NDAI

Our weekly segment Submission Sundays features the “Nobody’s Ting” single from up-and-coming Toronto recording artist, NDAI.

“After her successful debut single, ‘Time Heals All Wounds (T.H.A.W.)’ and gaining the attention of notable industry leaders by the likes of Noah ’40’ Shebib and Teddy Riley, NDAI is proud to release her follow-up single, ‘Nobody’s Ting.'”

“Nobody’s Ting” currently has over 40K streams on Spotify and has been featured on over 300 playlists, including Spotify’s coveted Fresh Finds playlist. Look out for her EP set to drop in October. - Hip Hop Canada

This song has so much soul there isn't a chance that I wouldn't add this to the playlist. The bass line alone grabs you and locks you into it's smooth melody. NDAI's voice is smooth and pure, and its vibe fit so well into the groove of the song I couldn't help but listen to this 3 times in a row. This is a great song to put on and just kick back for a few minutes and get lost.

"Nobody's Ting is a tongue in cheek song about an unbalanced relationship. "Ting" is a slang word from Toronto's heavily Caribbean influenced culture, more specifically Jamaican culture. NDAI, who is of Guyanese descent, takes this concept and asserts her power and command for respect in the song, reminiscent of classic blues & glamorous lounge singers of yesteryear with a modern twist." - Music To

"Nobody's Ting", by Toronto based RnB singer-songwriter NDAI, is a tongue in cheek song about an unbalanced relationship. "Ting" is a slang word from Toronto's heavily Caribbean influenced culture, more specifically Jamaican culture. NDAI, who is of Guyanese descent, takes this concept and asserts her power and command for respect in the song, reminiscent of classic blues & glamorous lounge singers of yesteryear with a modern twist.

We're really feeling NDAI's latest single and you will too so be sure to check it out right now below. Also, follow her on social media to stay up to date on all things "NDAI". - Dope Cause We Said

NDAI is a Toronto based RnB singer-songwriter who just dropped a new single entitled "Nobody's Ting", a tongue in cheek song about an unbalanced relationship. "Ting" is a slang word from Toronto's heavily Caribbean influenced culture, more specifically Jamaican culture. NDAI, who is of Guyanese descent, takes this concept and asserts her power and command for respect in the song, reminiscent of classic blues & glamorous lounge singers of yesteryear with a modern twist.

Enjoy NDAI's latest single below and be sure to follow her on social media to stay up to date on all things "NDAI". - The Cab Portal

Born in Toronto, Ontario, NDAI is making a name for herself. The R&B artist's distinct, soothing and ethereal voice is amplified with her writing style focusing on cadence, paired with the desire to fill the spaces in between the music. She gives the listener a raw and genuine take on the many anecdotes she shares about her life and the lessons she's had to learn and overcome

Rather than Sling an archetype that's somewhat dictated by the industry, the Toronto-born singer/songwriter definitely has a style of her own A multi-disciplinary artist whose artistic expression spans across music, art and film Coming from a pedigree of musicians and artists (Muttoo Brothers Calypso Orchestra, and music engineer father Stephen Muttoo), it was almost no surprise music would be an important part of her.

In addition to her musical talents, she has also built her brand via social media marketing and has helped their content to build audience and influence Managing social media platforms for women centric non-profit organizations such as Honey Jam and previously, WIPP, she has cultivated relationships and high profile clients using her talents and social media savvy She has worked as a makeup artist for music videos, commercial and editorial shoots, and most notably, supermodels Winnie Harlow and Chanel Iman - Canadian Music Week

Introducing NDAI

Born in Toronto, Ontario, NDAI is making a name for herself. The R&B artist’s distinct, soothing and ethereal voice is amplified with her writing style focusing on cadence, paired with the desire to fill the spaces inbetween the music. She gives the listener a raw and genuine take on the many anecdotes she shares about her life and the lessons she’s had to learn and overcome.

