Raised in Toronto, Q-X is a singer/songwriter and producer. His style of music has merged Rock, Alternative and Hip-Hop all into one, with musical influences from Muse, Post Malone, Travis Scott, and Guns N’ Roses.

Q-X has participated in one of our programs and moved up to become a program assistant in the Villaways community. He also performed during an Art Starts fundraiser in 2015.

During this slower period, Q-X has been getting back to leveraging his online presence and promoting his new single ‘Paradise’.

How has Covid affected your practice?

As an artist, I feel that although this pandemic has had its downfalls, it has also given me much needed down time to focus on my craft; which direction I’d like to go in, different avenues I could pursue and sounds I could have fun with. Given this time to reflect, I now can iron out why I love music as opposed to why I like it as a creative outlet.

How have you adapted?

I have redirected my energy from networking via social events and using my physical presence to outsource, and am now focused on building and maintaining an online presence. Campaigns used to promote myself are no longer projected through shows and venue parties, but rather merch preparation and upgraded video quality and production for our music videos.

What projects are you currently working on?

While we work on expanding our demographic on an international scale, I wrapped up a feature with a member of BLVD, ‘Make Your Move’ with Pharaohsoul. Shortly after mastering my new single, ‘Paradise’, that has been in the works since November, my priority now lies in promoting to radio hosts in hopes of gaining access to a larger platform to more effectively spread my message.

What themes does your artwork explore?

My goal has always been to be unrelentingly myself in hopes to inspire others to do the same. My last single, ‘Imperfect‘, spoke of my struggles being forced to leave my home (Villaways) due to gentrification, affecting my perception of stability and humanity. I now value the importance of being a successful black man in a society built to serve the white population more than I ever have.

How can the arts help people with the isolation and uncertainty they are feeling right now?

In my case, music has always been a way for me to feel not only connected, but understood. In these uncertain times, people have a greater understanding of their need for connection, given the isolating circumstances. I think the reason why the arts are saving lives right now is because you can creatively express yourself without breaking any COVID precautions – singing, painting, dancing…etc are all ways to express yourself without putting yourself in danger. Furthermore, having a creative outlet is an amazing form of self care, scientifically helping to reduce anxiety and depression; both common ailments people struggle with in isolation.

How has working in the community arts sector inspired you as an artist?

The other day I went to the studio to engineer a client. Little did I know, he was an old childhood friend! After catching up, hearing some of his recent accomplishments, recording an amazing song and sharing a few laughs, I was overcome with a sense of pride. Helping others accomplish their goals has always been very rewarding for me. There is nothing more motivating to me than making a hit!

As an artist, how do you define success?

Success comes from home. I’ve always been one to provide for my family, so for me, it comes from the smiles on their faces.

How do you use art to express yourself? What do you feel needs to be said right now?

As a musician, every day can change your life. What I mean is, every time we hop on the train, or ride with no seatbelt, or listen to the radio, or hear any sound, ever, it can spark a thought, a melody, a word or any combination of things that lead you to creating a song that day based on your mood.

I know a lot of artists. It makes me fluent in many languages. Poets, painters, graphers, dancers, singers – all using their Voice of art.

We use our voices to express our emotions and ideas – I believe more people should too.

You can find more on Q-X, and his work, on Instagram or welcometotheblvd.com