Given calls his music mélo: rap, R&B, Afro and pop, with the voice used as an instrument. The Montreal artist grew up in Rivière-des-Prairies, and his EP SIGNATURE, released October 16, is his first attempt to put a recognizable stamp on that sound.
After featuring SIGNATURE on Exposed Vocals, we asked Given about the word he built his sound around, the track that best explains him, working with Seka on “Danse Pour Moi,” and why he wants Montreal to be known for more than one kind of music.
EV: How do you define mélo, and when did you first use that word for your sound?
Given: I define mélo as a blend of rap, R&B, Afro and pop, where the voice becomes an instrument to create melodies and express emotions. I started using that word when I understood the kind of artist I wanted to become and the musical universe I wanted to build around my influences.
EV: What is SIGNATURE about, and why that title?
Given: SIGNATURE is the beginning of an identity I want to build on my own terms, without limiting myself to one genre or sound. I chose that title because the artists who inspire me all have something recognizable about their music, and I want to develop a signature of my own while bringing a new colour to Montreal.
EV: Which track on the EP best explains who you are as an artist?
Given: I'd say "Chèque." I made it before I ever received a cheque from music, and it represents my ambition, hunger and determination. It's the story of a kid from Rivière-des-Prairies who decided he was going to make it.
EV: How did "Danse Pour Moi" with Seka come together?
Given: Seka also makes mélo, so I thought it would be interesting to bring our musical identities together on an Afro-inspired track centred around women, rhythm and melodies. I reached out to him, and we started creating the song on BandLab before taking it to the studio.
EV: You say you want to change the codes of the Montreal scene. Which codes, and what would you put in their place?
Given: I want to expand what people associate with Montreal's music scene, where underground rap and street-related themes are particularly present. I'd like to create more space for mélo, R&B, Afro influences, vulnerability and emotional expression. I want to show that an artist can be ambitious and confident while also being sensitive.
EV: What does Montreal give your music that another city couldn't?
Given: I grew up in Rivière-des-Prairies, surrounded by Montreal's cultural diversity, different languages and musical influences. That environment shaped the way I sing, express myself and approach music. Montreal is part of my identity, and I want people to hear that in my sound.
EV: You mention France and Europe. What's your plan for reaching listeners there?
Given: Canada is currently my number one country on Spotify in terms of listeners, with France coming right after. I'm building on that connection by pitching my music to radio stations, playlists and media platforms while promoting my music organically. I'd love to perform there, build an audience and create a lasting bridge between Montreal and Europe.
EV: How do you write and record? Take us through a typical session.
Given: My creative process can start with a melody, an instrumental or even lyrics I've written without a beat. I write, record and mix much of my music independently, but I also work in studios because I'm always learning and looking to improve my sound. I like being involved in every stage of the creative process.
EV: Who or what shaped your taste growing up?
Given: I grew up listening to American R&B and pop before discovering American and French rap. Michael Jackson, Drake, Tiakola, David Okit, Gunna and Brent Faiyaz all influenced me in different ways. Being Congolese and growing up around Congolese music and gospel also played an important role in shaping my sound.
EV: What comes after SIGNATURE?
Given: SIGNATURE is only the beginning. I'm preparing a more introspective R&B project for 2027, with singles leading up to it, and I've already created music that will keep me busy well into August. My goal is to keep developing my sound, reach international audiences and help put Montreal on the map.
SIGNATURE is out now. Listen on Spotify, and follow Given on Instagram and TikTok.
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