6 Rising Canadian Artists You've Been Sleeping On

From LU KALA to Lyrique, here are some upcoming Canadian music artists who should be on your radar.

6 rising canadian artists youve been sleeping on lu kala lyrique devontee keynes woods
Complex Original

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6 rising canadian artists youve been sleeping on lu kala lyrique devontee keynes woods

There’s no sugarcoating it: 2020 has been truly terrible—a chef’s special of a nomadic lethal virus, global economic downturn, and eroding race relations. It’s been especially bad for working musicians, with COVID-19 pretty much erasing their largest source of income, live concerts, with no clear indication of when it might return. In spite of this, Canadian artists have been coming through in the clutch, writing and recording some truly great music that’s been getting us through the year. 

Thankfully, some companies have also risen to the occasion, helping to bring said homegrown music to our ears. Case in point: the First Up with RBCxMusic initiative, which supports emerging Canadian musicians and recording artists by shining a spotlight on them. After a successful first round earlier this year, the program is back for a second, with 27 up-and-comers along with nine alumni from Round 1 selected to participate. Each artist gets a $1,000 stipend to perform a virtual set on Instagram plus promotional support and mentorship opportunities with industry experts from The Remix Project and artist ambassadors like Ali Gatie, dvsn, and Tenille Arts. 

First Up performances kicked off November 27, and have been taking place Friday through Sunday evenings on the musicians’ Instagram channels. 

We caught up with six rising Canadian artists participating in the initiative—from across the country and spanning a wide array of genres—to ask about their origin stories, how they’ve dealt with 2020, and what the nation’s music industry really needs.

Keynes Woods

keynes woods

With his self-assured swagger and buzzing arsenal of cartilage-shaking, trap-tinged singles, it’s hard to believe Kenyes Woods hasn’t been rapping for all that long. But the Congo-born, Ottawa-raised MC says this is fairly new to him. “I started making music a few years ago,” he tells Complex. “I've always been into music but never really took it seriously. I was lost in life and figured I should give this thing a try and I haven't looked back since.” 

Woods says he really honed his lyrical chops when he moved to Toronto for university, where he linked up with producers and began cutting tracks. The last couple years, he’s been on a wave: he had a much-talked-about COLORS session (which garnered over 700,000 views) and in March released a critically acclaimed EP, Kongo Kane (which, incidentally, features a tune called “On a Wave.”) Now, he’s putting Ottawa hip-hop on the map. Not bad for a guy who was just having a crack at it.

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What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself this year?

I'm stronger than I think. I've dealt with a lot this year. I used to think I was fragile but I think I've handled myself well. 

Fill in the blank: the Canadian music industry needs more____.

Respect. Won’t say too much else but if you're paying attention you know what it is. 

Tell me about one of the songs you're proudest of and the story behind it.

I’ve been working on production for a little while but never really hopped on my own beats. “Allo” was one of my first attempts to make a song from scratch and it turned out dope so I’m really proud of it. I’m rapping in French—I’ve been wanting to do it for the longest time. It’s going to be on the deluxe vinyl edition of my project Kongo Kane I’m announcing towards the end of the year. Something for Paris, Montreal, Congo, you know? 

Check out Keynes Woods’ performance for First Up with RBCxMusic on IGTV.

LU KALA

lu kala

Given the spirit-shattering awfulness of 2020, we could all do with a little more self-love right now. LU KALA is your plug for that. Her single “DCMO (Don’t Count Me Out),” an uplifting pop anthem dedicated to all the doubters who’ve belittled her, blew up a couple years ago thanks to its infectious truth bomb of a chorus: “I know I'm big girl and you are afraid to claim me (Don't count me out)/Fuck your perfect world, nah, I'll never be that picture, baby.”

Born in Congo and raised in Toronto’s Regent Park area, the artist grew up singing at her local church. Things weren’t always easy, but songs were her balm. “Music was always my escape especially in the hardest times, so to be in a place where I can now provide that same escape to others especially in these uncertain times makes me feel like I’m doing my part as a human,” she tells Complex.