NDAI /ˈnedā/ aims to create art with her heart and her music is no exception, she holds true to herself by being honest. She explains:

“Great art has a certain truth to it. As artists we hold up a mirror to society and weave the words into songs that are simply too difficult to articulate otherwise. It’s a combination of skill, inspiration, and vulnerability, which is the key to honesty. Honesty can only come from a vulnerable place where the ego cannot coexist, it is unpretentious, unadulterated and raw.”

Rather than filling an archetype that’s somewhat dictated by the industry, the Toronto born singer/songwriter definitely has a style of her own. A multi-disciplinary artist whose artistic expression spans across music, art and film. Coming from a pedigree of musicians and artists (Muttoo Brothers Calypso Orchestra, and music engineer father Stephen Muttoo), it was almost no surprise music would be an important part of her life. - Artistrack

From Toronto, Canada, NDAI has begun to make waves within the R&B community drawing from her Carribean culture to create her music. Her unique and smooth voice accentuates her effortless writing style. She leaves everything on the table for her listeners, giving them a first-hand glimpse into her own experience. Coming from a musical family, it’s no surprise that she herself has begun to pick up a career within music.

Her latest single “Nobody’s Ting” is a soulful, catchy track describing the ebb and flow of a tumultuous relationship. The song is reminiscent of classic blues with the bravado of a cocktail singer from the twenties. The song is on Spotify and currently has over 26.4 k streams, with the majority coming from the States, Canada, and France. Amongst her numerous plays are the amount of playlist on which she exists, which has reached 114. She also received a spot on Spotify’s much coveted “Fresh Finds” playlist.

This follows her successful debut single, “Time Heals All Wounds (T.H.A.W)” and gaining the attention of notable industry leaders by the likes of Noah Shebib and Teddy Riley.

Listen to “Nobody’s Ting” below! - Love This Track

One of the best feelings in the world is a sense of purpose. NDAI shares hers with us. She recently released two singles: Time Heals All Wounds and Nobody’s Ting. One quite vulnerable and the other empowering. The R&B/Soul singer-songwriter moved from Scarborough (Greater Toronto Area) to downtown Toronto a few years ago. “I can definitely feel this sense of anticipation. A lot of people in the city have been working really hard and it feels like a lot more success is brewing,” she says of the climate in Toronto. “It’s slowly becoming the destination for a lot of creative pursuits.”
Listing Mariah Carey, Sade, and Aaliyah as her artistic influences, she has always known music is what she wanted to do. “I have tried to hypothetically ask myself on several occasions what I’d be happy doing if not this and nothing ever comes to mind. The only career that’s been a minor possibility is one as a lawyer, but then I remember the reality is actually really boring and I think I can accomplish the same end goals via music.” Amongst her favourites are 90’s R&B artists SWV, Faith Evans, Keith Sweat, Boys II Men, Ginuwine, and Toni Braxton. Whilst not forgetting the great Michael Jackson, Tupac, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, and Mary J. Blige, she also names new school artists SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Drake, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Adele, and Bruno Mars as inspirations.

What was it like meeting the one and only Lauryn Hill? You also beautifully covered her song Ex-Factor, what are you favourite Lauryn Hill songs?

Thank you, it was amazing! I mean, it’s Lauryn Hill! I only get starstruck for her and Mariah Carey. I went to her show in Toronto at Massey Hall. After the show, I grabbed some food at Fran’s across the street. After my late snack, I walked back over because I saw people standing in the alley of Massey Hall, so I went over, I stood there for a bit and then she emerged. She came outside and shook everyone’s hand and took a picture with every single person there. When she shook my hand and asked me my name, I almost froze! Her energy is unreal – she is actual magic. So much of who she is as an artist resonates with me. I loved her in Sister Act back in the day, The Fugees, and of course, her album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. My favourite song is Ex-Factor, followed by Killing Me Softly, then That Thing, and Zion.

NDAI has been recording music since she was 16. However, she took a hiatus from music for a while to grow and live a little. “I always wanted my music to be real and I knew at that age, I hadn’t lived enough to write authentically. I didn’t want to rely on other people to write for me. I do write and I’ve always loved writing. I’m constantly learning and growing as a songwriter. I usually listen to and study other artists I like to gain some inspiration and compare different styles.”

