Today we’d like to introduce you to Leila Dey. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Dey is born Jamaican and Toronto raised, she honed her talent/skills while attending inner-city programs and taking her chances in the talent show scene. Influenced by Lauryn Hill, Jazmine Sullivan and H.E.R. she has passion and musicality. Dey emerged on the Canadian R&B scene in 2012, opening for the likes of K’Naan and Melanie Fiona. After losing her sister in 2015, she came out on the other side of grief with notable singles like “3:44”. Her emotions transferred to the music and her sound more distinct. In (2017) the R&B scene paid more attention with recognition from Apple Music’s The Ebro in the Morning (Beats 1), Breaking R&B, and Hot Up in the 6ix. Dey’s Black Bouquet (EP) featured the single “Crazy”, which gained over 60K listens on SoundCloud and was in regular rotation on Toronto’s radio station Flow 93.5 and G98.7. “Black Bouquet” was also featured in the film “Sweetheart”, written and directed by Martha McGrath. The film won Best Short Film at its debut screening for Canadian Diversity Film Festival in Toronto (June 2018) and Best Short Film Canada at the Directors Cut, marking Leila’s acting debut.
Leila’s life and musical journey inform her latest album “DETOUR”, released 2021. During the pandemic, which halted everything in early 2020, Dey decided it was time to finally complete and release a project that would resonate with everyone. She also offered audiences an epic Visual EP of the same name, which in just under 20 minutes brings songs to life in a short film with interconnected songs, screenplay and music videos. Audiences of every hue found “DETOUR”, to be a project perfectly reflective of the times. In fall 2021, the release of Leila’s newest project DETOUR was a hit. DETOUR has been featured in publications, local radio stations and blogs such as G98.7FM, VIBE105.5FM, CJRU: THE SCOPE, CBC’s Marvin Room, and BiiSide Radio; to name a few. Dey has been featured in campaigns with Sick Kids, SFSXINC and more. She ended her 2021 with a Spotify Canada campaign, complete with a billboard in downtown Toronto above the Eaton Centre and being one of the faces of the platform’s popular playlist “MOOD RING” which consistently has over 100k listeners. The release of DETOUR: The Visual EP includes one (1) unreleased record.
Leila is also a TikTok sensation as she converted her screen time to show time and received recognition from industry greats for her performances and song covers on TikTok. Her Cover of SWV’s “Rain” was reposted by the original Producer/Songwriter Brain Morgan who said “@kardinalo Bro Chills on my own shit”. Rap Legends Like Ghostface Killah and Snoop Dogg reached out to let her know they love what they’re seeing. The most viewed post at 414.9k caught the eye of Ms. Anita Baker. Ms. Baker came across Leila’s duet with Vade of “Rapture” and reposted it as she sang their praises. Dey has shown repeatedly how artist development, growth, and honest talent help her curate this community of Dey Dreamers.
2022 was the year when Dey who is the industry’s favourite singer and fellow artists’ favourite collaborator took to the tour streets with fervour. In March, she headlined at Paradise Theatre, an intimate sold-out show for 350 fans and industry insiders. In May 2022, Leila performed live at Gumball 3000 and shared the stage with Bun-B and Deadmau5 at Toronto’s famous Yonge/Dundas Square, an 8000-person venue. In November, she went on tour with Jessie Reyes for the Yessie Tour, covering 16 USA and Canadian dates to sold-out audiences of more than 30,000 patrons. On this tour, she had the chance to experience the love Toronto has for her with two (2) back-to-back sold-out shows of 3500 audiences combined. Leila’s most memorable moment on the tour would be the closing show at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City with 2500 concertgoers singing along with her it was truly electrifying. As 2023 unfolds, Leila has started on a high; she currently features in Beatroute Magazine and she graces the January cover “Leila Dey: Shares big sister advice you didn’t know you needed”. Here, Leila discusses how she finds value in imperfections, the inspiration behind “Detour” and the power of faith even the size of a mustard seed, which moved her forward and served as a catalyst for all the exciting changes she now experiences in her career. Dey is poised for more greatness, she is enthusiastic about the year ahead as she continues to put in work in the studio and prepares for more tour dates.
“May Every Deviation Bring You Intension” – Desiree McKenzie
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road on my journey as an artist. Like a lot of young artists, we envision making it by the time you are 25. As a child, I thought 25 was old and that I’d be rich and on the way to my dream life, but things did not really work out that way. I have been singing and performing in different capacities all my life. After I graduated from University, I decided to work on a project and rebrand as Leila Dey and anyone who has rebranded knows the difficulties in starting over. I was working on building my brand, recording, writing, performing, etc when my sister was suddenly rushed to the hospital. Two days later, she passed away and it was devastating for me. Whilst trying to overcome the devastation, I also tried to maintain being an artist, but my mental health wouldn’t allow it. I had to take some time away from music for a couple of years to process loss and grief. Then decided to get back to creating. Then the pandemic hit, which impacted the world and then in 2022, I loss my job and finally decided to be a full-time artist. There are much more nuanced details, but I say all this to say that for some of us, most of us, life is not a smooth road or a straight shot. Life will hand you lemons, but I’ve been learning to move through those moments with certainty that it is temporary and that I can make lemonade, lemon zest, lemon pie.. so many things you can do with lemons. haha
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an R&B singer-songwriter from Toronto, I’ve been singing for what feels like my entire life but became a solo artist in my Senior year of high school. I don’t know if I’m known yet, but I think people recognize me from my Tiktok Videos in my car and through my singing videos on Instagram and Youtube. Currently, I’m most proud of the tour I just finished with Jessie Reyez, that was an incredible experience.
I’ve been told I have a distinct tone that is smooth in texture and resonates with listeners. I think that’s what sets me apart.. and also just my experiences and who I am as a person.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love about Atlanta is that it I see folks that look like me in all sectors of economic activity. It feels like a space that I belong in. I also love the food. Every time I am in Atlanta, I have GREAT food.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leiladey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leiladey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PGtoLeila/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/leiladey
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxMJgVpU7g_Q5TQZFKBrKEA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@leiladey?lang=en
Image Credits
Tour Photos shot by: Coopzx Cover Artwork by: Artislush x Research.space Press Photo shot by Meeka Mclean