On her debut EP Worthy, released in October, she lays it all out there. It’s a collection of stirring believe-in-yourself bangers, ripped from the pages of LU KALA’s diary and belted with more confidence than Lady Gaga in a meat dress. “I wrote all the songs with friends in a time where I was searching for my own healing, I was ready to tell my story,” she says. “This project is very open and dives into my experiences and my self-worth.”

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What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself this year?

This year I learned to focus on only what I can control as so many things felt like they had the rug pulled out from under them. I learned to be patient and to keep working on myself. 

As an artist it became hard to make money since we weren’t doing live shows anymore and it took a bit to get used to shows online. That's why First Up with RBCxMusic came at a critical time when artists needed support more than ever. COVID messed up a lot but I’m grateful that my friends and family are healthy.


Fill in the blank: the Canadian music industry needs more____.

The Canadian music industry needs more diversity and inclusion across the board in every aspect of the industry. We definitely need more women, BIPOC, and LGBT people in decision-making positions. Some of the biggest Canadian artists internationally are Black yet we have so few Black men and women in decision-making positions. We have so much talent in Canada, especially Toronto, but they always slip through the cracks and go elsewhere because Canada isn’t investing in new talent enough nor are they taking enough risks.


Tell me about one of the songs you're proudest of and the story behind it.

This is hard because my first single “DCMO (Don't Count Me Out)” truly opened so many doors for me and when I wrote it with Robyn Dell’Unto, I knew it was the first song I wanted to release into the world as an artist. It represented my story and how I’ve been treated in this industry and by men and so forth but currently, I’d say it’s my latest song “Love Shit” from my EP Worthy. In that song I feel like I truly laid it all bare; I did not hold back one bit. I mentioned some of my insecurities, things I’m embarrassed of and all the reasons why I haven’t been in love yet but then I realized that it took me loving myself to give myself a real healthy chance at love and growth. I’m proud of this song because writing it made me see my worth, and brought me to a place where I now feel like I’m open and ready for love. The response to it has been so beautiful, so many people have written to me about how much they’ve felt empowered by it and found self-love, their worth, felt ready for love, and that they didn’t want to settle after hearing it. That, to me, is the most beautiful part about music. 

Check out LU KALA’s performance for First Up with RBCxMusic on IGTV.

Lyrique

lyrique

Straight outta Baguio City, Philippines, Lyrique is showing out for Canada’s West Coast and immigrants the world over. In 2014, he moved to Calgary at the age of 22 as a temporary foreign worker. The next four years would be a grind; he’d live out of his luggage for a while before finding work as a caregiver, doing what was necessary to get by. After finally attaining permanent resident status, he was able to attain better employment opportunities, which afforded him the time to focus on his real passion: music. “Cliché as it may sound, hip-hop saved my life or mental health, so to speak,” he says. “I went through a period of self-isolation and then eventually found contentment in my adopted home; I try to convey those experiences and emotions in my music to connect with listeners.”

Earlier this year, Lyrique dropped his debut album P.I.M.P. (Poetry Is My Pleasure). Over soulful, conscious boom-bap with shades of early Outkast and Kendrick, he spits some truth about the immigrant experience, the Filipino diaspora, and the struggles he’s faced in pursuit of the Canadian Dream.

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What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself this year?

I had experienced isolation during my early years in Canada. But the isolation brought on by the pandemic has shown me the value of self-care, particularly mental health care. As an artist, I think it’s easy to get caught in the loop of creation without even realizing how much of ourselves we expose and tap into mentally. I learned that the music I create will never really develop unless I develop myself. Character development in hand with artistic development was really huge for me, and I am grateful to have also solidified a team and trusted circle amidst these challenging times.


Fill in the blank: the Canadian music industry needs more____.

