WHAT WENT DOWN @ DYLAN SINCLAIR’S [@DYLAN_SINCLAIR] FIRST LONDON SHOW

Toronto native, Dylan Sinclair is a smooth, shining R&B star. Performing in London for his first UK headline show, not long after his All Points East set, Sinclair had fans queueing from early and screaming in adoration when he finally took to the stage.

Supported by DJ Donnie Sunshine who span a fitting selection of R&B classics and rap hits the crowd were warmed up and ready to go for Sinclair’s opening act – the alluring Dancehall/R&B fusion vocalist Skeete – a pair made in R&B heaven.

It’s always special seeing an artist interact with their fans first hand and Sinclair made this clear from the jump. It’s easy to see and hear from his buttery smooth vocals why he has the ladies in the palm of his hand. The interaction was beautiful – holding the audiences hands and taking their phones to take selfie videos as he performed, it’s a rhetoric he clearly took in his stride when he emerged to his opening track ‘Girl’. 

Though his demeanour remained calm and collected, his star presence continued to be felt throughout the gig. His seductively smooth pen and vocals lived up to the studio versions of the tracks, and he hit some gorgeous riffs and runs exclusive to his live performance.

The performance of his track ‘Lifetime’ was mesmerising and a standout moment throughout the show. The intro provided by his captivating band gave him a firm foundation to lay down the same effotless loverboy lyrics he’s known so well for. By the time he hit the lyrics “Could you trust me when I’m on the road? With beautiful women from LA to London” the crowd, chanting every word were ecstatic at the London shoutout – the perfect launch pad for the powerful ending which saw Sinclair fully lost in the music with a bouncy, confident cadence.

We got to see even more of his vocal range on ‘Too Soon?’ as his soft, airy vocals floated along the walls of Village Underground as he vulnerably questions “If I say, “I love you” / Will you think it’s too soon?”. Continuing the sultry vibes he sits down on a stool for ‘Just Anybody’, accompanied by Joz, his guitarist – allowing for a beautiful acoustic blend as Sinclair pours his heart out about an ex lover.

To top it all off, Sinclair addedd a personal London touch by gracing the stage with London’s very own R&B prince JVCK JAMES. Their ‘Open Remix’ is just as classic live as it is over headphones – JAMES and Sincalirs silk like vocals are a match made in heaven. The crowd couldn’t get enough of the duo understandably chanting for ‘one more song’ – no one was heading home without an encore.

Dylan gave his fans a night they’d never forget. The mic? ON. If you love R&B there’s no way you can miss him the next time he’s here.

Photography by Kat Friar