What was the inspiration behind Time Heals All Wounds and Nobody’s Ting? How would you describe the feel of Time Heals All Wounds – the big intro to “NDAI, the artist”?

The inspiration behind Time Heals All Wounds was really just love and loss. The song is asking the universe, “when will the wounds heal from the loss suffered?” Failed relationships are a common theme for most people and I know I have been there as well as hearing countless stories from the women in my life.

Nobody’s Ting is a tongue-in-cheek song about a woman asserting her power. The song was written from the perspective of one person not knowing the situation fully in a “relationship.” The word “ting” is from Caribbean culture’s, more specifically Jamaican patois, heavy influence on Toronto. My cultural background includes Guyana, a Caribbean country in South America. The influence of our culture on Toronto is major. “Ting” is basically someone you’re just casually hanging out with, with no strings attached. It’s OK if both people know the deal, not so cool when one person is in the dark.

The feel of Time Heals All Wounds is ethereal and melodic. The song felt ambient so I wanted to make sure the vocals reflected that feeling. The song also features muffled drums and my vocals kind of float above them. I really like the contrast of the heavy bass and my cool-toned vocals.

A music video, you ask? “We’re discussing a video in the near future, but there are no current plans to release a video, yet. I want to make sure when I release videos that they are more than just a video to a song. They are all a part of the story and the journey.”

What are your goals, career-wise?

I have a lot of goals, and I always want to aim to create memorable art. I want to play all the major stages, festivals – you name it! As my music grows and touches more people, I want to branch out and give more of my art to them. I have interest in writing books, writing for TV or movies, organizations and charities, and real estate. I’m an artist at heart, but I also have a strong drive when it comes to business. I want to make sure I’m giving in balance of receiving, and I plan to do that through business.

I’ve always had this one clear goal to be relevant enough to perform a tribute to Mariah Carey at the Billboard Music Awards or Grammys when they decide to *finally* give her a Lifetime Achievement Award. She’s given the music community and the world so much with her music.

What vibe would you like your voice and music to transmit? What would you like NDAI to mean to others or yourself?

I want it to take people to another place. Entranced. Like, I just want my voice to pull you in and wrap you in a warm blanket. My vibe is relatively chill, so my music will always have that feel. I love to dance and when the time is right I will share different parts of my creativity but for now, I want people to receive my voice and lyrical content.

NDAI is actually an acronym for No Doubt About It. Essentially I’m a no-BS person and I always want the truth. So, NDAI is tied to the philosophy of the truth of all things. It also symbolises going after what you want in life no matter what. A lot of people give up on themselves under the guise of being “practical.” I don’t buy it. I want NDAI to be a symbol of creating the life you want in spite of the hurdles put in your path, and becoming the truest version of yourself, fulfilling your potential. - My Scrambled Egg

DON'T COME FOR NDAI IF YOUR "TING" HAS A
CHANGE OF HEART!

[ 04/05/2018 Toronto, Canada ] It is no doubt the heavy use of the word "Ting" by a lot of men when referring to women, sometimes can be seen in an endearing way but Toronto's very own NDAI is not just anyone's "Ting" (thing) and more and more women are coming out feeling the same way. She is challenging the idea that women are solely
sexual objects that no longer require courting or romance. It's re-affirming the sensual yet powerful allure of a woman that should be respected. You will be drawn to the retro 70's vibe of the song written by NDAI thinking of the era of Pam Grier in her Foxy Brown
days.

After her successful debut single, "Time Heals All Wounds (T.H.A.W)" and gaining the attention of notable industry leaders by the likes of Noah Shebib and Teddy Riley, we're proud to release her follow up single entitled, "Nobody's Ting".