The Canadian music industry needs more exposure and support. But more so exposure. I talk to friends in the Philippines, and even in other parts of the world, such as Europe, and some of them are not familiar with Kaytranada—who was just nominated for three Grammys! Canada has so many talented artists that need more light overseas. I’m always hyping up my favourite Canadian artists with my friends in the Philippines and elsewhere. In terms of support, I think it’s out there if you can find it. But finding it can be a challenge sometimes. Navigating the world of grants can be overwhelming, but I’m slowly figuring it out. Programs like First Up with RBCxMusic make me hopeful. It’s nice to see corporations investing in the future of Canadian artists.


Tell me about one of the songs you're proudest of and the story behind it.

That song would have to be “Live Well,” off my debut album P.I.M.P. (Poetry Is My Pleasure), which I released in October. The song touches on themes of mental health, self-care, and perseverance. I’ve endured hardships and have been blessed to be able to turn nothing into something. I think the song is a reflection of my journey from 2014 up to today. It’s also one of my favourite tracks sonically, from the chill atmosphere to the blissful melodies, all of which were elevated by my sound engineer, DJ Rocswell. 

Check out Lyrique’s performance for First Up with RBCxMusic on IGTV.

Devontée 


devontee

You can say Devontée’s got the market cornered on excellence. Not only is the word contained in his signature phrase “WOE”—which Drake borrows in “Know Yourself” and stands for “working on excellence”—he’s also cousins with renowned freak of nature Stephen Curry. The Toronto rapper (who’s actually cousins with Curry’s wife, Ayesha) has an appropriately superb catalogue too, dropping six great projects (from District Vibe to this year’s Head Gone) over the last five years. “I was born in love with music,” he tells us. Hence, why he’s so prolific.

Though Devontée’s burly, mesmerizing brand of rap and R&B is ostensibly turn-up music, there are purposeful messages encoded in his bars. After dropping his hard-hitting-yet-airy project TAKE THIS IN over the summer, the artist says his goal is to keep on elevating. His strong work ethic, he says, has “helped me grow, helped others grow, allowed me to travel to some new places in the world, make money, learn, and open my mind to new experiences, which all brought me to the present day.”

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What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself this year? 

How much clarity, confidence, and success comes from consistency in taking action towards goals… and that I’m actually able to stay in my house for two weeks straight without going outside, SMH lol 😂. (First interview with emojis.) 


Fill in the blank: the Canadian music industry needs more____. 

Devontée WOE. 


Tell me about one of the songs you're proudest of and the story behind it. 

The first song off my forthcoming project called EAZY PEEZY. I recorded it last summer in 15 minutes and it still sounds ahead of its time. I’m excited for my fans to hear my lyrics and flow with this extremely crazy production!!! 

Check out Devontée’s performance for First Up with RBCxMusic on IGTV.

pisceze

pisceze

The term “different different” gets thrown around a lot by today’s youths, but how many people truly stand out from the pack? That’s something pisceze doesn’t need to worry about. Growing up in Toronto as an immigrant of Korean and Japanese descent, the singer-songwriter has always felt somewhat anomalous. “I embrace and respect both cultures, which isn't easy if you know, but it is what made me stand out within my own community,” she tells Complex. “It taught me at a young age to be unique and be true to myself.”

Given that distinctive background, pisceze’s music certainly checks out: a swirling, otherworldly cocktail of R&B, soul, and K-Pop. She made her debut last year with “Like That,” a sultry jam featuring fellow Toronto artist JAHKOY, and kept the momentum going this year with a new EP, Play. It features four slow-burning tracks about love and heartbreak. Heard within the context of an emotionally taxing year, they just hit… well, different.

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What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself this year? 

The power of my mind... How to balance out and really be aligned with myself.

I am an introvert but have extroverted tendencies. I needed to balance listening to my body and learn how to pay attention to that. The power of the mind is something we take for granted. Before this year, I was in the mode of tunnel vision, fast life, etc… We forget about ourselves, our bodies, and our minds living like that.

Fill in the blank: the Canadian music industry needs more___.

