With over 80 million streams to his credit as a JUNO-nominated producer, John Fellner is no stranger to the charts. But this spring, the man behind the hits is stepping out from behind the soundboard and into the center of the stage.
Ahead of his upcoming EP, Boundaries (out May 29 via MCMXVI / Slaight Music / Universal Music Canada), and a whirlwind Ontario tour, we sat down with John to talk about vulnerability, his transition to solo artistry, and what fans can expect from his new live show.
Q) You’ve built an incredible reputation producing for heavy hitters like Haviah Mighty and Preston Pablo. Was there a specific moment or a particular song where you realized, “I can’t give this one away—this story has to be mine”?
A) I think when I work with an artist, my job is to tap into their mindset and try to help them write a song that is true to their story and circumstance. So often the song is tailored to the artist as we are making it. I definitely have had moments, though, where I think to myself, “this could really be something big”. But supporting artists to tell their unique story is part of my passion, and why I love production and songwriting.
Q) Does having a JUNO-nominated production background make the songwriting process easier, or do you find yourself getting caught up in the “polished” details when you should be focusing on the raw lyrics?
A) I definitely have a high standard for myself when it comes to production. I think the hardest thing for me to do is bounce a “day-of” for an artist (which means export the song after the initial session) because there are often so many things I hear that need to be changed. But at the end of the day, I remind myself this: a great song will shine through the raw nature of a demo. If there’s magic there, it won’t matter that the drums are too loud, or the guitar is too quiet etc. So I try not to get overly caught up in it.
Q) The new EP is titled Boundaries. In an era of “oversharing” on social media and the complexities of modern dating, how does this project explore the limits we set for ourselves and others?
A) This EP explores the different types of boundaries we experience in our lives. Ones that we set for ourselves, ones that we set for others, and ones that others set (maybe towards us). It’s often that we look at boundaries as a good thing, and often they are. But this project asks, are there ever boundaries that are hindering our relationships? Is there ever a time a boundary should be crossed? That’s what I want people to ponder when listening.
Q) Your 2025 debut Crossroads saw “Broke Skin” become an iHeartRadio Future Star pick. How does Boundaries push the envelope further than your debut?
A) Sonically, this project has much more of an uptempo feel. Crossroads was much more introspective of a project, so the songs leaned slower and more sombre. It’s the beginning of my story; the breaking of relationships, finding my voice as an artist, and pursuing something off the beaten path. Whereas this new EP feels much more playful and cheeky, while still serious in its nature. If Crossroads was the inciting incident, Boundaries is the rising action leading to the climax. (*wink wink, nudge nudge, there’s more to come*)
Q) “Cold Feet” and “Green Lights” have already started building massive momentum. How do these tracks set the stage for the focus track, “Harry Go Round”?
A) Both of the leading singles explore interrelational stories about the boundaries set between people. Harry Go Round is much more of a personal boundary with vices, which is something that I’ve struggled with in the past. It talks about a character repeating the same patterns over and over again, like living on a merry-go-round. The focus track has a real depth in its sonic identity as well, with lots of instrumentation and a “push-pull” feel in the guitar part. It features a lone trumpet melody that feels both cathartic and triumphant. It feels like something I haven’t done before, and it’s come to be one of my favourites.
Q) You’ve mentioned that this EP leans heavily into “reflective storytelling.” Which track on the project felt the most “exposed” to write, and why was it important to include it?
A) I’d say Green Lights was reflective on things I’d done in the past. Making choices that seem right in the moment but wrong in the long run is something I think everyone can relate to. It’s a part of growing up and learning the importance of consequences. It felt authentic to share this story on the project.
Q) You’re hitting the road across Ontario starting May 19, with stops in Kingston, Toronto, and Hamilton. How have you translated the high-end production of the EP into a live performance?
A) I think we’ve been able to do it in a really cool way. As opposed to running tracks, I’ve actually built out more of a live looping set, meaning I’ll be recording parts played live and looping them back to build out the full song. I also have a dear friend of mine joining me on stage. Together, the two of us are building out the songs and triggering different sounds live in the room. It feels authentic to be doing a set like this with my production background. Almost as if I’m bringing the audience into the studio with me.
Q) As someone who has helped so many other artists find their “sound,” how would you describe the “John Fellner sound” to someone who is discovering your solo work for the first time?
A) I like to describe my music as cinematic, indie-pop, with flavours of R&B, folk and soul. My musical palate isn’t defined by one genre, so I try not to define myself that way.
Q) With the EP dropping May 29, what do you hope is the lasting impression Boundaries leaves on the Canadian indie-pop scene?
A) With the risk of sounding too on the nose, I hope it pushes some boundaries of what is considered Canadian pop. I did an interview the other day with a new friend, Rudy Blair and he described my music as timeless. And that meant a lot to me, because I do think that my music isn’t just for young people, or pop lovers, it has depth and can be enjoyed by anyone. My hope is that it has the chance to connect with people from all walks of life, and gets them thinking about the boundaries they set in their own lives.
