At just 20 years old, Canadian R&B artist rl is making waves with his emotionally charged debut album, ‘Forever’. Known for blending smooth vocals with street-conscious themes, rl dives deep into love, relationships, and inner struggles, offering a raw and vulnerable glimpse into his personal journey.

‘Forever’, released on March 14, 2025, is a testament to his growth, showcasing a mix of sultry R&B tracks and heartfelt ballads, including the standout ‘ShutUp’ featuring Midwxst. Eager to know more about his musical origins and the creation of this deeply personal album, we sat down with rl to uncover the stories behind the songs.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today, rl. Let’s go right back - when did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?

“I first started making music around 17. Since the age of 3, I’ve always been interested in music, but it wasn’t until I was 17 that I started actually creating it. I was drawn to artists like Drake, PartyNextDoor, and Bryson Tiller. I admired how they combined emotional depth with different sounds, and that inspired me to craft my own style. Music became an outlet for me to express what I was going through—whether it was personal struggles or experiences with relationships.”

“Even though I started at 17, I quickly saw my skills improving, and I realised music was the best way to understand and express my emotions. A lot of my work is influenced by real-life experiences and raw feelings, and I aim to bring that authenticity to everything I create.”

Can you tell us a bit about your new album and what it means to you?

“My latest release is my debut studio album, ‘Forever’, which dropped on March 14, 2025. This album is incredibly special to me because it’s the first project that I fully mixed, produced, wrote, and recorded on my own. It’s a reflection of everything I’ve been through and a snapshot of where I am in my life right now. Forever dives deep into themes of love, relationships, personal struggles, and growth.”

“Every track is a piece of my journey, and I wanted to make sure the music felt authentic to my experiences. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m proud of how it turned out. I put everything I had into it—emotionally and creatively. This album isn’t just about the music; it’s about me embracing who I am, the challenges I’ve faced, and where I want to go. It's my first real studio album, and I hope that listeners can feel the passion and vulnerability in every song.”

What was your songwriting process for the album? How did it all come together?

“My songwriting process for Forever was a pretty personal and organic journey. A lot of the songs came from real experiences—whether it was something I was going through at the time or reflecting on moments from the past. I usually start with an emotion or a situation that I want to express, and from there, I build the song around that feeling. I typically begin by coming up with a melody or a chord progression that fits the vibe I’m going for. Once I have that, the lyrics flow naturally. I like to keep the lyrics raw and honest, so I try not to overthink them too much. If something feels real to me, I know it’ll connect with listeners.”

“Since this is my first full studio album, I spent a lot of time in the studio fine-tuning every detail. Every track was mixed, produced, written, and recorded by me, so I was very hands-on with the entire process. I wanted the album to feel like a reflection of who I am right now—so I made sure each song represented a piece of my story. It all came together over time as I experimented with different sounds and tried to push my boundaries while staying true to my style.”

How would you describe the sound on the album? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?

“The sound on ‘Forever’ is a mix of where I’ve been musically and where I’m headed. Back in 2022, I was experimenting with hyperpop and digicore, releasing a few songs. That phase was really about pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds, but I eventually stepped back from it. Around the end of 2024, I rediscovered my love for R&B, and it felt like the right time to dive back into music. Since then, I’ve been creating my own version of R&B. I wanted to keep that experimental energy I picked up from my hyperpop and digicore days while also grounding the sound in smooth R&B melodies and emotionally-driven lyrics.”

“’Forever’ represents that evolution, blending traditional R&B vibes with elements of my past experimentation. It’s the next step in my musical journey and a sound that feels more authentic to who I am right now. There’s definitely a sense of growth in my style, and I’m proud of how the album turned out. It’s a balance of raw emotion and creative exploration, and I’m excited for listeners to hear that evolution.”

Is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey with the album?

“The central message of Forever revolves around embracing who you are, even in the face of struggles, and accepting that growth is a continuous process. A lot of the album is about relationships—both with others and with yourself. It’s about learning from past mistakes, reflecting on the ups and downs, and finding a sense of peace with where you’re at. One of the moments in the album that really captures this idea is the track ‘City Girls’.”

“The lyrics touch on feeling deeply connected to your roots and the environment around you, even when things aren’t always easy. It’s about owning your story and not letting your struggles define you. That track really encapsulates the theme of personal growth and self-acceptance that runs throughout the whole album. Overall, I wanted Forever to be a reminder that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, there’s always room for growth, and there’s always a chance to be better and stronger.”

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both musically and personally?

“Looking ahead, my biggest aspiration as an artist is to continue making music purely for myself. My focus is on finding the sound that truly fits me and feels authentic. I’m not trying to chase trends or aim for popularity—I just want to create the music that resonates with me on a personal level. It’s about making songs that reflect my experiences, my emotions, and my journey. In the next few years, I see myself honing in on that sound, diving deeper into my craft, and continuing to make music for the love of it, rather than any external expectations.”

“I want to make the kind of music that feels like my own, without worrying about how it’s received by others. It’s all about the process and staying connected to the passion that first drew me to music. On a personal level, I just want to keep growing and learning as an artist, staying true to myself, and never losing sight of why I started making music in the first place: for me.”

Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with you and help support you?

“To everyone reading this, I just want to say thank you for taking the time to check out my music and my journey. I create this music for myself, but I’m grateful for anyone who connects with it and finds something meaningful in the stories I tell. Your support truly means the world to me.”

Ultimately, rl’s aspirations are rooted in authenticity and personal connection. He aims to continue creating music that resonates with him, focusing on the process and staying true to his passion. For those who connect with his music, he expresses deep gratitude, acknowledging that their support means the world to him.

You can find his music on all major streaming platforms, and follow him today on Instagram and X for more.