Fred Issid is a Canadian-Spanish composer, pianist, singer-songwriter whose music explores emotions, human relationships, life, and connection through an eclectic fusion of styles. Classically trained, he began studying piano at the age of six, later earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music from McGill University and a Master’s degree in Classical Piano Performance from the Université de Montréal.
From an early age, Fred stood out for his talent: at only 12 years old, while in Romania, he was selected to perform a Haydn concerto with the Constanta Symphony Orchestra. Since then, he has performed both as a soloist and accompanist, competing in events such as the Prix d’Europe and winning First Prize at the Montreal Classical Music Festival as well as the McGill Concerto Competition. A passionate educator, he has taught both in institutions and privately, guiding his students toward excellence — many of whom have won top prizes in piano competitions and performed in renowned venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York.
His career also brought him to Spain, where he collaborated with opera singers at the Palau de les Arts in Valencia, gave masterclasses across the Valencian Community, and served as a jury member for piano and vocal competitions.
Immersed since childhood in the structured and rigorous world of classical music, Fred discovered as a teenager the raw, tribal energy of electronic music through raves and live shows — an experience that profoundly changed the way he listened to and lived music. He was deeply moved by the inclusivity, the blending of styles, and the emotional connection between music and audience, elements that have since become central to his artistic identity.
Inspired by boundary-defying artists such as Björk, James Blake, and Tori Amos, Fred embraces the idea that classical and electronic music are not opposites but rather complementary forces that enrich one another. He views music as a raw material, capable of being sculpted and transformed — a reflection of the emotional and sonic evolution that defines his work.
His debut album, Topology, is a symbolic exploration of the complexity of human relationships — how experiences and emotions shift, distort, and transform while never losing their original essence. Drawing inspiration from the mathematical concept of topology, the album plays with notions of continuity, compactness, and connectedness — expressed musically through the contrasts and harmonies of classical piano, electronic synthesizers, acoustic textures, and pop structures. Topology embodies this idea by portraying inner conflicts and emotional tensions that ultimately lead to positive transformation.
Name:
Fred Issid
Genre:
Pop electronic with some classical piano influences
Founded:
2025
# of Albums:
1
Latest Album:
Debut album: Topology
Latest Single:
Falling friends
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Tori Amos
Favourite musician now:
Björk
Guilty pleasure song:
I’m a slave for you, Britney Spears.
Live show ritual:
Not talk much and not waste any emotions…almost trying to feel numb till the show
Favourite local musician:
I just moved back to Montreal this year, so I am slowly discovering Montreal artists, but I like Patrick Watson
EP or LP?
EP is great if that is all you were inspired to write…so not forcing an LP is the way to go
Early bird or night owl?
Both, but I tend to be more of an early bird these days
Road or studio?
I have done lots of studio and looking forward to go on the road with my first album
Any shows or albums coming up?
I want to promote my album Topology, and I have some shows that need to be confirmed, but probably the next official show will be at L’Escogriffe in February. Working on new music with my band!
Where can we follow you?
Hyperfollow | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
bouillon Bilk
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Because I just moved back not long ago, I have to say Saint-Denis street has a lot of new and interesting restaurants, cafes and stores….I use to find it a bit boring 10 years ago….not anymore :))
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
I really like Parc Lafontaine, I have spent a lot of time there in the summer, just chilling…I like the mixing of people that the park attracts!
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
I really like la SAT
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Musique Beatnick
