Dylan White Examines the Patterns of Love, Fear, and Privilege on Debut EP ‘Fronds,’ Featuring Funk-Laced Focus Track “Rags”
Ontario-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Dylan White makes his solo debut with Fronds – a lush, groove-driven EP that explores the repeating patterns of love and fear that shape human connection across lifetimes and generations. Rooted in jazz, soul, and funk, Fronds reflects both the intricate structure of nature and the resilient spirit of those who dare to break cycles of trauma and doubt.
“We’re surrounded by deep-rooted and mysterious patterns,” says White. “This album was inspired by those patterns – of both love and fear – that repeat themselves throughout a lifetime and across generations. As a nature boy, I’ve always been intrigued by the fact that repeating systems are the basis of all life.”
Across Fronds, White leans into the concept of iteration both musically and emotionally. Recorded across Guelph, Toronto, Haliburton, and Calgary, the EP captures a wide network of collaborators who helped shape its textured, communal sound.
“I cashed in all the favours that I could,” he laughs. “All of the musicians on this record are players that I’ve performed with for years. Their backgrounds span acoustic singer-songwriter, funk, soul, jazz fusion and everything in between.”
The EP’s collaborative spirit shines brightest on “Rags,” the defiant, joyfully funky centrepiece. Built around a whole-tone descending bassline, the track dismantles the tired myth of “rags to riches” with sharp wit and a grin.
“It’s a joyful attack on murky and vain clichés like ‘pulling yourself up by your bootstraps,'” says White. “It rejects the ridiculousness, conceit, and delusion that we (especially white guys like myself) succeed because we ‘earned it’ and thoroughly enjoys poking fun at that idea.”
With its layered jazz harmonies, light-on-its-feet groove, and expressive performances from drummer Julian Psihogios and guitarist Anoop Isac, “Rags” balances playfulness with purpose.
“Julian’s intense, blistering solo, paired with Anoop’s mysterious chords, really embodies that shift from humour to seriousness,” White says. “It’s cheeky, but it’s not cynical – it’s fundamentally optimistic.”
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello Canadian Beats! My name is Dylan White and people tell me that I have an interesting life: I’ve been in a minor plane crash, was surrounded by a pack of wolves, and I rowed across an ocean. But my favourite thing is to sing or play piano & bass with a great band.
Fronds is your solo debut. After working as a multi-instrumentalist and composer in various settings, what did this first solo project allow you to express that you hadn’t before?
In the past, I’ve worked as a collaborating artist or a hired-gun player in the studio and onstage. And I’ve learned to honour that musical mantra known as “serving the song” whenever possible.
Now, working as a solo artist I’ve been serving my own songs. It’s given me access to parts of my playing that I’d never used before, and allowed me to add all that chordal texture I’ve been longing to explore.
Best of all, I can sing about the things that matter most to me. It’s actually been a revelation.
Your music is rooted in jazz, soul, and funk. Who were some of your biggest musical influences when composing and recording the tracks for Fronds?
Erykah Badu is probably the strongest hidden influence on my EP: her songwriting forms and chordal harmonies are among my all-time favourites. I say “hidden” because, of course, our styles are radically different but I adore her work.
Stevie Wonder is my north-star of composition and performance. But then again who wouldn’t want to follow Stevie? Intricate, jazz-infused songs from Steely Dan provide critical inspiration. And, contemporary jazz / hip-hop / songwriter squads like Hiatus Kaiyote & Moonchild are also major influences and favourites.
You recorded this EP across four different cities (Guelph, Toronto, Haliburton, and Calgary) with a wide network of collaborators. How did this communal approach shape the final, “textured” sound of the record?
I called in all sorts of favours to get this record done. Friends of mine with different studios and skills made it all possible. For example, I’d already recorded basslines in a couple of settings and it wasn’t working for me. The bass only came to life when I went into the woods near Haliburton for a few days with my pal Nick Russell. Likewise some good friends in Toronto – Sean Gallagher & Justin James – were key in pulling off the punchy vocals on “Feels Like The”. And then Stef Haynes took on the horn arranging in Calgary and absolutely nailed it.
Lucky boy that I am, my friends are amazing players and their personalities speak through the recording on their solos and comping. The texture that all these characters bring to the record make it feel that much more personal, unique and special to me.
“Rags” is described as the “defiant, joyfully funky centrepiece” of the EP. What was the starting point for this song—was it the whole-tone descending bassline, or the lyrical concept?
For me, the music always leads. And in this case, joyful defiance immediately followed.
While I was exploring on the bass, I sensed that relaxed but articulate vibe that Sly pulls off masterfully on “If you want me to stay”. And over the next hour this quickly flowed on bass and piano into the whole composition. But I needed to match the feeling of the song with something I cared about and so, I made the obvious choice: make fun of the tacky and willfully-ignorant hubris of billionaires and the like.
Now that Fronds is released, what are your immediate next steps? Do you plan to take this project on the road, and what might a live performance of this EP look like?
Yes! This album is going on the road. And I can tell you exactly what the show looks like as there was an inaugural performance this past Saturday: tight, playful and dynamic. There was a full horn section, brilliant soloists on guitar and keys, tight vocal harmonies and a masterfully groovy rhythm section. There’ll be a Toronto show this coming Saturday, Dec 6, at Burdock Music Hall – so come and see for yourself: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dylan-white-fronds-ep-release-w-savannah-shea-tickets-1855107890639