Sebastian Gaskin

How does an emotional aftermath evolve into a creative epiphany? For Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and producer Sebastian Gaskin (they/them/he/him), first, they settle into the weeds of an experience: luxuriating in the low simmer of an all-consuming love, embracing the reckless timeline of heartache, or wading headfirst into a tough conversation. Then, they get to work, like a tattoo artist preparing their station. They start by creating a blueprint on the guitar, or tapping out lyrics on a fresh Notes page, before filling in the white space with whatever a song calls for. It’s the mark of an artist unafraid to look deeply into themselves— through the process, they create a sonic offering designed to embrace our many broken pieces, all the while reminding us that love and vulnerability are acts of resistance. 

Intentionally genre amorphous, Gaskin’s music is grounded in bold intuition and gut instinct. At once, they conjure the timeless imagination of Bill Withers and the musical virtuosity of John Mayer, with a slice of mischievous wordplay reminiscent of Post Malone and Pro Era. A skilled producer and arranger, Gaskin’s ear for collaboration has led them to work with producers Evan Miles (dvsn, renforshort) and Milano (Icona Pop) to unlock new elements of their sound. 

“Writing songs has always been a form of therapy for me, I can always count on the soothing aspect of getting my thoughts out,” says Gaskin about the importance of songwriting in their life.

Growing up in Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Split Lake Manitoba, in the early 2000s, Gaskin was enveloped in a rich tapestry of influences. Their mother kept the radio dialed to country stations. On the weekends, they’d watch their grandmother, a respected community leader, belt out Southern gospel classics. After a cousin introduced them to Metallica’s iconic sound and heavy riffs, they decided to pick up a guitar. As a teenager, they found endless inspiration sifting through music forums on Tumblr — on some days, wandering down a rabbit hole of British indie rock, or becoming enchanted with Chief Keef’s 808s. 

Their debut EP Contradictions (2019) was a dynamic, slow-burning meditation on desire: a House of Balloons-esque masterclass in restraint, bursting with patient, asymmetrical melodies over amber-toned vocals. Coming off a whirlwind 2021, earning a Western Canadian Music Award for R&B Artist of the Year, the Kevin Walter’s Songwriting Award, and selected to attend the Allan Slaight Juno Masterclass. They’ve performed at venues and festival stages around the world and supported artists ranging from Common, T-Pain, and others. Their forthcoming debut album will be released on the Indigenous-owned music company Ishkōdé Records and Universal Music Canada.