Tessa: The Soulful Voice of Modern Pop-R&B

Tessa is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has carved a distinct niche in the contemporary pop and R&B landscape. Hailing from Toronto, she achieved a major commercial milestone with her 2022 debut album "Phases," which debuted in the top 10 on the Canadian Albums Chart and was certified gold.

Early career

Born Tessa Johnson in 1996, her musical journey began in church choirs in her native Toronto. She started posting covers and original demos on YouTube as a teenager, which led to her discovery by local producer and A&R representative Marcus Lee.

This early online buzz culminated in her first official release, the independently dropped EP "Prelude," in 2018. The EP's streaming success attracted label attention, and she signed a development deal with Harmony Records in early 2019.

Breakthrough

Tessa's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2021 with the release of her single "Midnight Drive." The song became a sleeper hit, gaining traction on TikTok and eventually peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100.

This success set the stage for her debut album "Phases," released in June 2022 under Harmony Records in partnership with Universal Music Canada. The album's gold certification was driven by strong streaming numbers and consistent radio play across the country.

Key tracks

Midnight Drive — This breakthrough single defined her moody, atmospheric pop-R&B sound and earned her first major radio hit.

Two Sides — The lead single from "Phases" showcased her songwriting depth and received heavy rotation on Canadian pop stations.

Fool Me Twice — A fan-favorite album track noted for its intricate vocal harmonies and honest lyrics about relationship cycles.

Echo (feat. Rhyan) — This 2023 collaboration with fellow Canadian R&B artist Rhyan demonstrated her versatility and expanded her audience.

Following the success of "Phases," Tessa embarked on a sold-out national tour and began working on her sophomore project. She has since collaborated with producers like Boi-1da and songwriters like Emily Warren, refining her blend of pop melody with R&B inflection.

Her more recent singles, including 2023's "Neon Glow," have shown a shift toward a slightly more synth-driven, danceable sound while maintaining her signature vocal style. Industry observers note her consistent ability to craft radio-ready hooks that resonate with a broad pop audience.

Listeners who enjoy Tessa's smooth fusion of pop and R&B often appreciate the work of similar Canadian artists. Alessia Cara shares a focus on relatable, lyric-driven pop songwriting. Charlotte Cardin explores a comparable blend of soulful vocals and modern electronic production. Jessie Reyez offers the same raw emotional delivery and genre-blending approach. TOBi merges R&B flow with insightful lyrics in a similar vein.

Tessa's music is a staple on modern pop and adult contemporary radio stations featured on this website. Her hits are regularly programmed alongside other top Canadian talent on curated playlists across various online radio streams and mainstream FM stations, ensuring her soulful pop-R&B sound reaches a wide audience.

You can hear the music of Tessa on radio stations available right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover her key tracks and latest releases through our featured pop and R&B stations.