Canadian singer Jon Vinyl has likened himself to a “singing J. Cole” due to his relatable and positive version of modern R&B. • Hailing from Toronto and Pickering, Ontario, Vinyl went to high school with pop star Shawn Mendes, an early supporter of his music. • Influenced by R&B icons from Luther Vandross to Maxwell, he began recording in his home studio when he was 15. • He spent five years honing his sound before finally releasing his debut single, “Nostalgia,” in 2017.