TRACK DESCRIPTION

Nobody's Ting is a tongue in cheek song about an unbalanced relationship. "Ting" is a slang word from Toronto's heavily Caribbean influenced culture, more specifically Jamaican culture. NDAI, who is of Guyanese descent, takes this concept and asserts her power and command for respect in the song, reminiscent of classic blues & glamorous lounge singers of yesteryear with a modern twist.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Born in Toronto, ON, NDAI /ˈnedā/ is making a name for herself. The R&B artist’s distinct, soothing and ethereal voice is amplified with her writing style focusing on cadence, paired with the desire to fill the spaces in between the music. She gives the listener a raw and genuine take on the many anecdotes she shares about her life and the lessons she’s had to learn and overcome. Rather than filling an archetype that’s somewhat dictated by the industry, the Toronto born singer/songwriter definitely has a style of her own. A multi-disciplinary artist whose artistic expression spans across music, art and film. Coming from a pedigree of musicians and artists (Muttoo Brothers Calypso Orchestra, and music engineer father Stephen Muttoo), it was almost no surprise music would be an important part of her life! -

“Shadow” is the perfect song for the most sultry time of year. NDAI’s voice is like velvet and takes me back to that emotion-filled ‘90s R&B sound. Feeling some serious Sade vibes with this one.

The young artist’s distinct voice is amplified by her emotion-filled writing, and this track leaves me in major anticipation for what’s to come in 2019. With silky sounds flowing through my speakers, NDAI’s sound naturally sits beside artists like Jhene Aiko, Kehlani, and Jorja Smith.

Released on December 14, 2018, “Shadow” is a raw and genuine take on the classic heartbreak song and is the first track from her upcoming EP, The Lovers.

“Shadow” is available on all streaming platforms. - Serious Betty

Toronto-based singer/songwriter NDAI rolls out her third single this year in anticipation of her upcoming EP The Lovers. "Shadow", the first single off of the 6-track project delves into the darker stages of a relationship taking the listener through the discovery of a lover's hidden elements. Produced by Gold's House the subtle instrumentals create a lucid magic with NDAI's crooning ballads as the strings of acoustic guitar harmonize with her melody. Despite "cuffing season" the EP follows the descent from the "honeymoon" tier to the final break up of a romantic relationship, which is relatable on all levels. Her voice narrates a woeful passage of time and spellbinds listeners into a lovers' typhoon. Penning the lyrics this past summer from her own experience and that of an age-old story told a millions times over, NDAI is able to connect with a huge audience not only through her knack for storytelling, but her ability to reel in listeners with the elegance of her chimes. - The Dyvergent Group

Singer-songwriter NDAI has been gaining attention since debuting with “Time Heals All Wounds” and later, “Nobody’s Ting”, but it’s her sincerity that truly makes her shine.

If you’re meeting singer-songwriter NDAI for the first time through social media, clicking on her handle will instantly teleport you to a mosaic of enchanting self-portraits coated with a layer of mystery. It’s not until you scroll and expand the captions that you get to peek into a little of what NDAI is all about.

“It’s a struggle,” NDAI says about what it’s like disclosing some of her personal experiences on social media. Her candidness is the result of seeing the stories of other influencers on social media and finding that despite displaying a lot of highlights in their lives, they are also relatable. NDAI says she hopes she can do the same for her own following.

“It’s nice to know you’re not alone,” NDAI says.

On her Instagram, there’s an elegant photo of NDAI poised with a bold ruby lip, wearing only a pink fur coat. She uses the photo as a bridge to speak about her relationship with her body. The caption tells the story of how at a young age NDAI’s body matured faster than the attitudes of her school system. She felt that a double standard had been enforced on young girls and how they were expected to present themselves based on their body shape. For example, two girls may be wearing the same shirt, but based on each of their body types, one may be required to cover up because her body is considered more mature. She goes on to describe how those toxic ideals follow young women into adulthood. In another photo NDAI is staring directly at you, her eyes full of expression and her natural curls falling in small ringlets at the sides of her face. The post speaks to her connection with her mother and how she was raised to love her mixed Indigenous, Italian-Canadian and Guyanese-Canadian heritage and embrace all the quirks that made her who she is.

“I think our generation is a bit more comfortable talking about [our experiences] partially because we’ve seen what not talking has created and what that does . . . They want to be more open with their kids, more honest with themselves and I think that’s all tied to the self-love movement where people are doing a lot of inward work to be the best version of themselves which is really exciting.”

