Hailing from the prairies of Canada, Saskatchewan-born, Montréal-based artist kerri first found his interest in music at a young age – a fateful Google search to understand how Skrillex songs were made quickly led to ignoring schoolwork to find the best way to make beats in Ableton. By age seventeen, kerri knew that music was a passion he couldn’t ignore and dove head-first into his soon-to-be artist project, forgoing college and releasing his first single instead (2017’s “my boo”, a stripped-down version of the RnB club banger by Ghost Town DJs). Since he’s amassed over 10 million streams across his catalogue, received press from Complex Canada, Ones to Watch and Glide Mag, and had a song placed on Season 1 of NBC’s Bel Air. Along the way, he’s forged close relationships with collaborators like ivri, Sophie Marks and Max Fry.
Each kerri release arrives more refined and mature than the last, and his vision becomes clearer with each passing year. His discography is its own coming-of-age film; from the first freedoms of youth to the smooth velvet rebellion of adolescence, to the autonomy and stability of early adulthood. Now, kerri is committed to showing the world a more lighthearted version of himself, after compartmentalizing pain and coming out stronger on 2023 LP Finish What You Started. With a recent emphatic co-sign from Timbaland and a “Don’t Panic Friday” monthly single series in full swing, things are only looking up for the Canadian.
Name:
kerri
Genre:
Indie RnB
Founded:
The first time I put out a song under my name was in 2018. There’s lots of music under old names scattered all over SoundCloud still, though.
# of Albums:
2
Latest Album:
Finish What You Started (2023)
Latest Single:
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Probably Frank Ocean, and when blonde came out. It just connected deeper than anything else because it was ahead of its time. I was 16 in Saskatchewan, and it’s one of those things where you remember the moment vividly. I was looking out an old wooden window while the sun came in. It felt like I had my world expanded listening to that. There were new ways to articulate feelings of memory. It’s especially funny because I was so young and had such little life experience then, so my relationship to this music has only matured, not faded.
Favourite musician now:
I love Fontaines DC and the heart in their work. All the writing is meaningful and expressive. I think the approach is beautiful as well. Their latest album inspired me to go back to guitar lessons.
Guilty pleasure song:
It’s weird, but for a while, I couldn’t stop listening to the main title theme of the TV show “Succession” by Nicholas Britell for a couple of months. I found it to be such a great beat for walking down the street. Try it out sometime.
Live show ritual?
1 slice of pizza. 10 water bottles. Neti pot and saline water. Keep my heart rate down as much as possible.
Favourite local musician?
Gotta be Men I Trust. I’ve been listening to them for such a long time, and I find the way they play with texture so inspiring.
EP or LP?
I’m an album guy, so that's how I connect with music. Personally, I want something I can disappear into for an hour if I need at any moment. That’s something I try to provide with my work.
Early bird or night owl?
Recently, I’ve been waking up at about 6 am, and it feels really good going for a walk with the sunrise, so I’ll say early bird for now. But it changes.
Road or studio?
Studio. I like my cave. I can’t wait to play shows again, though. It’s a different feeling.
Any shows or albums coming up?
My newest album, DON’T PANIC, is coming soon! Presave here.
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Mont-Royal Hot Dog. Shoutout to that place. Y’all have a place in my heart. Thank you for being you.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
I love walking down Mont-Royal. It’s a cute walk, it’s vertical and stimulating. Action everywhere. There’s parks all over to reach. Good walking experience.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Parc La Fontaine. It’s beautiful. Every season. I love the different ways it feels. It’s rare in a city to have a place to wander aimlessly.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Bar Le Ritz is such a vibe. I wanna play there someday. I also really like Casa Del Popolo.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Nantel Musique! They’re nice, and I have a good time chatting about guitar pedals with them and asking questions.
