Dylan White Examines the Patterns of Love, Fear, and Privilege on Debut EP 'Fronds,' Featuring Funk-Laced Focus Track "Rags"
• LISTEN TO + SHARE FRONDS FEAT. “RAGS” HERE •
Ontario-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Dylan White makes his solo debut with Fronds – a lush, groove-driven EP that explores the repeating patterns of love and fear that shape human connection across lifetimes and generations. Rooted in jazz, soul, and funk, Fronds reflects both the intricate structure of nature and the resilient spirit of those who dare to break cycles of trauma and doubt.
“We’re surrounded by deep-rooted and mysterious patterns,” says White. “This album was inspired by those patterns – of both love and fear – that repeat themselves throughout a lifetime and across generations. As a nature boy, I’ve always been intrigued by the fact that repeating systems are the basis of all life.”
Across Fronds, White leans into the concept of iteration both musically and emotionally. Recorded across Guelph, Toronto, Haliburton, and Calgary, the EP captures a wide network of collaborators who helped shape its textured, communal sound. “I cashed in all the favours that I could,” he laughs. “All of the musicians on this record are players that I’ve performed with for years. Their backgrounds span acoustic singer-songwriter, funk, soul, jazz fusion and everything in between.”
Listen to Fronds featuring the lead single, “Rags,” HERE.
The EP’s collaborative spirit shines brightest on “Rags,” the defiant, joyfully funky centrepiece. Built around a whole-tone descending bassline, the track dismantles the tired myth of “rags to riches” with sharp wit and a grin. “It’s a joyful attack on murky and vain clichés like ‘pulling yourself up by your bootstraps,’” says White. “It rejects the ridiculousness, conceit, and delusion that we (especially white guys like myself) succeed because we ‘earned it’ and thoroughly enjoys poking fun at that idea.”
With its layered jazz harmonies, light-on-its-feet groove, and expressive performances from drummer Julian Psihogios and guitarist Anoop Isac, “Rags” balances playfulness with purpose. “Julian’s intense, blistering solo, paired with Anoop’s mysterious chords, really embodies that shift from humour to seriousness,” White says. “It’s cheeky, but it’s not cynical – it’s fundamentally optimistic.”
Pop a cork for on track
For Dylan White, Fronds represents more than a debut – it’s a personal and creative turning point. “Writing these songs forced me to pause and reflect on one of the things I admire most: the strength and resilience that some people have to break patterns of trauma and fear,” he explains. “It gave me a joyful outlet to combine the harmonic complexity I love with this core concept.”
Across four tracks, Fronds grooves, glides, and reflects in equal measure. It’s playful yet purposeful – a project that captures the joy of curiosity and the beauty of connection. “This is my first original, solo project,” White adds. “It was challenging and vulnerable to create music that I can stand behind, but this has been well worth the effort. I’m proud of the playing, the chords, the forms, the harmonies, and the melodies. I’m very excited to present it and showcase some of the incredible musicians in my community.”
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