Dixon

D!XON born Sheldon Dixon in Toronto, Ontario to parents of Trinidadian and Guyanese descent, D!XON, has advanced as an artist through singing, songwriting, producing, dancing and acting. D!XON was only six years old when he found his voice. From a very young age, his home would echo with the sounds of Michael and Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton and Mariah Carey - musicians who have impacted his artistry today. Inspired by some of the greats, D!XON started writing songs at the age of 13 and started teaching himself to produce and record from home. He also went on to pursue an education at Etobicoke School of the Arts and the Randolph Academy for Performing Arts where he majored in Musical Theatre. He further developed his artistry at The Remix Project where his talents were nurtured while being presented with the opportunity to learn exactly what it takes to be successful in the music industry. It wasn't always an easy road for D!XON. In high school, before pursuing musical theatre, he would receive daily death threats and criticisms for his gender expression and sexual orientation. His once musical home was silenced by the practice of a strict religion that did not support his love for music and men. He was stripped of his identity and freedom of self-expression down to the places he was able to go and the clothes he was allowed to wear leaving him passionless and down a suicidal road. With the soundtrack of his life on pause, he grew up resenting his culture and losing his zest for life. Without music, he was lost. Deciding to press play on his life and create his own soundtrack, D!XON found the courage to leave home, find comfort in religion and came to terms with the fact that his peers may have used him as an outlet for the projection of their own insecurities. It wasn't until D!XON met his now long-time music producer, Verse-Atile, that he found true power infusing music and his religious beliefs. You can learn more about this on his CBC Radio interview entitled How I Became A Singer After Music Was Taken From Me. Through his music, D!XON advocates for the causes of anti-bullying and anti-oppression by amplifying the values of self-acceptance as well as the acceptance of others. D!XON has worked with Hollywood Jade and some of Toronto's finest dancers and choreographers who gave way to his thought-provoking, sensual and passionate singing and performance styles. He has collaborated with Canadian musical acts such as Jully Black; shared the stage with Estelle, Deborah Cox, En Vogue, and Danny Fernandes; and has performed at a number of events and festivals including World Pride; The Harbourfront Centre Flaunt Festival; The Harbourfront Centre Beats, Breaks, and Cultures Festival; The Opera House for Universal Music Canada; Youth Day, and the Taste of the Danforth. Funded by the Ontario Arts Council and Bell Media's MuchFACT, D!XON released his debut EP, "Sweet Illusion" in 2016 where he explored the nostalgic sounds of the '90s while adding his signature modern touch of Pop mixed with R&B. The D!XON sound is infused with electronic Pop, R&B, and the boundary-pushing flamboyance of Michael Jackson and Prince. On stage, he transforms into the epitome of entertainment his thought-provoking, sensual and passionate vocal performances. In 2019 D!XON was a featured performer in Ciara's headlining show at Montreal Pride. He was also featured in Ciara's remix music video for Todrick Hall's hit "Nail's Hair Hips Heels". D!XON is also the creator of the City of Toronto's Drag Masterclass which featured Priyanka, the winner of Drag Race Canada, and Hollywood Jade, the Drag Race resident choreographer. He worked closely with Toronto's very own Drag Legend Sofonda Cox who mentored the at-risk 2SLGBTQAI+ youth in the program. This masterclass limited barriers for 2SLGBTQAI+ youth in the community who are looking for professional artistic development to increase their chances of employment as a Drag Queen or Drag King at the local Drag Bars. The Masterclass was so successful that it has been renewed annually with the City of Toronto. In 2020 D!XON was appointed as a Director on the Board of Directors for Pride Toronto. D!XON also received a recording grant in 2020 from Toronto Arts Council to produce his first independent long-playing album due in 2022. D!XON has made it a point to inspire the world with his music, push his artistic expression through visual media, explosive live performances, and support the next generation of artists. D!XON strives to create and release songs that truly tell the story of his 2SLGBTQAI+ experience while still being relatable, entertaining, and inspiring to the world.