New year, new music; emerging Toronto artists to look out for in 2021

BY JANIECE CAMPBELL

As the largest centre for music in all of Canada, it’s safe to say that music and the artists that create it are a vital part of Toronto’s culture. Home to some of the biggest names in the industry today, the city is vibrant with remarkable talent that is one-of-a-kind.

This week, I wanted to introduce you to two emerging female powerhouses that are guaranteed to blow your minds: Locklyn and Melanie Durrant. Both with albums being released in early 2021, the two have their own incomparable sounds that need to be added onto your playlist ASAP!

Locklyn, a young lady with much promise, boasted her captivating range in her newest singles, “90’s Love” and “Energy”. Fueled by an infatuation for 90’s R&B/soul music, she describes her music style as taking the vibes from that era and modernizing it with a 21^st century flare, something that she feels sets her apart from other artists today.

Pursuing music was the be-all and end-all in Locklyn’s life. As a little girl, she constantly would entertain family and friends any chance she got with live performances on her living room coffee table. “I’ve been singing since I’ve been able to talk, I’ve always wanted to do this. Even in elementary school – I don’t want to call myself a nerd or anything, but I was always one of the kids in band and choir practice every day after school,” she said.

With a keen ear for music, she prides herself in being the first singer in a not-so-musically-inclined family. Nevertheless, her family, especially her mother, is her driving force in making music she loves and striving for ultimate success. “When I was little, my mom always told me to do whatever makes me happy. I was constantly around positivity and chasing my dreams, and I was blessed to have that opportunity.”

As advice to those singing little girls at home that dream of seeing themselves on that big stage someday, “do it,” Locklyn says simply. “You’re never going to please everyone, and that’s okay. Don’t mind anyone else’s opinion. If it makes you happy, just do it!”

You can keep up to date with Locklyn’s upcoming album release by following her on Instagram: @theofficiallocklyn.

Melanie Durrant, an addictingly fierce ball of fire recharged her illustrious career with her latest single, “Ride with Me.” She describes her edgy new hit as “Lady Marmalade meets ZZ Top.”

Refusing to conform to a singular lane, she dips her toes in a variety of genres for an unparalleled sound like no other.

“I’ve been told I’m very eclectic, I’ll take that as a compliment,” she says with a laugh. “I do a lot of different music styles, and they seem to meld into one. Because I’m into so many different genres, it’s difficult to put myself in a box. I think that’s been an ongoing thing when people ask me what kind of music I do. It’s R&B/soul but then I just did a song with all of that and rock & roll. I’ve done reggae and I always lean towards jazz. It’s a little bit of everything.”

Growing out of a musical family, it’s not a surprise how naturally Melanie’s stellar vocals shine through. In fact, she was constantly reminded that pursuing music was her calling; she was humming before she could even talk! A seasoned vocalist, she is a 3-time JUNO award nominee that has collaborated and shared the stage alongside many great names including Kardinal Offishall, Common, Jay-Z and Sean Paul.

A wacky individual with a carefree lifestyle, Melanie is the poster child for living in the moment. Regrettably, COVID-19 is the only thing to get her down this year.

“I’ve kind of been a hermit from the start, so that hasn’t changed for me. But at least, I’d get breaks before where I was able to go and perform. Without being able to do that right now, it’s kind of devastating and a little depressing. I feel like getting on stage and performing is therapeutic and addictive, I’m really missing that.”

To conclude our chat, Melanie offered a little advice to singers looking to break out into the industry. “Every day counts and use it wisely. It’s becoming more and more apparent with this COVID crap as we’re locked down. You got to protect your mental health by doing what makes you happy.”

You can keep up with Melanie Durrant as she prepares for the busy year ahead by following her on Twitter and Instagram @melaniedurrant.