Daniel Caesar is a Canadian singer and songwriter celebrated for his soulful R&B style. He first garnered attention with his early EPs and reached wider acclaim with his debut studio album, Freudian.
Ashton D. Simmonds, professionally known as Daniel Caesar, was born on April 5, 1995, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. He was raised in a devout Seventh-day Adventist household, which deeply influenced his disciplined upbringing. His father, Norwill Simmonds, is a gospel singer, contributing to Caesar’s early exposure to music. His maternal grandfather was also an artist, signaling a strong familial background in the arts.
Caesar began singing in his church choir during his youth. However, as he grew older, he became distanced from the church community. He faced challenges during his teen years, including being expelled from high school for selling marijuana to a classmate. This event marked a turning point in his life and led him to pursue music more seriously.
After leaving home, Caesar moved to Toronto to focus on his music career. Facing homelessness, he often spent nights in public parks such as Trinity Bellwoods or stayed with friends. Despite the challenges, he remained committed to his artistic vision. He supported himself by working menial jobs, including as a dishwasher, while continuing to write and record music.
Caesar was determined to maintain creative control over his work, choosing to remain independent in the early stages of his career. He built his sound around R&B and soul music, blending traditional influences with contemporary themes.
Daniel Caesar first gained recognition with his 2014 EP, Praise Break, which was lauded for its emotional depth and vocal clarity. He followed up with Pilgrim’s Paradise in 2015, further establishing his reputation as a powerful voice in R&B. The critical success of these projects helped build anticipation for a full-length album.
