The AI-generated artist makes his recording debut with an independent film soundtrack that explores themes of family and identity through dance.
Le Cafelano, a digital entertainer developed by Hong Kong-based producer Stone Dog (Evansteer), will have the track “Hope Stays High,” which appears in Quentin Lee’s “The Way You Dance.” Vancouver’s 604 Records (launched 20 years ago by Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger and lawyer Jonathan Simkin, the indie label has secured exclusive publishing rights for the film’s music.
Dance drama comedy finds healing and purpose, including the dancer going home to look after his estranged father, finding healing and purpose, and transgender teens learning to live authentically. Kyle Toy made his feature debut alongside Tzi Ma, with the cast also featuring Josette Jorge, Roshan Gopalasamy and Harrison Xu.
Stonedog produced five songs on the soundtrack, including tracks that include drug artist Cleo Moans and other AI-generated performers in his digital collective. Lee also released his first single as recording artist “Can’t Stop My Dream” as part of the project.
Canadian Screen Award winners Cindy O’ Yong and Lee are produced by Producer of America along with colleagues Alan Chu and Kevin Hewie through BC-based Margin Films Ltd. Executive produced by Jennifer Price and Colette Johnson Vosberg. The film was filmed in British Columbia.
“When Quentin Lee, founder of Margin Films, approached releasing the soundtrack for “The Way You Dance,” we were excited that 604 will be part of it,” said Jonathan Simkin, CEO of 604 Records. “Quentin and Margin have a long track record of bold, bounded films defending both the 2SLGBTQAI+ and the BIPOC community. We are excited to ensure that the film’s incredible music reaches the widest audience possible and continues to support the communities it represents.”
“As a partner at BC-based company Mirvigs Films Ltd., I am excited to work with another top BC entertainment company to release the soundtrack for my debut BC-born feature film, The Way You Dance,” Lee said. “DJ Stonedog, aka Evan Steer, a transplant from Australia to China, and I grew older in the early 2000s queer club scene in Hong Kong.
604 Records has built a roster focused on artists such as Carly Ray Jepsen and Mariana Slench, and operates sub-labels for indie pop, comedy and digital collectibles. Margin Films Limited won the 2024 Canadian Screen Award for its comedy series “Comedy Invasion” and produced all the insigation comedy documentary “Rez Comedy.” The sister company Margin Film, founded by Lee in Los Angeles in 1996, celebrates its 30th anniversary next year, and will premiere its first feature, “Shopping for Fangs,” at the 1997 Toronto Film Festival.
