At just 23, Dylan Sinclair has become one of Toronto's most promising voices in R&B, blending the classic warmth of 90s and 2000s sounds with a modern sensibility rooted in his city’s influence. His debut album, FOR THE BOY IN ME, marks a significant milestone in his young career, serving as a musical diary that reveals his journey through love, growth, and self-discovery. Sinclair’s work stands out not only for its honest, introspective lyrics but for his careful attention to crafting a sound that’s both innovative and nostalgic, drawing comparisons to the genre's icons. Songs like “LEMON TREES,” “FOREVER,” and “IMY” offer a mix of soulful melodies and deep storytelling, establishing Sinclair as a uniquely emotional and resonant voice in contemporary R&B.
Sinclair opens up about the process of creating FOR THE BOY IN ME, a project he developed over several years with the help of notable collaborators, including GRAMMY-nominated producer Jordon Manswell and Alex “ACE G” Ernewein. Sinclair details the process behind standout tracks like “Golden,” an introspective song he penned during a retreat in Fort Erie, and “Crew > Boo,” which draws inspiration from Aaliyah’s classic “If Your Girl Only Knew.” These tracks, along with the rest of the album, form a rich tapestry of personal highs and lows, exploring the joy and heartache of relationships with a rare vulnerability that has quickly earned him critical acclaim.
Photo Credit Mary Chen/Fang Group
With over 100 million streams and accolades like a JUNO Award and Polaris Music Prize nomination, Sinclair has shown that his music resonates on a deeply personal level with audiences around the world. In our conversation, he shares insights into his journey, including his path from high school aspirations to headlining his own tour in 2025. His "baby, let's be honest" tour will bring FOR THE BOY IN ME to life, with stops across Europe and North America, providing fans a chance to experience the raw energy and passion he pours into his live performances.
Throughout the interview, Sinclair reflects on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his journey, from moments of self-doubt to the excitement of finally sharing his album with the world. He also speaks on the importance of gratitude, the influences that inspire him, and his approach to self-care, revealing a grounded and reflective artist who’s committed to his craft. For Sinclair, music is more than a career—it’s a calling, and through it, he hopes to connect with listeners and encourage them to embrace vulnerability. As he continues to push his creative boundaries, Sinclair is not only redefining his own artistic identity but also shaping the future of Toronto’s R&B scene with a sound that is timeless, authentic, and, above all, honest.
Photo Credit Mary Chen/Fang Group
For Dylan, music was always a part of his life. "I can’t recall a specific moment," he says, when asked about the point he decided to pursue music seriously. "As far as I could remember, I loved music and always wanted to record an album."
During his senior year of high school, when most of his peers were busy planning their futures, Sinclair was looking for opportunities to make his dreams a reality. "While all my friends were figuring out where they wanted to go for post-secondary, I was just thinking of who I knew that could help me make one [an album]."
Sinclair’s debut album, FOR THE BOY IN ME, is a deeply personal body of work—a reflection of love, growth, and the lessons learned along the way. “It can be uncomfortable having such a personal body of work out there in the world," Dylan admits, "but it’s rewarding when the people receive it and relate to it."
The creative journey for the album began with “Golden,” a track that would later become the album’s emotional outro. "I was in a town called Fort Erie spending time with a couple of producer friends," Dylan recalls. "The lyrics came first. I played the idea out on piano for Jonathan Gataretse, a talented keyboardist and producer friend of mine, and he helped me sweeten some of the chords."
From there, inspiration flowed effortlessly. "I locked myself away in a room for an hour and came out with the song. It was a very easy song to make, as the best ones usually are."
Dylan describes his artistic style as both “innovative but nostalgic.” It’s a sound that draws from his love of the Y2K R&B era, taking cues from legends like Usher. "I channeled Usher’s next-level vocals and vivid storytelling," he explains. “I wanted to take that energy and make something that felt modern but still familiar.”
Two standout tracks, “Lemon Trees” and “Crew > Boo,” reflect that blend of old and new. “Lemon Trees’ was actually the beat’s name before I had any lyrics on it, but I loved the title so much, I decided not to change it,” Dylan shares. “As for ‘Crew > Boo,’ I remember listening to Aaliyah’s ‘If Your Girl Only Knew’ and thinking, ‘I can relate to this. Let me make my own version of it. I went home that night and recorded it."
The journey to creating a debut album comes with ups and downs, and Dylan has had moments when things felt overwhelming. But he keeps his focus by staying grateful and grounded. "Yes, there were times I wanted to give up," he says, "but God is good, and I’ll never feel sorry for myself."
For Dylan, self-care is key to maintaining that mindset. "I go outside and play ball with the homies every week. I have a smoothie every day, and I do skincare every night," he says with a smile. "The more I express gratitude, the more optimal my creativity becomes."
Photo Credit Mary Chen/Fang Group
Every step of the journey has brought its own lessons, and Dylan believes that "the best way to learn is in the game." This summer, he challenged himself by trying something new: golf. "I’ve been going to the driving range all summer, but I finally went golfing a couple weeks ago," he says. "It doesn’t matter how many times you go to the range—a 9-hole is a different game."
But one of the hardest lessons he’s learned is that "not everyone wants you to win." This insight has shaped how he moves forward. "Now I focus more on the people around me who do want me to win—they deserve my best efforts."
With FOR THE BOY IN ME officially out and streaming, Dylan is gearing up for his first-ever headline tour, "baby, let’s be honest." The tour will kick off in Europe in January, making stops in London, Paris, and Amsterdam, before heading to North America in late February. "I just announced my tour," Dylan says. "What I love about performing is the rush of adrenaline, especially because I’m shy. It’s just another place for me to be free and watch people enjoy my music."
Photo Credit Mary Chen/Fang Group
From Seattle to New York, and finally back home to Toronto for the last show on April 12, the tour is a chance for Dylan to connect with fans across the globe and bring the stories of his album to life on stage.
As Dylan reflects on the last few years, he acknowledges the personal growth that has come with the journey. "I used to feel held back," he admits. "But now I’m more dedicated and focused than I’ve ever been."
For Sinclair, the future is about staying inspired by the greats and keeping an ear to the streets. "Greatness is timeless," he says. And as he prepares to embark on this next chapter with his tour, Dylan’s only hope is that his music resonates. "Making something that resonates is challenging enough in a world where we take things in so passively. So as long as it resonates, that’s all I could hope for."
Dylan Sinclair's FOR THE BOY IN ME is now streaming on all platforms, and tickets for the "baby, let’s be honest" tour are available at dylansinclair.ca. Get ready to experience the sound of an artist who’s just getting started—but already making waves.
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