Discovering Toronto’s R&B scene

As a lover of R&B music, I am always looking for new albums and new artists to look out for.  I think there is something so special about the genre, with the harmonious background vocals, the lyrics that capture feelings often hidden and ignored, and the instrumentation that hits you straight in the heart. Growing up in Toronto, of course, I was always hearing R&B by the likes of Drake and PND, amongst others. I love my city and all that it has to offer,  the diverse cuisine, the amazing people, and the hustle and bustle of downtown. Some of my best memories are of my friends and I taking a casual stroll in the summertime as we feel a gentle breeze with gelato melting and making our hands sticky. Marrying these two loves of mine comes quite easily and motivates me to share with others as I want them to love it as much as I do. While Toronto may not be the first city people think to when they think of R&B, it has made quite an impact and has quite a few underrated artists who make beautiful music that reflects the beautiful city. To share some of my favourites, I chose six albums that showcase some of the talents that came straight from the six, in the hopes that others can learn to love them as much as I do.

1. Never Enough — Daniel Caesar 

One of the more famous artists in Toronto R&B, Daniel Caesar’s latest album deals with themes of maturity, insecurity, and relationships, all held together with beautiful lyrics, instrumentation, and storytelling. There’s not much I can say about this album other than you need listen to it and experience it on your own.  

Standout Songs: Toronto 2014 (ft. Mustafa), Superpowers 

2. Soft Thing — Loony

This album and artist will always hold a special level of significance for me because LOONY was the first artist I ever saw live in concert. She has such an infectious and fun energy that translated straight from the project to the stage. It’s a short, but very worthwhile listen. 

Stand-out songs: Raw, Either Side 

3. When Smoke Rises — Mustafa 

Although the music that Mustafa makes could be argued as alternative rather than R&B, he still remains one of my favourite artists from the city. He describes himself as a poet, and the reason why is evident as soon as you listen to his songs. They have very soft instrumentals and background vocals, forcing you to pay attention to what he is really saying. His lyrics are beautiful, poignant, and honestly reflect what it is like to grow up in a city like Toronto.  

Stand-out Songs: Stay Alive, What About Heaven 

4. For the Boy in Me — Dylan Sinclair 

Released just in September, this album has already become one of my favourite projects released this year. Dylan manages to perfectly capture the feeling that comes with growing up, dealing with friends, relationships, and the importance of living each day the best that we can. While the instrumentals are quite beautiful, and he is very intentional with his harmonies and background vocals, the lyrics of this project arethe most impressive part, in my opinion. The imagery that he uses, combined with the story he tells with the melody, all take the listener on a smooth and enjoyable journey.  

Standout Songs: Lemon Trees, Golden 

5. Lost in You — Jon Vinyl

Jon Vinyl has always been one of my favorites but this album shows all of his strengths. The sequencing, his vocals, and the way the entire project is put together just remind me of a Saturday afternoon doing chores around the house. Once again, it is another short album worth listening to, and you definitely won’t regret it.

Standout Songs: Stacy, Always 

6. ALPHA — Charlotte Day Wilson 

Charlotte Day Wilson has a deeper tone that draws you into her music, and the beauty of it holds you there. I still remember the first time I listened to this album, and I would argue that it is one of the best ones to listen to while studying. It’s full of soft and slow songs, with soothing melodies, beautiful layering, and intricate background vocals. The features on this album are all extremely strong and show her ability to blend and mesh with other voices.  

Standout songs: Take Care of You (ft. Syd), Mountains