King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Infest the Rats Nest (2019)
1st November 2024Toronto-born singer-songwriter Justin Low has become well known for his ability to craft introspective songs that strike an emotional chord within us all. He has collaborated with various artists and released two albums so far.
He was first exposed to soul and gospel music through singing at his father’s congregation in Oshawa. Later he connected with producers Jordan Evans and Matthew Burnett who helped shape his sound.
Born and raised in Toronto
Multi-platinum singer, songwriter and producer Leon Bridges has built his career across contemporary R&B’s wide spectrum: from soul to evocative rock; from intergalactic alternative music to understated pop. 2017 marked an exceptional year with two Juno Awards (one Grammy), plus featured appearances on late-night television.
Daniel Caesar’s debut LP Freudian explored young love’s turbulent waters while his follow-up record, Case Study 01, explored death, spirituality and absolution – two themes he delves deep into on Never Enough – an album dedicated to exploring our most profound emotional experiences.
Ashton Dumar Norwill Simmonds of Toronto hails from a church-influenced household, infusing his music with religious themes. This resonates in rousing slow jams and live performances where he often brings out choir singers and organists for performances.
Influenced by Frank Ocean
Once he had garnered enough fan loyalty through two EPs, Freudian became his breakthrough album in 2017 and saw instantaneous success, garnering him several Grammy and Juno nominations.
On this album, he draws from classic soul and the sensual sounds of D’Angelo for inspiration. While his lyrics often address heartbreak, his songs offer messages of hope and redemption.
Ocean’s impact on modern R&B can be felt throughout modern music. Many young artists cite him as an influence and his distinct sound has helped define R&B music today. Additionally, his influence can be seen in songs by Khalid and Caesar that use vocal techniques similar to Ocean’s (such as using high-pitched vocals with silent interludes).
Released his first EP in 2014
Caesar remains true to himself as both an independent artist and major label signee, making use of his intuitive process when writing music for Never Enough. The album showcases Caesar’s signature melodies, smooth yet straightforward lyrics and mellifluous falsetto – elements which all come together beautifully in his creative process.
As in his prior EPs, Toronto native Alexander Lee captures themes of love, loss and longing in his music. His unique sound fuses classic existential heartbreak soul with broken beats and dub space influences like Frank Ocean and Moses Sumney to create classic existential heartbreak soul tunes with dub space influences that keep listeners listening intently.
Apple Music Up Next artist Caesar delivers an exciting project filled with diverse and eclectic tracks, from funk-infected grooves of “Best Part” to Ty Dolla $ign-supported “Homiesexual.” Through this album he proves his mastery of genre experimentation; positioning him to become one of today’s smartest R&B artists.
Signed with IXXI Collective
As Toronto became a haven of austere R&B made popular by Drake and The Weeknd during the 2010s, Daniel Caesar stood apart. Born into a close-knit Seventh Day Adventist community, mainstream or secular music wasn’t part of his upbringing.
Freudian explored young love’s treacherous waters while CASE STUDY 01 delves deeper into death and spirituality, showing Caesar’s progression as an artist. From heartbreak songs to new beginnings songs he is captivating to listen to live.
He possesses an astoundingly versatile voice that ranges from an effortless falsetto to commanding tenor in an instant, which speaks volumes about his days spent singing gospel music choir-side and in performance venues alike.
Released his debut album in 2017
Caesar has quickly made his mark in the music industry despite being just 22. He has collaborated with notable artists such as H.E.R, Kali Uchis and Miguel; his thoughtful poetry and atmospheric melodies have won over many fans.
He gained critical acclaim with both of his EPs – Praise Break and Pilgrim’s Paradise – which earned critical praise. Freudian, his debut album release was then made available.
This piano driven project, inspired by gospel, serves as a tribute to his upbringing. The album explores themes such as love and religion while delving deeper into unrequited feelings as well as loneliness that many can identify with. Overall, this record offers a beautiful journey into all aspects of emotion that one may encounter throughout life.