Introducing: GeminiCrab

Fresh off the release of their genre-blending debut EP Gen Y Lens, Montreal’s “HighSoul” pioneers GeminiCrab are heading across the pond — bringing their boundary-pushing blend of R&B, jazz, hip-hop and electronic to UK stages this May. The duo — comprised of GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Malika Tirolien and producer/keyboardist Caulder Nash — will light up The Great Escape with two Brighton showcases on May 15th, before opening for Afro-rock icons Osibisa at London’s Jazz Cafe on the 17th. We caught up with Caulder Nash to dive deep into the duo’s sound, soul, and what “HighSoul” really means.

“HighSoul” is such a unique genre label—how did that term come about, and what does it represent for you both creatively and spiritually?

Caulder - It’s elevated soul music. It’s futuristic, it’s nostalgic, it’s magical, it’s trippy. Everything we’ve learned about soul, jazz and Hip-Hop is in there wearing a funny hat. 

The EP ‘Gen Y Lens’ offers a rich fusion of styles—R&B, jazz, hip-hop, electronic. How do you approach weaving so many influences into a coherent sound without losing emotional clarity?

Caulder - I have a life experience that is influenced and shaped by many different sounds. And that guides me in my process. All those sounds will find their place on the canvas, if the music demands it. 

Tracks like “Like Water” and “Ride” feel deeply rooted in both experimentation and personal storytelling. How do you balance sonic exploration with lyrical intimacy?

Caulder – To me, they are one! Sounds express feelings that words cannot. 

You’ve both got extensive musical histories—from GRAMMY-nominated work to major international stages. What does GeminiCrab allow you to express that your previous projects didn’t?

Caulder - Well first, its OURS - so no answering to other artists’ vision which is an honor and a gift in of itself. It’s kind of like a playground in which we let the intrusive thoughts win. If we want to throw something thing in a random direction, we try it. Because no one is the boss. 

You’re playing some big UK stages soon, including The Great Escape and opening for Osibisa at The Jazz Cafe. How does performing live shape the way you interpret your recorded work—or even inspire what comes next?

Caulder - For me it shapes the timing of things. Like certain moments, I’d want to live more of or dwell on certain moments. These moments feel different if I’m playing my instrument. Maybe also it changes the way the music and our sound is perceived, because the audience can watch us wear the music like clothing.