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Following the success of his breakout single “I’d Rather Pretend” and the release of his debut EP, VANITY, rising singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and alternative outlier Bryant Barnes, collaborates with fellow Houston, TX native, 19-year-old visionary artist, d4vd, for a new version of his breakthrough hit “I’d Rather Pretend.” The song is out now via Mercury Records/Universal Music Canada.

“I’d Rather Pretend” quickly became one of Bryant Barnes’ most popular songs with a tidal wave of viral engagement. Upon release it crashed the Top 20 of Billboard’s RnB Songs Chart peaking at #13. Simultaneously it gained nearly 40 million global streams as the debut ep VANITY, charted at #13 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart and #10 Apple Music RandB Albums Chart.

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Now, Barnes delivers an incredible new version of “I’d Rather Pretend,” with d4vd who brings a new energy to the emotive ballad as his higher register floats over the melancholy cello strums. Bryant’s vocals flutter over a piano driven track as he wrestles with mixed feelings as he exhales, “I want to love you but I’m scared, so I’d rather pretend.” It makes a huge statement as the two Houston natives trailblaze momentum for the region's impact in Alt-Pop.

Bryant Barnes shared about the collaboration, “I’m really grateful for how “I’d Rather Pretend” is going. I hit the Billboard charts. I’m just really grateful that it’s been going up and I have the remix with d4vd. I’ve been wanting to work with d4vd for a while, even when he first began music because growing up he lived like 10 minutes away from me in my hometown. So it really just made a lot of sense to collaborate and I’m glad that we’re able to get on “I’d Rather Pretend” together.”

“I loved working with Bryant,” d4vd added. “This was a collab for the fans. Our fans were both spamming us to work with each other, so we knew we had to get it done. Hopefully we do some more together in the future too.”

Bryant Barnes paved the way for his 7-track debut written and produced by himself and others with "Give Me A Sign," a genre-blending alternative pop track that has amassed over 9 million global streams. Praised for its unique fusion of lo-fi pop and alternative RandB, OnesToWatch predicted it would define the summer, calling Barnes a rising force in RandB. Preceding this success, “Don’t Want A Love Song” exploded with 16 million global streams and 3 million video views, with outlets like Rated RandB commending its melancholic, acoustic-driven exploration of unrequited love. Closing out 2023, Barnes released “Adore You – Acoustic,” showcasing his raw vocal talent, while his first song ever “Adore You” continues to gain momentum across streaming platforms. Acclaimed by critics such as Music andamp; Fashion Blog and Banger of the Day, Barnes is recognized for his standout vocal tone, songwriting, and undeniable "IT" factor.

Check out the full tracklisting below. Experience VANITY now!

VANITY EP Tracklisting:
1. Give Me A Sign
2. Want You All The Time
3. Don’t Let it Be U
4. I’d Rather Pretend
5. Don’t Want A Love Song
6. Adore You
7. Universe