Toro y Moi

Sonically saturated, rich in texture, and usually built around a clear invitation to dance, the trippy electro-pop Chaz Bear made early in his career as Toro y Moi set the standard for what came to be known as chillwave in the 2010s. Born in 1986 in Columbia, SC, Bear emerged in 2010 as the quintessential millennial bedroom producer, but the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist transcended notions of genre almost immediately. Since his debut with Causers of This, he has pursued an increasingly expansive vision, using an ever more sophisticated touch. Among the many high points in his evolution are the psychedelic disco-house masterpiece “Rose Quartz” from 2013’s Anything in Return and the various R&B gems on 2017’s Boo Boo, such as “You and I” and “Girl Like You.” Without labels, Bear is simply one of the most inventive, prolific, and consistent producers of this millennium.