Bytes finds his rhythm in Globe-Miami community

From the Miami Fiesta to the Globe-Miami Farmer’s Market, the sound of “jazzy rock” has been entertaining locals all over the community. Musician Bruce Bytes moved to the area nearly three years ago and has been making his way onto the local music scene. 

Bytes said he initially moved to the area for a temp job at the hospital and ended up staying. He said he found a nice, cheap place for rent, which allowed him to focus on his music. He said family in Phoenix and Tucson are still close by, plus he likes the calm weather, and that it’s a “nice, chill place.” 

Before moving to Miami, he lived in a few different places, including Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Colorado. 

This self-taught musician said he started playing music about six years ago. He started off on guitar and explored music theory, and plays different genres because of that. He said he’s also learning keyboard and piano.

Bytes plays a lot of original music and describes it as “upbeat, jazzy rock or a jazz fusion.” He said he also plays lots of covers from the 1990s and 2000s. 

Most recently, Bytes has been playing with The Band Imagine. He said the band uses lead sheets with a chord pattern, but that he is working on learning to read sheet music. He said that not initially learning note-by-note helped him with feeling more free with his music. 

With his music, Bytes provides the soundtrack for many community events. He said he reaches out to places or events, and offers to play. 

Patrons at the Globe Active Adult Center were recently entertained by Bytes during lunch. He said he played some Elvis, oldies, and original jazz, and that the crowd seemed to enjoy it. 

While he said he hasn’t had much luck with too many local venues who “seem to want classic rock or country,” he finds ways to keep busy. Bytes recently joined the Globe-Miami Jazz Band, and has more events scheduled with The Band Imagine. 

He also does events in Superior with Regenerating Sonora and sometimes travels down to perform at Tempe and Mesa kava bars. “There’s been so much fun stuff going on.” He also said he has a group of solo artists that plays together for events and provides what the venues are wanting. 

A venture that Bytes is excited about is putting out a new EP. He said he recently got new recording equipment and will be working on it. He released his first EP “Scaredy Cat” in March – it features four original songs and is available on all major streaming platforms.

Another endeavor Bytes is excited about is teaching guitar lessons. He said he has had success with clients in Mesa and is open to helping others learn how to play. For lessons or event scheduling, he may be contacted at brucebytesmusic@gmail.com, or may be reached on his Facebook or Instagram pages. 

Bytes is having fun doing what he loves and hopes to share his passion for music with others.