April 5. The single was inspired by audiences at Hedtke's live shows throughout the Chippewa Valley over the past year.

Hedtke's performance philosophy? Even if new listeners don't know the words, they should ‘sing it anyway.’ A mantra heard at many of his previous shows and events — and a staple at his favorite venues — backyard concerts. Soon, these words of encouragement and acceptance would become the centerpiece of his EP title.

Album cover.

“We did decide on Sing It Anyway, because of how much it meant to me and my upbringing through the music industry,” Hedtke said. “Music brings people together.”

The opening track, "93," evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of evenings spent around a campfire with friends, he said. Spending time with his friends and family bolstered Hedtke's confidence in making his own music, making nights like these irreplaceable.

“I would not trade those moments for anything,” Hedtke said. “My friends and my music are the things that say ‘you were made to do this.’ You were meant to write these songs that (embody) who you are.”

The artist combined everything meaningful to him through the remaining songs in the EP and hoped he conveyed those feelings in a way listeners would enjoy.

Listen closely to “God Damned,” and you might just hear familiar voices amidst the ending lyrics — a recording from a performance at The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen (402 Graham Ave., first floor, Eau Claire) — full of shared energy and unforgettable music.

The release party for Sing It Anyway will be held on May 3 at Bemis Bluff Winery (E2960 Hageness Rd, Eleva), located just south of Eau Claire. This summer, he will also be opening for Chris Kroeze and Darryl Worley, continuing a string of performances.

“The fact that I can bring people together for two hours, and they can forget everything else that’s good, wrong, or indifferent in their life, truly means the absolute world to me,” Hedtke said.

Bryce Hedtke’s “Rainy Weather” is available to listen on all major streaming platforms. Stay up to date with upcoming performances online through Facebook (@bryce.hedtke.31).