Dammien Alexander says it was a near-death experience in Costa Rica that changed everything. What started off as a great day bodyboarding some 2-plus meter sets ended with being swept out at high tide, exhausted and 500 meters out on a boogie board. “It ended with me taking desperate air on shore after coming face to face with the power of the raging ocean and my ability to push back,” he said. “I had to want to live. Not just prevent me from dying. I had to save myself.”

After that, the multi-instrumentalist and singer said, “Music just sounded different than before. It opened up doors in my heart and mind.”

He’d burnt out on music years before, but struggling to survive led him back to his songs, and to creating a new style of music. Blending R&B, funk, and soul with rock energy, the result was the album Love + Infinity. “I just felt lighter as a person so the music started to resonate that way,” Alexander. The set, out on March 24 via Underground Sun, is made up of songs that are slightly atonal, but rhythmic, more upbeat, and brighter. “I wanted people to enjoy themselves when they listen to this record. That’s really a big part of it. I do know right now that people need a little bit of relief.”

Listen to “Tidal Wave” premiering on Myspace today.

Hometown: I moved a lot and still do. The town that is closest to me is probably Halifax Nova Scotia.

Homebase: In most recent times Guatemala, Switzerland and a lot of in and out in Canada oh and LA a bunch.

Did you always want to be a musician?

At age 4 my grandmother coaxed me into singing for her friends. She'd literally take me door to door.

But I really just started taking guitar seriously. At the time I was in Toronto working on my most notable album Beautifully. I couldn't really play anything else but my music. Jamming with other musicians always caused me anxiety for some reason. I passed theory but none of it stuck. I met a guy named Nabil. He was in his fourth year at world renowned Humber College. His instrument is bass. We jammed and he spoke to me like my talent was a matter of fact. My guitar was not lacking but unique in a very jazz way. Before this moment I didn't see myself as a musician. A producer, yes. Singer, yes. What I wanted to be more than anything was a musician. I began to explore that space in performance. I began to believe this was meant for me.

Why is your album called Love + Infinity?

I think love is the most interesting topic in the world. The heart the most mysterious. Why does it feel what it feels? It doesn't make sense to love what hurts you. But that's the challenge. Love anyway. This is the reason, the inspiration for this work. My successes and failures. The hope of infinite chances.

What's "Tidal Wave" about? Why did you write it?

"Tidal Wave" is about a woman I dated being overdramatic, to cover up the fact she didn’t understand who I really am. Fantasy meets reality and boom you have a perfect storm. Men try to navigate it and it can sweep you under fast. I really just needed to express it constructively. I wasn't happy about it.

Who are your musical heroes?

Any artist that is authentic to their craft I am down with. I prefer music with a serious groove, sound mastery, and lyrical dexterity. Prince, Marvin Gaye, Radiohead, Musiq Soulchild, Lauryn Hill, Daft Punk, Mark Ronson, Jay Z, The Mars Volta, I got lots to choose from. Every era offers something cool and inspiring.

How does traveling around the world influence your music?

Since I spend tons of time in clubs the playlists are so different depending on the country. I get turned onto some phenomenal music. Keeps me on my toes.

What's your songwriting process?

Sometimes it's a lightning in a bottle moment. 20 minutes bing bang boom, song. Then there are songs that are very pliable. You are encouraged to play with the alchemy more. First lines of songs are a big deal for me. In Tidal Wave I labored over it. I wanted to get to the point but also show the depth of my consideration. It wasn't just emotional. "Folded all hope for love it burns eternal." What I love about that line most is I never tried to rhyme with it again. People when they really get it, a light bulb goes off. I love that moment when my fans share that with me.

How do you describe your music to people who haven't heard it before?

I really can't. I have heard some pretty crazy things about what my music sounds like. Alternative urban pop maybe? Can that be a thing? You can play my music on the radio, at a wedding, and in a club. I think it's just super fly funk-soul music.

If you were a hashtag, what would you be?

#♡+Infinity, that's a great hashtag.

What’s your big 2017 goal?

To be a part of the what's next conversation. Mentioned among the new and old school greats. Rolling Stones, QMagazine, Vice. Big collaborations, attend the Grammys as a nominee. Concerts in Iceland. Remixes, the whole shebang.

For more profiles on up-and-coming artists, visit our Artist of the Day page.