Canadian artist collaborates with Icelandic producer Frosti Jónsson on cinematic new release inspired by exploration and first love
International Songwriting Competition honour marks latest milestone for Toronto-based musician
Toronto singer-songwriter Henry Lees is charting new creative territory with the release of his latest single, “Into Your Orbit,” a cinematic indie pop track that blends emotional storytelling with expansive electronic production.
The release comes as Lees continues to build momentum internationally, with the song already earning recognition as a semi-finalist in the AAA category of the 2025 International Songwriting Competition (ISC). The honour marks Lees’ fifth ISC recognition since 2021 and further strengthens the Toronto artist’s growing profile within Canada’s independent music sector.
The single was inspired in part by the global fascination surrounding the recent Artemis II lunar fly-by mission, which reignited conversations about exploration, discovery and human connection.
“Into Your Orbit” is an uplifting, driving pop anthem that celebrates the undeniable attraction of first love and how good it felt, and still feels, to be near that special person.
“Love has its own gravitational pull,” notes Lees, “especially that world-changing first time you fall in love with someone. For a lot of us, that first love carries on for a lifetime because it feels that strong and right – like being the first person to discover something, or someone, uniquely precious and beautiful.”
Space-inspired themes meet emotional storytelling
The track combines shimmering synth textures, piano and electric guitar arrangements layered over driving percussion, creating a soundscape that reflects both nostalgia and forward momentum.
Lees’ reflective lyrics use imagery associated with space exploration to explore the emotional gravity of first love and enduring connection.
“But now I float above your surface
And I still feel that sweet, familiar pull
Into your orbit”
The song represents a stylistic evolution for Lees, who has primarily worked within singer-songwriter and roots-oriented spaces in previous releases. For “Into Your Orbit,” he partnered for the first time with Icelandic producer and composer Frosti Jónsson, whose experience in electronic and cinematic music helped shape the track’s atmospheric direction.
International collaboration expands creative direction
The collaboration between Lees and Jónsson emerged through a shared interest in emotionally driven songwriting and cinematic production.
“Co-writing with Henry was a really smooth and fun creative process,” recalls Jónsson. “I also love challenging my collaborators and pushing them out of their comfort zone; Henry can verify this. But I’m really happy with the outcome.”
Lees said the project pushed him creatively into unfamiliar territory.
“I hadn’t ventured very far in the direction of electronic music before,” offers Lees, “but from the initial co-writing session to the final mix, I marveled at Frosti’s amazing creativity and storytelling ability using elements from both the electronic and organic music worlds.”
Now based in Tampa, Florida, Jónsson has built an international portfolio through placements in television and streaming productions including Netflix’s Temptation Island, multiple HGTV renovation programs and several true crime series carried on Peacock, Amazon Prime and Tubi. He also releases electronic instrumental music under the name Bistro Boy and performs internationally.
“Frosti’s music is deliciously atmospheric and evocative. He can expertly set a scene and mood before anyone would sing a word,” says Lees. “I am very intrigued and excited about what we’ve created and continue to create together.”
Jónsson described the songwriting process as instinctive and emotionally guided.
“When I write and produce I let emotions lead the way, trusting the process and approaching it with an open mind,” explains Jónsson. “When Henry shared his initial ideas and the lyrical theme with me everything started to come together rather quickly. The outcome is this uplifting, almost anthemic song that hopefully captures the exhilarating feeling of Henry’s lyrics about first love and the nostalgic memories of it.”
Growing recognition within independent music circles
The new single follows a string of recent achievements for Lees within songwriting competitions and independent radio markets.
His previous release, “Smoke,” created alongside Canadian producer and artist Sean Thomas, was named a semi-finalist in the 2025 Unsigned Only music competition. The song also received airplay on college and community radio stations across Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, Mexico and South America.
Before that, Lees’ collaboration “Free This Love” earned five separate songwriting competition honours, including a Top 10 Finalist distinction in the 27th USA Songwriting Competition.
Lees has also contributed to award-winning Canadian blues projects. In 2022, triple Maple Blues Award nominee Chris Antonik’s album “Morningstar” reached No. 1 for two weeks on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Canada Albums Chart. Lees co-wrote six tracks on the album, including “Back to the Good,” which also reached No. 1 on the chart.
The Toronto songwriter has additionally used his platform to support mental health advocacy through music. His single “Walking With Fear,” co-written with David Leask and released in partnership with Anxiety Canada, focused on supporting people dealing with anxiety disorders.
With three additional singles and a full EP currently in development for 2026 and 2027, Lees says more music is already on the horizon.
In the meantime, “Into Your Orbit” is rocketing into the digi-verse with the hope its reach will be out of this world.