R&B singer-songwriter Dylan Sinclair has been making waves since releasing his first single in 2017, but the Canadian artist's breakthrough moment came with the release of his 2020 debut album Proverb, which earned him a Juno nomination for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, millions of streams, and the buzz of being the next big thing to come out of Toronto.

The artist said that after the success of his debut full-length, he was worried that he didn't have enough life experiences to write engaging stories on his follow-up effort. So Sinclair decided to leave his parents' home in sleepy suburban Thornhill, Ontario, and move to Toronto.

Sinclair's next EP, released in 2022, was appropriately titled No Longer in the Suburbs, and chronicles some of the challenges that come with growing up and being on the brink of becoming famous, as well as songs about his girlfriend and what it means to be in a committed relationship.

Dylan Sinclair Live in Concert

Raised in a Filipino-Guyanese household in Ontario, Canada, Dylan Sinclair began singing in the church choir when he was four years old. His father also sang and played piano and guitar, encouraging Sinclair's desire to become a professional musician.

Sinclair's family also sang karaoke together, which he has said influenced his songwriting, noting that one of his goals is to "write melodies you can sing back." He has also cited influences in classic artists such as Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo and Pharrell.

Those influences are evident on Sinclair's 2018 debut EP, Red Like Crimson, with its soothing, gospel-inspired R&B sound. The release party for the EP generated buzz and caught the attention of producer Jordon Manswell (Chris Brown, Mariah Carey), who messaged Sinclair directly and offered to work with him. Manswell ended up producing Proverb, fueling Sinclair's upward trajectory.

Dylan Sinclair FAQ

When did Dylan Sinclair release his first single?

Dylan Sinclair released his first single in 2017.

What was the title of Dylan Sinclair's debut album, and what was its impact?

Dylan Sinclair's debut album was called Proverb, and it earned him a Juno nomination for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, millions of streams, and a lot of buzz as the next big thing from Toronto.

Who are some of Dylan Sinclair's musical influences?

Dylan Sinclair's musical influences include classic artists such as Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo, and Pharrell.