Dylan Sinclair: Crafting Timeless Vibes Beyond R&B Expectations

In the sultry heat of August, the R&B scene was set ablaze by the release of Dylan Sinclair’s latest single, ‘Fly Girl.’ This enchanting track is an ode to a muse, drawing inspiration from the excitement of a new fling, with a “fly” chick. As the captivating melody unfolds, listeners catch a glimpse of Dylan’s dating life, a world where connection and authenticity intertwine. ‘Fly Girl’ isn’t just a song; it showcases Dylan’s ability to weave personal anecdotes into wavy musical treasure.

Dylan Sinclair hails from the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada. Of Filipino and Guyanese descent, his cultural tapestry is as rich and diverse as his music. Growing up in the church, Dylan found solace and inspiration in the soul-stirring melodies of Gospel music, citing icons such as Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond as some of his early musical influences.

“Filipinos love music; our family would come together; everyone would play an instrument or sing. I was the one who loved to sing, so I would perform for the family, church, and stuff like that growing up.”

As Dylan grew, so did his choice of music and influences. He began to take a liking to 2000s R&B acts such as Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, and Solange to name a few. These figures became Dylan’s musical compass, guiding him to the forefront of the R&B stage.

Dylan’s ascent in the music industry is nothing short of remarkable, steered by critical acclaim and adoration from fans across the globe. One of the highlights of his young career came in August as a headliner in the sold-out All Points East Festival in London. When asked about this performance, Dylan expressed that performing in London “was a one-of-a-kind experience.” I jokingly asked him where his favorite place to perform had been thus far. He ranked London as number one, followed by Los Angeles and finally New York City. With shows in the UK, the United States, and Canada under his belt, Dylan solidifies his international presence and impact.

Dylan’s list of accolades includes being a 2023 JUNO Award Winner; a recognition that underscores his impact on the Canadian musical landscape. He also has been featured on Spotify and Apple Music’s coveted R&B Artists to Watch list. Complex has even labeled him an “R&B king in the making.” I asked him if he felt any pressure to continue with the delivery of high-quality music after receiving such recognition. He shared that he used to struggle with pressure and anxiety, mainly because he didn't want to be labeled a “king of R&B”, fearing that the title would put him in a box.

“I’m an artist at my core; I’m influenced by many things beyond R&B. I grew up on R&B, I’m going to make R&B music, but I’m also influenced by more than that. If I could have a dream collaboration it would be with Solange or Daniel Caeser for example. I see myself as a unicorn in that genre, and sometimes I feel like R&B fans want to hear things in a particular way, but I’m going to do it with my signature style. You're either going to appreciate my artistry, or you're going to hate me.”

With reassurance from his team, Dylan realizes he can embrace it all; with the sounds and interests that have molded him, to produce his unique spin on the genre. And that right there is at the heart of Dylan Sinclair’s success. It’s not just his undeniable talent, but also his commitment to authenticity. In an era of singles-driven music, Dylan is still dedicated to making a classic album.

“I love albums that you can keep coming back to play, over and over again. I know we're in a singles era, but I’m dedicated to making albums that stand the test of time.’

As ‘Fly Girl’ continues to buzz in the R&B music landscape, Dylan is locked in on his craft and the simple things in life, such as taking care of himself. When asked what's in store for him in the future, he didn’t want to give too much away, but confirmed that a full-length project is in the works.

“My head is down on this album, and I’m locked in. I want to give a gift to my fans.”