Stream: Savannah Ré – “Formed”
Savannah Ré releases new “Formed” project
A New Chapter in Toronto’s R&B Story
Toronto has long been a breeding ground for genre-defining talent, from Drake to Daniel Caesar. But among this rich musical tapestry, Savannah Ré has carved a space all her own. The JUNO-winning artist, known for her emotionally honest lyrics and velvet-smooth vocals, has evolved from a promising songwriter to one of Canada’s most essential R&B voices.
With the release of Formed, her second official project, she enters a new phase — creatively independent, emotionally grounded, and spiritually recharged.
From Opia to Formed: The Unfolding of an Artist
Savannah’s debut EP, Opia (2020), was a vulnerable introduction that explored themes of heartbreak, growth, and romantic honesty. That release earned her critical acclaim, including SOCAN Songwriting Prize and Polaris Music Prize nominations. It also made history — she became the first-ever winner of the JUNO for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, a category she would win three consecutive years in a row.
But Formed feels different.
While Opia was about revealing hidden parts of herself, Formed is about reclaiming them. Inspired by the Bible verse her mother loved — “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” — the album is less about overcoming pain and more about learning from it.
Inside Formed: 11 Tracks, One Clear Voice
Across the 11-track EP, Savannah unpacks relationships, inner conflict, and the ongoing evolution of self-love. The project is impeccably produced, with ethereal textures, acoustic guitar lines, ambient synths, and minimalist percussion that let her voice take center stage.
The opening track “Bodies” sets a tender, melancholic tone as Savannah reflects on physical intimacy and emotional disconnect. In contrast, “Go ‘Head” — produced by her longtime mentor Boi-1da — is a fiery standout, with a driving beat and unapologetic confidence, perfect for summer playlists and late-night car rides.
On the other end of the spectrum is “Made It Out”, the EP’s closer, which reflects on survival — emotionally, spiritually, and artistically.
Notably, her track “Sex With My Ex” gained widespread attention when a sample appeared on Drake’s 100Gigs website, signaling her growing influence in contemporary R&B circles.
Co-Signs and Collabs: Growing in Great Company
Over the years, Savannah Ré has collaborated or shared studio time with a who’s who of music legends: Babyface, Normani, Jessie Reyez, Coco Jones, and of course, Boi-1da. These relationships helped shape her artistic voice without ever overshadowing it.
And that’s what makes Formed so compelling — it’s fully, unmistakably her.
Each track carries a deliberate emotional weight, a level of lyrical maturity that proves she’s not just a vocalist but a masterful storyteller. That talent has earned her a seat at the table with some of the best in the game — and now, she’s setting her own.
Independent and Intentional: The Power of Self-Guided Artistry
Going independent is often romanticized, but it’s rarely easy. It means investing more of your own time, resources, and emotional energy into every part of the process — from writing and production to marketing and distribution.
Savannah Ré embraced that challenge. With Formed, released through her own Matrimony Records, she demonstrates the potential of independent artistry when paired with vision, discipline, and community.
This shift also aligns with a growing trend in the music industry: artists taking ownership of their careers and content. Independent artists like Russ and Tinashe have spoken at length about the empowerment — and responsibility — that comes with that freedom. Savannah joins that wave, adding her voice to a larger conversation about what sustainability and success look like outside the major label system.
Savannah Ré and the New Age of R&B
The resurgence of R&B in recent years has seen the genre diversify in sound and voice. From the ambient moods of SZA to the soulful grit of Giveon, modern R&B thrives on emotional authenticity — and Savannah Ré delivers exactly that.
But what sets her apart is her ability to balance vulnerability with strength. Formed doesn’t try to present a “perfect” version of self — it embraces the messiness of becoming. Whether it’s navigating breakups, rediscovering faith, or asserting boundaries, she captures the nuances of being a modern woman in full bloom.
This perspective makes her music not only engaging but also deeply relatable. It’s music for people growing, healing, and celebrating themselves — flaws and all.
A Legacy in the Making
Savannah Ré’s Formed is more than an album. It’s a powerful moment of reflection, resilience, and renewal. She’s taken the long road — built on skill, soul, and self-trust — and arrived at a sound that feels both intimate and expansive.
For fans of contemporary R&B, Formed is essential listening. And for those navigating their own path to becoming, it’s a timely reminder: You’re never finished forming. The journey is the point.
As Savannah herself proves, some of the most beautiful art is born in the in-between.