“I think our generation is a bit more comfortable talking about [our experiences] partially because we’ve seen what not talking has created and what that does.”

It was through her inward work that NDAI began to really come into her own skin and pursue her passion of creating music. With the soothing voice of a lullaby, NDAI casts a spell on listeners in almost an instant. The rhythm of her music oscillates between ethereal on “Time Heals All Wounds” and the nostalgic feel of the early ’00s on “Nobody’s Ting”. Her words play on reflection of self, past love experiences and the discovery of independence. With over 50K plays on Spotify, NDAI is a diamond in the rough. However, it’s her sincerity with herself and her art that truly makes her shine.

Before she began singing professionally NDAI devoted much of her time to her love of make-up, a hobby that quickly became a way for her to make a living.

“Make-up artistry, I kind of tumbled into it. I was always naturally good at art . . . My skills weren’t always the greatest, but they were good for that age compared to what other people could do.”

For four years, she worked on building a network through make-up, freelancing and filming tutorials for her YouTube channel. Around the time her make-up career was beginning to blossom, NDAI gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.

“Having him completely changed my life . . . It challenges who you are and once you become a mother you’re immediately kind of categorized and looked at a certain way.”

NDAI felt a backlash. She found that the people in her life were indirectly condemning her decision to work in the creative industry because she was a mother. For her it was as though the words “When are you going to get a real job?” taunted her in everyday conversation. The pressure failed to deter her. Though she had known music to be her passion since she was four years old, it took this crucial period of self-reflection for her to go after the life she had always envisioned for herself.

“I think there’s things that happen in everyone’s life that help move you a step closer to the realization of yourself like what your purpose is, why you are here and what gifts you have to offer.”
During the first four years of motherhood NDAI came to understand who she was, what she wanted to say and why it was important. She also began to realize as a make-up artist she was investing a lot of her time into the talents of others and pushing them forward instead of herself. It didn’t take long before she resolved to invest that energy into her own passions.

“It was fun and gave me a lot of experience, but I just still felt like I was selling myself short,” she says. “Like all this stuff that I was doing for other people I could do for myself. I owe it to myself. I took a step back from all the things I was doing and was like I just got to focus on making my music because it’s just time.”

NDAI has commanded the attention of a growing audience with her first two singles “Time Heals All Wounds” (T.H.A.W), which marked her debut earlier this year, and “Nobody’s Ting”. She spent two years prior to her debut studying music structure, listening to melodies and improving her writing skills to fearlessly put out music that encapsulates who she is as an artist.

“I don’t even care if people like it, I was happy with it . . . I think there’s things that happen in everyone’s life that help move you a step closer to the realization of yourself like what your purpose is, why you are here and what gifts you have to offer. […] I feel like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulder. I’ve been waiting to do this for so long and finally it’s happening. - Urbanology Mag

There’s no doubt about it—NDAI is an artist on track to be a star. After years of working on the sidelines of the music industry, she’s ready to show the world her own sound. Her latest single “Nobody’s Ting” has created quite the buzz and she’ll be performing it at The Iscream’s own Toronto R&B Sounds at the Night Owl (October 7th, be there or be square).

How would describe your sound?

In terms of genre, it’s hard for me to put it into a genre because I feel like it’s kind of R&B, but it’s kind of not. It’s not traditional R&B patterns that you hear in terms of what’s out now. But I’ve been told that it does have sort of the 90’s R&B vibe, a little bit of neo soul.

Who are your biggest influences?

