RETRO-FUNK, INDIE, MODERN POP
Claire Davis is a musical time traveller. Known for her mighty and expressive vocals, Davis
authentically and effortlessly brought the sounds of ‘60s and ‘70s soul into the present on her debut solo EP Thrive. Recording the EP to tape, Davis stayed true to the golden years of soul music that inspire her most, “I wanted to have the flavour of some of my favourite soul records while also being unique compositionally.” Davis explains, “Using an analog process is all about capturing the vibe of a performance, it’s a practice in giving up the idea of perfection and tapping into the moment when you’re recording.”
Carving out her reputation as a powerhouse frontwoman and background vocalist in the Toronto music scene, Davis joined seven-piece retro funk ensemble YUKA as their lead singer on full-length album releases From the Ancients (2014) and Dreamscape (2019) to critical acclaim. Regarded as one of the best live acts coming out of Toronto, YUKA shared the stage with The Dap-Kings, Lee Fields and the Expressions, Treme Brass Band, and The Souljazz Orchestra.
Davis also established herself as a go-to background vocalist for all things soul, performing
with legends Martha Reeves (of Martha & the Vandellas), Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, and Jully Black, top Toronto breakout artists Charlotte Day Wilson, Jessie Reyez, and Daniel Caesar.
Stepping out on her own as a solo artist, Davis teamed up with producer and YUKA bandmate Scott McCannelll to write and record her debut EP, Thrive. An EP that explores themes of relationships and heartbreak, the title track centres on the relationship we have with ourselves — the relationship that all else is built upon, “We blossom the most when we love and take care of ourselves first. It’s the only thing we can truly control.” says Claire of the track. Thrive was released digitally on July 16, 2021 and was followed up with a 7” vinyl release on UK label LRK Records which sold out presales in just over a day.
Claire’s debut LP, Get it Right, is a 10-track album featuring some of Toronto’s top-flight musicians. The LP consists of some of Claire’s most personal writing to date- drawing from the reflective nature of the pandemic, her compositions and lyrics examine themes of self-worth, relationships, and even family dynamics.
“The concept behind the album is about knowing your worth and putting the work in. I think this is a poignant message for many people as we emerge from a tumultuous time. We have had the opportunity to assess what we actually want to return to, what’s truly for our benefit and for the greater good. Much of the lyrical content in the album is inspired by my own personal journey of struggling to break toxic cycles within my family and learning to forge my own path.”
The first two singles from the album were released both digitally and on 7” vinyl in the Fall of 2022 on LRK Records. Get it Right LP will be released April 21st, 2023.
