Photography Norman Wong

With over 25 million global streams, Canadian rising star Emanuel has had a breakout year establishing his artistry through meaningful, expressive music. Since releasing his debut single “Need You” in April of 2020, Emanuel has achieved international acclaim for his undeniable talent and introspective, emotionally charged music.

Discovered by Canadian hip-hop icon Kardinal Offishall, launched by global superstar Idris Elba, signed by legendary R&B record label Motown Records, honored with a JUNO Award nomination for his debut EP, and championed by fans, critics and industry partners alike, Emanuel is one of the most destined new voices in R&B. 

Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?

This was born in the basement of Ryan Bakalarcyk’s (Bedrm)’s family home in London, Ontario. Ryan and I had been making designs on pursuing music full time and we wanted to make something special. We knew in our personal lives a great deal of healing and growth would be needed to embark on this journey. 

That is the heart that ALT THERAPY was born from. I remember the day I blurted it out and it just felt right. Since then we took a special interest in creating music that would aid that journey of growth and self-discovery, vowing to be channels for sonic healing. We believe it to be straight from the source. 

Tell us about your latest release, ALT THERAPY. How did your debut album come about?

ALT THERAPY came together through prayer. Prayer and diligently working with the resources that made themselves available. ALT THERAPY is a compilation of stories. It’s often a testimonial of my own trials and tribulations and a deep yearning to be a bridge for people through the power that exists in telling those stories. The goal is to be able to unravel safely to the music, while truly being enriched by the experience. 

Do you have a favorite song on the album at the moment? 

My favorite song on the album right now is “I Been.” It’s about love. It’s a song I made with the intention of sharing my experience with love. 

Tell us about your digital portrait series released with “Black Woman.” What inspired that? 

The team and I at Universal and Motown created the portrait series to honor black women who are in our communities and trailblazers in their fields. We thought it would fit that the song “Black Woman” should have real black women and their stories recognized and highlighted. It was an honor to select those women and to hopefully inspire others. 

Who are your all time musical icons?

Bob Marley 

Kendrick Lamar 

Frank Ocean 

Who are you binge listening to these days?

  • Mach-Hommy’s Pray For Haiti album
  • Sean Leon’s single “boyfriend”

What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?

When in doubt, be inspired by your peers. Listening to the artists I mentioned gives me a lot of inspiration. Time, solitude and stillness as well. When I’m able to think freely and confront and overcome what is blocking me, I always find my way back to inspiration. And ultimately back to music. 

Who inspires your style and aesthetics?

My personal style is an outward expression of what’s going on inside my mind, body and soul. I take inspiration from styles I love to see and hear, and attempt to conjure a version that represents who I am. 

What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?

I’m still a baby in my career in music. Right now I am really proud to be able to share ALT THERAPY the album with the world. 

What’s the future looking like for you?

The future is bright, and without limitations. God willing I am able to continue to share albums and visuals with the world, on larger stages with greater audiences. And ultimately the music having profound impact and legacy on this earth. And God willing my music will tell a story of the healing of a generation in desperate need of healing.