Music – Montréal
SAYA
Is a Canadian electronic music female singer based in Montreal, working as a duo with composer/producer John Bentley. Together, they create a blend of 90’s dance vocals combined with hard hitting drums, 80’s influenced synth melodies all injected with a touch of disco groove. Everything to bring a soulful and organic vibe to the electronic world. Both are heavily inspired by the 70’s and 80’s era’s. They take what they know from those sounds, styles and lyrics and make it their own.
Saya’s style as an alto vocalist, comes from her classical background and years of private tutoring. Whether as a performer or spectator, she is always amongst the music scene, collaborating with local artists and international acts (choriste for Katia Cadet). Her independent debut in 2010 brought her to perform in places such as: the Mod Club theatre in Toronto for the 16th anniversary of “Honey Jam” hosted by MuchMusic. MusiquePlus in Montreal for an interview and live show for her first video clip. Learning the piano from instructor/performer Eddy Pierre Jasmin, led her to play keys for Debbie Tebbs at “Olympia de Montreal” and “Club Soda”.
Her counterpart, John Bentley, basically grew up with an MPC 2000 and a record collection. Making crunchy beats similar to 90’s and early 2000’s east coast hip hop. While he studied sound design and studio recording, he evolved his taste in production toward everything between blues and house. Realizing the potential of live recordings integrated with electronic beats, he taught himself to play various instruments like guitar, bass, piano, drums, and tried anything else he could get his hands on. This added a lot more elements than just samples to the music.
Combining different backgrounds, the alliance brought out the best in both musicians when they teamed up in 2014. The duo soon launched their own record label.
The release of S A Y A s first Ep on Restless City Records, occurred in May 17th 2017 at Patro Vys in Montreal. It is a great introduction to their artistic vision. A nice throwback to early dance music. Loud chords, heavy bass lines and deep vocals.
The team got selected for the international art showcase: Raw Artists
and performed in venues like: Rialto Theatre Montreal and Mod Club Toronto.
Restless City released their latest single and music video “Don't Close Your Eyes” April 7th 2018. The music video was directed and produced by Eli Jean Tachi and Marina Khoury. Both have won awards in their field. DCYE made it's way to the House radio show, “Métissage”, in Montreal and caught the attention of House music producers.
"DCYE" was featured on many music blogs such as, Canadian Beats and Indie Spoonfull.
Restless keep it moving with a brand new “DCYE” remix by pioneer dj/producer "Alain Vinet" and many more in the making!
The pair toured in the Dominican Republic from January to April to May 2019 and played some popular spots in the capital.
The duo held residency at Lax beach club in Cabarete and played at La Chabola, Point Break Bar and Mamey's in Santo Domingo for the IndepenDance festival, as part of the Master Of The Ocean water sports competition.
Saya & Bentley Produced the theme song for the 2019 edition of the MOTO festival. ''Masters Of The Ocean'' of it's own name features in many promotional videos for the event as well as ITV in Germany.
Inspired by the sounds of the islands, Restless is currently working on their second ep album.