As R&B and neo-soul continue their persevering push to become music’s top stylings of the now, more and more up-and-comers are finding success in the experimental edges of the vocally-dominated arena. Naturally, as with so much of modern culture – music especially – a large collection of these new artists are making their names known by way of the Toronto soundscape. 

 

Driven by a market constantly in search for what’s next, these new artists to watch have a knack for releasing an unparalleled amount of music without sacrificing its quality and inventiveness. Case and point: Lou Val. The Toronto vocalist has had a breakout year earmarked by his debut EP, Lonely In Paradise and a tried and true hit, Crisp. 

 

And now, as the year comes to a close, Lou Val is here with another short collection, Don’t Look Now. The 4-track project which screams of musical influence from Brent Faiyaz, is a darkly emotional, boldly vulnerable piece that does nothing but add to the creative breadth of an emerging figure of the R&B futurist stage. Keep an eye out for Lou Val as he plans the release of his debut album early next year.