Toronto R&B artist, songwriter, and producer Dylan Sinclair draws inspiration from his Guyanese and Filipino roots, as well as the classic sounds of 90’s and early 2000’s Pop, R&B, and Gospel music – all infused with the signature vibes of his hometown Toronto. Get familiar…

What five words define your sound?

Fresh, nostalgic, sexy, fun, different.

Tell me something unique about your creative process.

I’m very hands-on. I write and record all my songs. I’m now producing most of my demos and only working with a very tight production team.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

‘Lemon Trees’.

What inspired you to make that song?

I was in a relationship with my girlfriend at the time and I hit a crossroads where I felt stuck between putting my efforts into my career vs my relationship.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

Whenever I freestyle. ‘Lemon Trees’ and ‘Narcissist?’ especially.

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

The best experience is every time I perform ‘Home’ and I don’t have to sing it because the crowd is singing every word for me. My worst experience is probably seeing somebody pass out in the crowd.

What is your favourite song to perform?

On my last tour it was probably ‘Suppress’.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

I grew up in the church with a lot of gospel music. I was obsessed with Commissioned, Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Men of Standard and Kirk Franklin to name a few.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

It’s my given name. My mom named me after Dylan from 90210.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

I’d maybe teach in some capacity. I love exchanging information.

What’s success to you?

Freedom. Peace of mind.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

I started having bills to pay and I learned that hoarding the music I make won’t solve that problem.

Where can people keep in touch with you?

@dylansinclair on Instagram/TikTok/YouTube; @dylan_sinclair on X; and at dylansinclair.ca. 

Photo by Mary Chen for Fang Group