Meet Bryant Siono | Music Director/Producer & Restaurant Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bryant Siono and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bryant, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I have always believed that opportunity is actually spelled (RISK). Opportunities appear in our lives constantly. Do we wanna step out of our comfort zone and get a bit uncomfortable? I tend to live my life in that uncomfortable state more than half of the time. I believe if you’re scared and have doubts, then you’re probably headed in the right direction. Take the risk, is what I tell myself. We’ve heard it time and time again. No risk no reward. Easier said than done. Taking the risk is where all the gains are. People ask me, how did you do this? How did you do that? What did your process look like? I Just took the risk and started the process. There really is no formula to it. One thing will lead you to another and the next thing will catapult you to where you need to be.

Taking risks has played a big role in my overall life and career. Honestly, I tend to go all in every time. I know that sounds crazy. The reason I go all in is because there will be moments when I WILL get overwhelmed, I WILL feel like quitting and I WILL get discouraged. But I’m all in! Even if I wanted to quit I can’t. It forces me to stay in the game and finish what I started. The lesson is in the process.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been blessed to do so many things I love. Music popped into my life at the age of 8 years old. I took a piano lesson at my church and that was it. I knew this is where I belong. I wasn’t into sports or playing video games as a kid. So when I first played that piano it all clicked. I knew this was that thing that I needed to grab a hold of. By the age of 10 I knew how to play most instruments. It all made sense to me. I only took piano lesson for a short period of time, but it didn’t matter. I could just hear things in my head and was able to play what I was hearing. Developed a great ear for music early on. As a kid I was exposed to so much diversity in music. My brother and I loved to listen to R&B and Hip Hop while my uncles that lived with us listed to artist like (Tears For Fears, Duran Duran, The Police) just to name a few. Music was coming at me from all angles. So grateful for that. I finally landed playing the bass guitar. I really fell in love with this instrument. The power that instrument holds is deep. It controls the whole feel of the music. Once I understood that, I knew this was what I wanted to be (a bass player). Little did I know it was going to take me all around the world. I been fortunate to play and be the musical director for artist like ( J LO, Backstreet Boys, Prince, Kelly Roland, Tori Kelly, Estelle) just to name a few. At first I was just playing the bass for artist. I quickly developed the skills to be musical director. That means I was not only in charge of the band, but also coming up with all the musical arrangements for the whole tour for these artist. I had to learn to be a leader. There was so much involved in being the musical director. Now I’m creating these arrangement that have to go hand in hand with video content, dance choreography, pyro technics and all sort of things. Was overwhelming at time. I had to do all that and do it at a high level under pressure. No matter what, it has to get done. That’s when I learned the strength in having a team. I learned the importance of building the right team and band. No one can do it alone at that high level. It all clicked one day. I need to hire people who are really good at all the things I’m not. I didn’t need to duplicate myself. I just needed the people that excelled where I fall short. I learned how to see peoples strengths and put them in position. Next thing you know we had THE DREAM TEAM. Did the same thing for the branding and growth of my restaurant. Built the right team. If there is one thing I’ve learned along the way. Is you have to have the right team. Everyone plays an intricate roll.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Good food is always a must when hosting friends from out of town. I believe food is just like music. It’s an extension of who you are. There’s something to be said if you’re willing to break bread with people. All great conversations start with music and food. LA is full of incredible restaurants and great places to hang out. I tend to go to the hole in wall restaurants. Mom and Pop spots is where it’s at. Yes there are many amazing popular restaurants that are trending. But my soul is in those magical hole in the walls. That’s where you find generations of flavors that can’t be recreated. I always start by taking friends to my place (Tacos Y Que). It allows me to express myself without saying anything. It’s defiantly a way I want people to know me, (through food & music) That’s how I express myself. But there are a few places that’s a must try in my opinion. Sala Thai in San Gabriel Ca is in my top 3 restaurant in LA. This place is very special. not your average Thai restaurant. order the Cat Fish, Chinese Broccoli with crispy pork belly and the Spicy Mint Fried Rice. Those are my go to’s. but honestly everything is amazing. Higo Peruvian Sushi is another incredible restaurant. The Ceviche Tiradito will blow your mind. And of course IN-IN-OUT. Californias very own. I actually grew up just a few blocks away from the original IN-IN-OUT. It never disappoints. I order mine this way (Double Double with Whole Grilled Onions and Chopped Chillies. Try it!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people in my life who have played major rolls in my growth as an individual and a business man. People that are consistently in my life and people who pop in periodically with nuggets of the right information. People like Gabriel Alvarez (GA Design) and Benny Medina (Manager to the stars) have been very influential in my business life. I’ve learned an abundance from these guys. As far as love, support and encouragement my wife (Aurora Siono) had gone above and beyond. I wouldn’t be half the man I am if I didn’t have her by my side. Also a huge shout out to my team at my restaurant (TACOS Y QUE). They have had my back since day one and continue to support not only me but the business as well. Having a team that belives in your vision is the biggest form of support and love. Thank you TYQ team.

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