Apple Music has announced Toronto-based singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez as the latest addition to its Up Next program.
Up Next is Apple Music’s monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent.
Previous additions to the Up Next program include 6lack, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Greta Van Fleet, Khalid, Amy Shark, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Claudio, Sigrid, Mr Eazi, Stefflon Don, Bad Bunny, Juice WLRD, Bazzi, Jax Jones, NCT 127, Summer Walker, Tierra Whack Dean Lewis, Pink Sweat$, Koffee, Megan Thee Stallion, Burna Boy, Clairo, and Lunay.
Reyez debuted her RIAA certified-gold single Imported with 6LACK this spring, from her forthcoming studio album, slated for release early next year via FMLY / Island Records. Her most recent single is called Far Away.
The artist’s accomplishments last year included a sold-out 30-date tour and the Fall 2018 release of her EP, Being Human in Public.
Reyez has collaborated with Eminem, Daniel Caesar, Sam Smith, Lewis Capaldi and Karol G and has co-writing credits on Dua Lipa’s hit song One Kiss with Calvin Harris and Promises with Calvin Harris and Sam Smith.
She was inducted to the Canada Walk of Fame in 2018 and won a Juno earlier this year for R&B / Soul Recording of the Year.
Apple Music has supported Reyez since the early days of her streaming career, dating back to August of 2016 when her song Figures was premiered by Zane Lowe on Beats 1 and was immediately featured on several Apple Music playlists, including: New Music Daily, R&B Now, and The New Toronto.
Reyez’ music has been Shazamed in over 180 countries around the world and cracked Shazam’s Top 25 Global Chart for the first time in April 2019 with her track Great One, which peaked at No. 11.
She also appeared Shazam’s Top 25 charts in the US and Canada with Figures.
Reyez has received over 325 million streams on Apple Music to date and is the first Canadian female to be named an Up Next artist.
“Honestly, Apple is a giant. I’m working to be one, so I appreciate them putting me on their shoulders as the next Up Next artist,” said Reyez.
“In addition to her raw talent, the honesty in her songwriting makes her extremely relatable. On Far Away for example, she tackles something as universal as romantic relationships and as culturally important as immigration with ease.”
Nadeska Alexis, Apple Music
“I’ve been intrigued by Jessie Reyez since I saw her perform an acoustic version of Figures on her guitar back in 2016, and her growth since then has been incredible to watch,” said Apple Music host Nadeska Alexis.
“In addition to her raw talent, the honesty in her songwriting makes her extremely relatable. On Far Away for example, she tackles something as universal as romantic relationships and as culturally important as immigration with ease.”Music Business Worldwide
