SOUNDS GAY! PRESENTS PRIDE KICK-OFF PARTY

FEATURING R. FLEX + SULLEN + SARAH BELLSTADT

•

Toronto’s R. Flex makes electro-R&B with a voice that’s at once smooth and powerful. Their arresting live performances has helped them build a name for themselves in Toronto’s music scenes and in Canada. They have appeared at Toronto Pride, POP Montreal, Sled Island (Calgary), MEGAPHONO (Ottawa), Slut Island (Montreal), and Grickle Grass (London), opening for the likes of Silla and Rise, Above Top Secret, and Le1f. Their debut EP In & Out received over 28K streams and their song “Thursday” was a Top 20 finalist at Imsta Festa Toronto. They have been featured in Paper magazine, YOHOMO, CBC Here & Now, and named one of NOW magazine’s Artists to Watch in 2020 and 2021. The cheeky R&B creator dares to change the shape of the genre, blending in electronic sounds and pop hooks. Channelling the impish spirit of Janet Jackson, Tinashe, and Kelela, they push the genre’s BPM to exciting places. Their commitment to storytelling through music and fashion explores intimacy, self-discovery, and identity. They challenge traditional narratives of love and self-love, creating safe spaces for queer joy and expression. Authenticity is at the core of their work. Their high-energy 2022 EP Flex With Benefits — featuring production from Zlender (assistant mixing engineer on “Hotline Bling”), Def Starz (producer on Cupcakke’s “Ephorize”), Sofia Fly (Toronto rapper/DJ phenom), Driftnote (produced for Witch Prophet & Shad), and Tantu Beats (Netherlands’ platinum producer) — earned praise from Exclaim!, Bandcamp, and The Toronto Star. Featuring collaborations with Tafari Anthony and Desiire, the EP explored queer desire and empowerment. Tracks like “Too Late,” “4U,” and “DNA” earned global recognition, appearing on queer playlists in Amsterdam, Toronto, and New York. In their second EP of 2022, Once Upon A Flex, R. Flex slowed the BPM but heightened the vulnerability, garnering critical acclaim from Earmilk as a trailblazer. As one of the first artists to perform at Club Quarantine, their electrifying performances solidified them as an underground star in the making. They’ve opened for artists like Haiku Hands, Khalifa, and Shad with a flair that continues to make its mark. Distinct and forward-thinking, you have every reason to Check The Flex.

Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple Music

•

With guests Sullen and Sarah Bellstedt