Boyfrnd Releases EP "Road 2 Hollywood"

Local R&B artist Boyfrnd released his first EP Road 2 Hollywood on the last day of February, with an array of passion-themed songs to enjoy whether your love month ended in puppy love or heartbreak. It’s a solid first project to get a taste of what the artist has to offer, and the potential for what he’s sure to deliver in the future leaves you ready for another album by the end. Which is certain to come, because his biggest inspiration as an artist is simply life.

“I have an easy time interpreting my life and experiences through love songs. Love is such a broad spectrum, and for me, I believe I can tell any story through the R&B genre,” said Boyfrnd.

Whether performing or creating, Boyfrnd commands a strong team. The Road 2 Hollywood cover art was created by the artist’s younger sister, Alaska Bolds. The project was exclusively mixed and mastered by his friend Jordan Thomas (J.Imprrov), and Valentine Abwavo and Shelton Pittman were involved in the songwriting process for some of the tracks. Debuting his live backing band Friday on a Saturday Nite at the Volumes Lofi & Chill 4 show Mar. 3, Boyfrnd plans to continue working with this creative team, including artists Cheat Code Debarge and Donny Tran.

“I believe good music finds all, and if someone is in need of a certain vibe or topic from a song, it will find them,” said Boyfrnd. “Many times I've stumbled across gems on my streaming service of choice, and those songs stay with me always. I feel like if the songs find you, you have a deeper connection with said song and artist.”

There are a lot of raw and vulnerable moments and topics on Road 2 Hollywood that open a door between the artist and his audience. Connection is certainly a fitting buzzword all around. Boyfrnd’s personal favorite track, “Selfish,” really represents this message and pushes the boundary of sharing universal feelings we’re not always comfortable speaking on.

“I love how naked the song is and the instrumentation of it all. Also, I feel as though I am vulnerable during the track, and it leaves me open to be seen as fragile and somewhat mentally dependent on someone's love and loyalty in order to remain in a healthy state love life wise,” said Boyfrnd.

The 9-song album is a smooth, 24-minute listen that you can give several listen-throughs either actively or in the background. Boyfrnd is already planning more releases featuring other Athens artists if you like what you hear.

Be sure to follow Boyfrnd on Instagram for updates.