Justin Tatone formed “BASTION” in 2022 featuring E.sko, Leo Deslauriers, and Benedict Tan Yorgo Al Terek
LEO
Leo Deslauriers grew up surrounded by the artworld, starring in roles in Quebec films like the Jutra award nominated Décharge (2011) and the family drama La voix de l’ombre (2014). His blues enthusiast father, Paul Deslauriers, who would front several critically acclaimed bands throughout his career went on to leave a lasting impression on Leo’s life and creative practices. As a self taught multi-instrumentalist, composer and recording engineer, he continues to define Montreal’s DIY music scene with his unique style and creativity. Leo recorded both his solo projects and BASTION’s music at his home studio “Pinkytoe”. He released his first full length solo album “F#” in 2020 which he produced, recorded, engineered and directed on his own, displaying his ambition to create large scale productions and maximalist textures. He has perfected this craft and often creates sounds that are seemingly grandiose by layering takes of voice and instruments to create a sense of ensemble or mass.
It’s Alright
F#
E.SKO
After the release of his summer heartache ballad “Love Wannabe”, E.sko spent the rest of the season performing at every opportunity he could, by looking for open mic stages at dive bars, college campuses, and even on the streets/parks of Montreal. The city recognized his passion, perseverance, and an unyielding hunger for excellence in his craft. This momentum as well as his triumphs at regional intercollegiate music competitions propelled him into the spotlight at Montreal’s renowned Fringe Festival where he would perform alongside artists from across the globe. His versatility in the recording studio allows him to blend folk, pop and hip hop seamlessly, singing enchanting melodies while rapping with rapid fire delivery on BASTION’s records.
Love Wannabe
700 Hours
Upsettingly Unique
BENEDICT
Benedict Tan, a Singaporean-born, Montreal-based rapper weaves his multicultural upbringing and deep-rooted spirituality into the fabric of his music. Benedict’s songs are a mirror to society, reflecting the complexities of global citizenship through a compassionate worldview. His art is a call to action. Benedict challenges listeners to engage with societal issues, promoting dialogue and self-reflection. Each work serves as a conversation starter, pushing audiences to ponder their place in the world and the impact of their actions. With a style deeply influenced by the profound narratives of Kendrick Lamar, Dave, and Nas along with the ideas developed during his time reading literature and studying sociology at McGill, Benedict’s work is a testament to the power of music as a tool for social justice.
Bane and Blessing
Vague
JUSTIN
Hanging around hip hop shows in his teenage years immersing himself in the rap community of Montreal, Justin Tatone faced initial challenges when starting out as a producer. His beats were overlooked by rappers and his limited resources kept his ambitions restrained. The Idea of forming an art collective would come when he realized he and his fellow artists would be better off if they shared resources, leading to the creation of BASTION. Later, Justin was personally mentored by double platinum selling songwriter and producer Joe Segreti and artist, experimental composer Adam Basanta while completing a Bachelors of Fine arts at Concordia University in Electroacoustic studies. It was at this point when he built his signature sound using principles of electronic composition and synthesis.
Bane and Blessing
YORGO
Yorgo Al Terek, emerged from Hama, Syria, after spending, most of his youth in Lebanon isolated from the hip hop/rap scenes of the west. Upon arriving to Montreal in 2018, he undertook a personal transformation and began concerning himself with music more and more. Inspired by the Kenny Beat’s show “The Cave”, Yorgo began to practice production on FL studio. Since then, he added the Bass guitar to his repertoire and upon meeting Justin at a rap show, began to be mentored. Since he has flourished as a boom-bap hip hop producer with a flair in modern hip-hop trends. Now with developing skills and a constant practice, thanks to his studies of electroacoustics, Yorgo aims to take the next step in production as he focuses on the second volume of the Bastion collective.