YSSY

Toronto indie duo YSSY (say "yessy") makes vivid, synthy alt-pop that’s throwback-tinted and refreshing all at once. Comprised of singer-songwriter/producer Elliot Caroll and multi-instrumentalist/producer Simeon Abbott, the pair bonded upon meeting over a shared love of modern pop sounds and classic songcraft. Within months, they cemented their musical partnership and built a studio together. Caroll began her career as a solo recording artist in her teens, honing her craft in Los Angeles working with eminent writers and producers. Abbott, a jazz-trained pianist, brings the genre-bending versatility he displays as the keyboardist for renowned music collective Dwayne Gretzky. Their resulting collaboration as YSSY is as catchy as it is thoughtful, seamlessly blending earworm-worthy hooks and incisive lyrics with signature retro-tinged sounds. On their debut release, The Way It Was, the duo hints at varied influences like Y2K-era Max Martin, ABBA, Bruce Hornsby, 90s power pop, and the most creative corners of contemporary radio. At once polished and genuine, the EP is an introduction to a band rapidly making their mark, with national airplay on CBC Radio and Radio One. Their follow-up single The Window, a buoyant indie rock anti-racism anthem, was featured as SOCAN’s Song of the Week. YSSY’s 80s synthwave renditions of The Mandalorian and Squid Game themes have racked up over 4 million views on YouTube, garnering buzz and new listeners across the globe.