Daniel Caesar’s Second
The Self-Made R&B Artist’s Sophomore Success
Daniel Caesar’s soft and silky voice has a subtle awesomeness to perfectly suited for R&B. But the impact he’s made on the genre has been anything but subtle since he stepped into the limelight in 2014.
Born Ashton Simmonds in Ontario, Canada, the 24-year-old is a self-made success story. He independently released two EPs to critical acclaim before forming his own label, Golden Child Recordings. His debut album Freudian, released in 2017, received widespread praise.
Freudian is a raw and powerful debut that peaked at #6 on the U.S. R&B Chart. Some of its clear high notes are collaborations with female artists like Columbian-American singer Kali Uchis and Grammy-winning R&B artist H.E.R.
Caesar’s is obviously and strongly inspired by Frank Ocean. His sweet croon has the same unmistakable emotion and artistry, but Caesar strips it down and uses few technical elements. Rather, in songs like “We Find Love,” the production is minimal and he instead relies heavily on a piano driven melody and vocal harmonizations.
Caesar released his long-anticipated sophomore album on June 28, a 10-track album titled CASE STUDY 01. Despite all of its track titled being written in capital letters, the album is a cool and laid back collection of tunes with relaxed piano and guitar-driven melodies. Again, some of its best tracks are collaborations with industry superstars like Pharrell Williams and Brandy. John Mayer also makes an instrumental appearance in “SUPERSTITION,” his signature twinkling guitar style making its presence known throughout the song.
Caesar has hustled to make his name known on his own terms within his genre. With help and inspiration drawn from more seasoned artists, he will surely continue to climb as a talented up-and-comer.