SHELBY TRAPID is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Born and raised in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, they hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from McGill University and have delved into the realms of psycholinguistics and music cognition as a researcher.

Far from a mere footnote, Trapid’s background in behavioural science is woven into the fabric of their songwriting. The gut-punch quality of their music, coupled with dynamic live performances, extends a compelling invitation—to feel, to connect, and to revel in a shared humanity.

Initially writing and performing with bands in the early 2010s, Shelby reappeared on the Montreal independent music scene in 2022 with their debut solo release, Everything I could not fix I broke into smaller pieces. The album examines a winding path toward self-acceptance and the many different forms of grief encountered along the way. Introspective storytelling unfolds across shapeshifting sonic environments that range from lush orchestration to cavernous distortion.

Their sophomore release No Ambition, Only Desire explores the distorted forms that fear may inhabit before it can finally be confronted. The album navigates a tendency toward detachment in its first half, an introspective journey that mirrors the solitary (and often quite bleak) landscapes of the mind. A yearning for connection takes center stage in the second half, manifested through emotive harmonies and theatrical arrangements.