ARTIST HIGHLIGHT: Farah Léa’s Rise in Toronto, Canada's RnB and Neo Soul Scene

Farah Léa poses for a self-portrait with a white background. Courtesy: Farah Léa

Listen to the full Interview with Farah LéaBy Dawson Wagner

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Farah Léa is carving out a unique space in Toronto’s vibrant music scene, blending RnB and neo soul with deeply personal storytelling and a touch of astrological inspiration. Joining DJ Wagz on the Evening Drive – fff is a Palestinian-Canadian artist, she brings a rich cultural perspective to her music, infusing her songs with both introspection and advocacy.

Finding Her Sound: From Brampton to Neo Soul

Originally from Brampton, just outside Toronto, Farah Léa’s journey into music was shaped by her environment and the people around her. She credits her discovery of RnB and neo soul to collaborations with local musicians, especially keyboardists whose smooth rhythms resonated with her and inspired her songwriting. "The more different people you work with, the more kind of sounds you're influenced by," Farah explains, emphasizing that her sound is a product of community and creative exchange.

Influences and Songwriting Process

Farah cites Erykah Badu as a major influence, admiring her profound lyricism and the emotional depth she brings to her music. For Farah, lyrics often come before melody, as she strives to convey messages that connect with listeners on a personal level. "Sometimes I put the lyrics before the melodies, but that's just because I really always have a message that I'm trying to put through with my music," she says.

Her songwriting process is deeply tied to her own experiences, as seen in "Gemini," a standout track from her debut EP, Virgo’s Crescent. The song was inspired by a late-night impulse and personal reflection, resulting in a relatable anthem that quickly became a crowd favorite at her shows.

Astrology, Identity, and Artistic Growth

Astrology plays a subtle yet significant role in Farah’s artistry. As a Virgo, she identifies with traits like perfectionism and attention to detail, qualities that shape both her music and her creative process. The title Virgo’s Crescent is a nod to both her astrological sign and a pivotal moment of transition in her life-moving out of her childhood home and embracing change.

Farah’s Palestinian-Canadian heritage is another cornerstone of her identity. She is open about her background and uses her platform to advocate for Palestinian issues, often expressing solidarity at her shows by wearing her heritage scarf and speaking out in support of Palestine. While she finds it challenging to write directly about the political situation, given her own experiences as a Canadian-born, white-passing artist, she remains committed to raising awareness and honoring her roots.

Collaborations and Upcoming Projects

Farah’s music is a collaborative effort. Her debut EP was produced entirely by her friend and talented keyboardist, Kyden Flint. For her upcoming project, Beauty in the Mundane, she is working closely with producer Noah (stylized as knowuh). This new EP, set for release on August 6, 2025, reflects a shift in Farah’s life-from chaos to calm, and from seeking drama to finding joy in stability.

"To some people, they may be like, oh, it's very mundane. It's a very tame lifestyle. And I'm like, to me, no. This is something that I needed, something I needed to ground myself," Farah shared on the evening drive.

Live Performances and Community Engagement

Farah Léa is active on Toronto’s live music circuit, with upcoming performances at the North by Northeast Music Festival on June 12 and at Handlebar in Kensington Market on August 3, just days before her new EP drops. She is also focused on expanding her visual presence, working with photographers and videographers like Turtle Supreme to capture the raw energy of her performances and bring her music to life on screen.

Advice for Emerging Artists

For those hoping to follow in her footsteps, Farah’s advice is simple but powerful.

"Keep trying even if it sounds bad, even if you think it's terrible. Just keep trying because even if nine out of 10 of those things are bad, one out of 10 of those things you try to do...one of them will succeed. So you just have to keep going. You have to be consistent."

She encourages aspiring artists to actively seek out opportunities, apply for shows, and build connections within their communities. For more information about Farah Léa or to give her a follow – check out her instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/farahleaa/

Listen to Farah Léa on Spotify!