Chiiild

Chiiild is the project of Montreal-based artist and producer Yonatan Ayal, formerly known as xSDTRK. Emerging in 2017 and gaining significant traction with the 2020 EP 'Synthetic Soul,' the project represents a sophisticated evolution of alternative R&B.

Ayal's background as a producer for artists like Jennifer Lopez and Khalid informs the high-gloss, professional sheen of the music, yet Chiiild remains firmly experimental. The sound identity is built on a foundation of 'psychedelic soul,' incorporating elements of 1970s space rock, neo-soul, and contemporary indietronica. Critically, the band has been praised for their ability to maintain the emotional core of soul music while utilizing avant-garde production techniques. Their debut full-length, 'Hope For Sale' (2021), solidified their position in the Canadian music scene, earning a Juno nomination. Influences range from the vocal precision of Brandy to the sonic architecture of Pink Floyd and the groove-heavy philosophy of D'Angelo. Chiiild occupies a unique cultural space as a bridge between the 'indie-sleaze' aesthetic and the modern R&B vanguard.