Is Lemon. Toronto's next R&B star?

Toronto's Lemon. has released nary a five-song set, yet has managed to grab major attention on Soundcloud, already racking up over 100k listens of her most popular song posted to the site. Clearly something has resonated about her chill-out, too cool for you R&B sound.

A mix of the colloquial twang of Aimee Mann and the atmospheric groove of FKA twigs, these tunes are impressive in their restrained (but crystal-clear) mood, laid over sparse, but intensely melodic production, which features Tay Lewis on three of the five tracks.

I talked to Lemon. (real name Victoria) about how this project came about, her writing process, and what's next for the Toronto-based singer, writer and producer. Originally from London (Ontario) but transplanted to Toronto four years ago, Lemon. is a recent graduate of The Remix Project, a course-based institute with locations in Toronto and Chicago.

The program has quickly made a name for itself as an incubator for young R&B artists, with previous graduate WondaGurl having gone on to produce for Drake and Jay-Z.

At The Remix Project Lemon. linked up with Tay Lewis, an established producer in Toronto's underground rap scene who has made beats with SeT and Dillan Ponders.

Lewis's fingerprints are all over Lemon.'s early songs. But that's not to say she isn't talented in the studio herself. She produced the first two tracks in her set herself, both of which definitely pop (especially her uncanny cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit). This vocals-first style really pays off, with songs structured around what seems like a single thought.

Lemon.'s tracks are some of the strongest R&B songs I've heard coming out of Toronto this year. With a relaxed feeling and razor-precise production, her haunting lyrics of past loves float through the music effortlessly, never for a minute sounding like a lamentation of mistakes, but rather like a celebration.

It's hard to believe, but Lemon. has played just one live show so far (the graduation show for The Remix Project), but she's still in the studio working on her next batch of songs, which you can bet will be ones to watch out for. Stay tuned to her work by following along on Soundcloud.

Do you think Lemon. will be Toronto's next R&B star? Let us know in the comments.