Dr. Draw has had a significant presence in the Toronto cultural scene for over 27 years. Rising from humble beginnings as a busker, he made history as the first violinist to bridge the gap between rock, classical, and electronic music cultures. Starting as a Canadian heartthrob in the late 2000s, his ambitions and audience have since transcended the borders of his youth, propelling Dr. Draw to renewed success in recent years.
Internationally recognized, Dr. Draw has graced prestigious stages, including the opening of the Westfield World Trade Center 9/11 memorial in 2016, acting as a cultural ambassador at the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC in 2017, and performing alongside members of the Gypsy Kings in Mexico. In the late 2000s, he traveled the world, captivating audiences with his performances for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton. His musical journey has taken him to television appearances in Sri Lanka and to the Sovereign Art Foundation’s Art Fund in Hong Kong in 2019. Notably, he has shared the stage with star acts such as John Legend, Mariah Carey, Shaggy, 2 Cellos, and Drake in the past four years.
Yet, Dr. Draw’s artistry extends beyond live performances. He is celebrated for his music production and compositions, often collaborating with uniquely talented musicians to craft distinct sounds. Recent endeavours include composing for dance, contributing to Canada’s National Ballet School’s countrywide initiative, “Sharing Dance,” and scoring for various independent films, including the BBC documentary, ‘Death on the I-95,’ shedding light on the opioid crisis in the USA.
With an impressive discography of six albums under his stage moniker and a collaborative project titled ‘Tokka’ alongside long-time musical partner and producer Acote, 2023 anticipates the release of two new albums. The first under his own moniker promises an explosion of creativity, while the debut album for the project ‘Nemesis’ showcases an exhilarating collaboration with Canadian Beatboxing Champion Scott Jackson. ‘Nemesis’ draws from diverse influences, ranging from Middle-Eastern folk music to old school hip-hop, embracing the innovative fusion of violin and the voice. Their journey commenced in 2017 on Parliament Hill for the Canada 150 celebrations, leading to remarkable performances, notably at the Montreal Grand Prix and the Toronto Raptors’ unforgettable 2019 game 7 buzzer beater’s halftime show.
In the present, Dr. Draw returns with a highly anticipated new album (scheduled for release in late 2023 and early 2024), a collaborative effort with his new band, The Strange Parade. The band spent years during the pandemic refining compositions, both new and old, and then recorded the album in about three days in a live off the floor session at Toronto’s Dream House Studio. Collaborating with sound engineer Calvin Hardwick, Dr. Draw and The Strange Parade have crafted a record that stands as a contender for the Junos and potentially the Grammys, offering an authentic representation of their live sound and a testament to their musical prowess.
“You play like Jimi Hendrix!” – Richie Sambora, Bon Jovi guitarist
