‘Concordia is where I truly learned to appreciate music’
“Music has always been a part of my life,” says Toronto-based jazz vocalist Fuat Tuaç, BFA 15. Born and raised in Turkey, Tuaç initially pursued a career in law, earning his Master of Laws from King’s College in London, United Kingdom, and practicing in Turkey, France and the U.K.
His passion for music — particularly jazz — however, ultimately led him to make a life-changing decision. In 2011, Tuaç moved to Montreal to study at Concordia’s Department of Music.
Madeleine Thériault, BFA 90, a vocal instructor at Concordia, played a key role in Tuaç’s decision to attend the university. He met her during a campus visit, where she invited him to observe a class, and her positive energy was infectious.
“She encouraged me to explore my creativity,” he recalls. Thériault’s mentorship became instrumental as she provided support as a consultant on his first and third albums.
“Concordia is where I truly learned to appreciate music,” Tuaç says. “The professors respected our interests, and we had access to facilities like the electroacoustics studios, where we could record and experiment with our music.”
As a student, Tuaç immersed himself in Montreal’s jazz scene by organizing jam nights in local venues, providing a platform for fellow students to showcase their talents. This initiative helped him build connections and contributed to his development as a musician.
“Montreal is filled with beautiful memories. The semester concerts, jam sessions at clubs and the excitement of performing were all inspiring,” Tuaç recalls. “We had opportunities to meet professional musicians who sometimes joined us on stage.”
Navigating Montreal’s jazz scene
After graduating, Tuaç faced the challenge of breaking into the music industry. His business savvy helped him navigate the difficulties of self-promotion. While working as a paralegal and interpreter to support his ambitions, he began to make a name for himself as an artist.
His 2017 debut album, Late Bloomer, showcased his eclectic style and improvisational skills. Tuaç’s second album, Immigrant, released in 2023, delved deeper into themes of belonging, drawing from his journey and the people he met along the way.
Tuaç’s ability to sing in multiple languages — English, French and Turkish — adds a unique dimension to his music. He often blends aspects from different genres, creating a smooth sound that resonates with a broad audience.
His upcoming record, Here’s to Life, marks another significant milestone in his career. Scheduled for release as a five-track EP this spring, the album celebrates life and the beauty of everyday experiences.
Like its predecessor, Immigrant, the EP showcases collaborations with other artists. Notably, it features Juno Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Sonia Johnson on the title track, a heartfelt tribute to the iconic ballad by the late Shirley Horn.
“Sonia’s interpretation of the song was amazing. She definitely left her sonic signature,” says Tuaç.
In addition to partnering with one of his idols, another favourite memory related to the album was creating the song “Could You Live Like That?” The piece was commissioned by the Bilbao Ballet in Spain. “It was incredible to see more than 2,000 people watching dancers perform to my work,” he says.
The commission came about serendipitously during a trip to Spain, a place Tuaç had always wanted to visit. Looking ahead, he says he’s excited to return to Europe this year to tour in support of his album.
Reflecting on his journey, Tuaç advises aspiring musicians to believe in themselves and take chances.
“Artists cannot be shy; we must be open and support one another.”