PEACE. I feel like the Canadian music industry needs to take out their ego. We are already shelved within such a small margin, it’s not cool that we don't support one another enough. We are unappreciative of the talent we have as neighbours in our own community. Yes we are doing what we love, but it's hurtful that we have to be at war to be within the industry.

Tell me about one of the songs you're proudest of and the story behind it. 

A song I'm most proud of is probably one of the songs I’m working on now... that I can't wait to share with y'all. It's called “Sad.”

However, a song I have out for y'all that I am most proud of is “Heartbreak.” At the time I was going through a transition in my life (relationships/heartbreak). Before that session I was listening to a lot of Timbaland trying to get my thoughts in good spirits and raise my good vibes. Produced by Kyleyoumadethat, the beat ended up being inspired by Timbaland and interesting fact: we measured my heartbeat and used this as where we drew the base from in the beat. You’ll hear this towards the end of the song. The way the song was recorded was so real, it came so naturally, and when we released it Timbaland himself actually reached out and complimented the song and beat. I believe in manifestation and this was definitely a proudly manifested moment.

Check out pisceze’s performance for First Up with RBCxMusic on IGTV.

Alexis Lynn

alexis lynn

Growing up on a steady drip of Amy Winehouse, Mariah Carey, and Michael Jackson, Alexis Lynn certainly had all the right study materials for an aspiring pop star. “Some of my earliest memories are listening to music with my family, singing along to the car radio, and learning to play guitar with my dad,” says the 21-year-old Indigenous artist from Surrey, BC. “So, I don’t think it was much of a surprise to my parents when I told them I wanted to be a singer when I grew up.”

Still, they may have been a little surprised by how rapidly Lynn’s career took off. Since dropping her debut EP Things Get Good last year, the momentum hasn’t let up: she was a Top 100 2020 CBC Searchlight finalist and been racking up the streams (112.7K on Spotify this year) by continually dropping loosies. Her latest hit “Bubble” (which is not about the pandemic, believe it or not) is a delicate, twinkling track that possesses the kind of poise the Arianas of the world don’t typically develop til they’re a couple albums in.

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What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself this year?

That’s a tough one. I think I learned how to take a step back and give myself a break when needed. In “normal”, pre-COVID life, I think it can be easy to get swept up in the “hustle” of everything and forget to take care of yourself. As odd as it sounds, the time off from COVID gave me a much-needed break and a chance to take care of myself. I also had time to learn about other hobbies I’m interested in! I had more time to paint, read, and create digital art. I also learned how self-sufficient I can be! Without being able to have sessions in person, perform in person, or shoot music videos with a team, I had to face a lot of learning curves to figure out how to do it all from home and mostly by myself!

Fill in the blank: the Canadian music industry needs more____.

Women! There are SO many incredible women who are artists, producers, A&Rs, managers, etc. I’d love to see more of them showcased! I’d especially love to see and work with more women who are producers. So if you know any, send them my way!!

Tell me about one of the songs you're proudest of and the story behind it.

That’s another tough one! I’m proud of all of them, but I’m really proud of my Christmas song, “Christmas Cards”. When I went to write a Christmas song, I had a lot of mixed feelings because I know not everyone experiences the holidays the same way. Whether that’s due to privilege, or lack thereof, family situations, or missing loved ones, I think it’s important to remember that and show compassion to everyone. I’m the first to admit that I LOVE the holiday season, but it became so apparent to me how easy it can be to get swept up in the commercial aspect of it, and not everyone has the privilege to do that. Not everyone can push their problems aside to relish in the joy of the season, when their hardships affect them daily. So I wanted to touch on how the world doesn’t stop spinning and people’s problems don’t magically disappear just because it’s Christmas, all in one song. Which was a challenge because it’s a lot to say! But, I’m very proud of how the song turned out and I think myself and my co-writer, Brandon Rogers, got the message across perfectly. 

Check out Alexis Lynn’s performance for First Up with RBCxMusic on IGTV.

Learn more by following First Up with RBCxMusic on Instagram.

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