For different reasons, I have three. Well I have a lot actually, but my main ones are Sade—she’s like number one. What I love about her is her stage presence. She does very little onstage, she doesn’t have a lot going on but she’s very captivating. So any time I watch her shows on Youtube, I’m just mesmerized. And even when you read the comments, people to this day are still taken by her they still find her so beautiful, so timeless. Musically, definitely Mariah Carey has influenced me a lot. Just from, like, the way she expressed her vocals—she has a lot of textures and a huge range and when I was younger, she was the artist I used to sing to all the time. Like, I love Mariah Carey songs, I’ll kill Mariah Carey songs. Just from emulating her, she’s taught me how to use my own vocals so I have endless respect for her. And then, I would say Beyoncé—I feel like it’s a default answer, but it’s also, like the right answer. I admire her because she’s relentless. I feel like she’s been going so hard for so long and she embodies truly what it takes to be at the top of what you’re doing.

Those are some really empowering female artists that you’ve chosen—is that something you hope to emulate as an singer?

Yes, definitely. A lot of the times when I was working in music when I was younger with producers or other people in the industry, they would always tell me the same thing every time: essentially you have to do the same thing as everyone else to be popular. Well what everyone else was doing was like, scantily clad, in your underwear twerking and I was like I could never see myself dancing like this on stage and taking myself seriously as an artist. It’s not like bad for anyone who feels comfortable doing that, I just never saw myself as that kind of person. I’m an entertainer, but I feel that I want to represent a positive image for women. Like you can be all those things, but maybe not all sides of myself need to be onstage. There’s been moments too where I’ve had women come up to me after nobody’s ting say like, “I really like that song, it’s so me!” and I’m like yeah that’s the point. I want women like me who don’t take shit and stand up for themselves. Not be afraid to assert themselves and not worry about what men think about them if they’re are not appealing to that archetype of a sexualized female.

You’ve been in the music industry for a while now, you started in your teens didn’t you?

Yeah, I started recording when I was 16 because my dad went to Trebas so he did music engineering, so it’s always been in my family. It’s a part of our family history, so I would record music with him when I was younger and I was kind of, like, getting my feet wet, but I really didn’t have any idea what I was doing. I had no idea how to navigate the industry, I didn’t know anybody. No contacts, my parents didn’t know people. So I just felt like I wanted to write my own stuff because when I tried singing the stuff other people wrote for me, it just felt unnatural and it didn’t sound convincing. So when I was younger and recording I kind of took a break for a while because I felt like I haven’t really gone through enough to feel the things I want to write about, so I took a break for a long time and didn’t really pursue it, just sang for fun. And in the last four years I’ve just sort of been in the industry behind the scenes. I‘ve been doing makeup art for the last few years—I don’t do it anymore, but I was doing makeup art and social media management for a lot of people. That way I was kind of building up my relationships—because I didn’t have relationships—and then I would just slowly let people know that I do other things. Then I revisited, about two years ago, songwriting and I just all of a sudden I just had more to say and I think that also too because I practiced my technique that my songwriting got a lot better—to the point where I was like I actually like the stuff I’m writing, so maybe I’ll share it. So that’s where I’m at now, I’m finally sharing stuff that I wrote myself for the first time—so I’m kind of a new artist, but like not.

What has the reception been like since “Nobody’s Ting?” It’s gotten a lot of love on Spotify!

We’ve definitely heard a lot of feedback. So the first song I did, “Time Heals All Wounds”—that did really well locally...and that song actually caught the attention of Noah Shebib because we sent it to him, not thinking he would ever check it and then he did and he responded and I was like “oh my god!” I’m like now I don’t know how to act, I feel like he’s watching me! Nah just kidding, but yeah that was just really reassuring. Somebody like that who’s a genius in their field thinks I have potential, so I was like I should put another song out. So “Nobody’s Ting came about because of an experience I had—a lot of times in my life I have found myself in situations where I have a platonic relationship with a male friend—or someone I think is a male friend—and then, sort of out of left field it sort of goes into the territory of dating? Or like in that direction of hooking up and I’m just so confused by it. It’s just like these things where they feel entitled to you because they buy you a drink at a bar or they take you out for whatever, like your birthday and then they feel like that’s what they should get because they did that. So I found a lot of people in Toronto were using that word “ting” and calling women “tings,” creating these stereotypes of “tings” and I am just like “I’m nobody’s ting!” There are definitely women out there who are like “do not call me a ting!” We’re either in a relationship or were not.

So what’s next for you? Any music coming our way soon?

So I’m doing The Iscream’s show, which I’m really excited about. And then I have the Kitchener Flavours of the World Festival coming up mid-October. And then my first single from my EP is going to come out end of October, early November. Then the EP release is set to come out for February, so then we’re going to start promoting it and performing it and I’m excited for people to hear it.

Tell me something surprising about you!

I used to do Winnie Harlow’s makeup, who’s also from here! She’s amazing, she’s like so sweet. She gave me so many opportunities as a makeup artist, like I’m going to be forever grateful to her. She’s great, she’s from the city, another woman and to see where she is now, I’m so proud of her.


By Robyn Bell - ISCREAM

NDAI is a Toronto based RnB/Soul singer-songwriter we've connected with for an exclusive interview. Wondering we'd want to interview NDAI? Listen to her new single "Nobody's Ting" below and you'll clearly understand why we wanted to touch base with this talented artist.

After reading our Q&A with NDAI, follow her on social media and stream/download "Nobody's Ting" on Spotify.

Congrats on your new single "Nobody's Ting"; it's a very dope track and very timely with the spring season. Tell us about how this song came about. Who produced it?

The song was produced by Kenneth English and written by myself. My first track was done by Kenneth English too and I just like his style. I purchased the song from him online and got to writing.

Describe your creative process for "Nobody's Ting", as well as your songs in general. Also, do you prefer to write in the studio or a certain location?

The song by itself was actually not as bluesy as it sounds now, but the way I sat in the song made it sound more blues style. I was inspired by the era of Pam Grier as Foxy Brown, so I hope I captured that 60’s/70’s vibe with a modern twist.

I usually start with a beat I like or some chords and then I fill in the melody first, after that I usually write the chorus first because that’s what people are going to remember and that’s what anchors the context of the rest of the song. I don’t have a specific place I like to write, but I usually like to be alone so I don’t have any distractions.

So much attention has been placed on Toronto's urban music scene over the past few years due to the great music that Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, The Weeknd, dvsn, as well as others, have dropped. How do you stand out from the crowd as an emerging RnB artist in Toronto?

I think I stand out because I’m different. My sound and look are not the usual “RnB singer formula”. The music industry tends to find a formula that works and then repeats it over and over making slightly different variations of the same artist, and rightfully so if it’s not broken don’t fix it. I just write and dress how I feel; I’ve always had a style that’s been more classic and I’ve always loved RnB from the golden era so I like to think I merge old and new. I also like to write songs like ‘Nobody’s Ting’ that contrast the current music scene with a different more empowering message, I’m also very aware of important issues and things happening in the world so I always keep that in mind when I write. I think a lot of music today is out of touch with real human feelings, but I think that’s changing with this resurgence of love for RnB. I’m also very hands on with my work, as an independent artist I write my music and have all the creative control over my image and sound so I’m the one making all the creative decisions. I have the final say over what brands/artists/producers I align myself with.

NDAI.jpg
If you could collaborate with any living artist regardless of genre on one song, who would you pick and why?

That’s so hard to answer because there’s so many! Ultimately I’m a Mariah Carey “stan” (lol) so I would want to collaborate with her, probably as a songwriter not to be on the track together because I would never think my parts of the song are good compared to her and then I would just end up sounding like her haha! But I think there’s so much to learn from her; she is the greatest singer and songwriter of our generation easily. I don’t think she gets enough credit for what she has given the music industry and people who enjoy RnB. She’s a legend.

For a duet I would definitely say Daniel Caesar (also from Toronto), he’s just amazing and so genuine, his music is a gift and I think that it would be a dope collab.

What comes next after the "Nobody's Ting" single? Can we expect a video and will this song appear on an upcoming EP or LP this year?

I am currently working on my EP to be released later this year. I haven’t decided if my first two singles will be on it, it might be all new songs but we’ll see how it comes together. There’s talks of a video being made for both singles but that’s not confirmed yet, we’re trying to make moves that make the most sense so no videos yet but stay tuned! - The Cab Portal