Link Strummer

Aish Kamil Tuli (born October 3, 2003), known professionally as Link Strummer, is a Canadian singer-songwriter, and musician. He began releasing music independently on YouTube and SoundCloud as a teenager, developing a reputation for blending pop, R&B, and electronic elements in a DIY style.

Since 2015, he has released one self-recorded self-titled mixtape, one EP, and several singles including Infatuation, Numb, Bittersweet, Barriers, Deja Vu, and The Mr. J Song. He began singing at the age of five, and wrote his first original song when he was ten. In 2020 he went on a hiatus, returning in 2025 with "Under You", the first single from his upcoming 2026 album.

Life and Career

2003-2014: Early life and career beginnings

Aish Kamil Tuli was born on October 3, 2003 in Mississauga, Ontario. He grew up as the oldest child of three in both Port Credit and central areas of Mississauga. Strummer grew up listening to 80s, 70s, and 90s music from his parents', and cites his introduction to Michael Jackson as his very first influence into his musical pursuits.

He began singing from kindergarten, and began learning instruments in elementary such as the recorder, percussion, and clarinet in band. His stage name "Link Strummer" derives from Strummer, a nickname obtained from learning to play guitar at nine. In 2014, Strummer wrote his first original song "Don't Walk Away" at age ten, although it was never recorded or released.

2015-2017: Link Strummer and Wilderness

The following year, Strummer wrote and recorded "The Mr. J Song" for his sixth grade teacher in 2015, with the help of his vice principal. This inspired the work for his first self-titled project, Link Strummer. He began to explore DIY-production through GarageBand and Soundtrap, which helped shape the album's production and alternative pop/R&B sound. The first single Barriers, was released in December 2015, and the second single Tonight in early 2016. The album itself was released independently on May 27, 2016 on YouTube and SoundCloud, with eight original tracks written and produced solely by Strummer. Later that year, Strummer released a deluxe edition on November 6, 2016 with three new tracks.

Following the deluxe edition of his debut, Strummer began writing new material in early 2017 and began to explore sourcing pre-made beats via YouTube and BeatStars. On June 16, 2017, he released the extended play Wilderness, his first multi-track project where he did not self-produce. Similar to his debut Link Strummer, he was the sole writer for most songs. The EP featured the lead single “Bittersweet,” released in February 2017 and regarded as one of Strummer’s most popular songs at that time. Its accompanying music video was released two months later in April, directed by Strummer himself and shot via the Video Star app. Other tracks included “I Want You”, “Roses,” “Deja Vu,” and a pitch-shifted remix of Bittersweet. Wilderness represented a step forward in production, with more polished mixing compared to earlier work.

2018-2020: Singles, Scrapped Album, and Hiatus

After Wilderness, Strummer continued to source pre-produced beats online and released the single Infatuation on April 13, 2018. The track was his first release through Spinnup, and his first official release to streaming services such as Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon Music. Infatuation is an R&B-influenced song characterized by slow tempo, trap-style percussion, and layered synths, drawing inspiration from The Weeknd and Bryson Tiller. The song’s theme centers questioning infatuation vs. true liking for a person and became one of his best-known songs, receiving greater positive reception than previously. In May 2018, Strummer released a remix of Infatuation featuring Baby Doug, which introduced new verses and alternate production. In August 2018, Strummer released the single "Over You", with the production mirroring Timbaland's 2000s work.

On January 18, 2019, Strummer released the single Numb, with electropop-oriented sound remnant of the early 2010s. Numb explored themes of detachment and emotional distance in relationships. Strummer later explained that the song was intended as a reflection on toxic attachments rather than his own personal narrative. Numb was well received, but was met with criticism over its electropop sound, especially as it lacked cohesiveness with his previous single Infatuation. Numb was Strummer's last single released before his hiatus in 2020.

In the summer of 2019 Strummer had announced his second album Caution, intended to be released in 2020. It later scrapped due to the lack of cohesive sound and theme. In 2020, Strummer went on an indefinite hiatus to pursue his postsecondary education, privating several YouTube videos and his social media accounts, reverting them back to his real name. His YouTube channel remained public, along with select singles.

2025-2026: Return to music and second album

In the summer of 2025, Strummer reverted his Instagram back to @thelinkstrummer and began teasing production and lyrical content. On October 24, 2025 he released the single Under You, marking his return and new retro-influenced sound. Dubbing it the "situationship anthem", the song revolves around attachment despite receiving mixed signals. This marked the first release where Strummer was not primarily involved in mixing and mastering, and serves as the first single from his upcoming 2026 studio album he has mentioned.

On January 16, 2026, Link Strummer released Picture Frame, the second single from his upcoming album. The song explores being erased and rewritten in a negative light after the end of a relationship.

Artistry

Strummer's artistry is characterized by a fusion of contemporary pop and retro R&B, anchored by a lyrical approach that favors hyper-specific, literal imagery over traditional metaphor. His work frequently explores the psychological complexities of devotion and "intentional obsession" , delivered through a persona that balances high-stakes emotional intensity with a sharp, self-aware wit. Visually and sonically, he utilizes an retro-inspired palette influenced by the 1980s, 70s, and 90s to frame modern narratives centered on individualism, commitment, and the volatile nature of human connection.

Personal Life

Strummer was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. He also has synesthesia and has experienced social anxiety as a teenager. Strummer has had natural absolute pitch from childhood, and cannot read sheet music. He studied Business Management at Toronto Metropolitan University from 2021 to 2026.

Strummer has openly supported the abolition of human trafficking and pornography, and is Christian.

From 2019 to 2022 he was in a relationship which served as the inspiration behind his 2026 studio album.

Discography

Albums

Link Strummer (2016)
2nd studio album (2026)

EPs

Wilderness (2017)

Singles

Infatuation (2018)
Over You (2018)
Numb (2019)
Under You (2025)
Picture Frame (2026)
Victoria's Secret (2026)

Projects and Discography

Link Strummer (2016)

Shortly after writing The Mr. J Song in 2015, Strummer recorded and released his debut self-titled album, Link Strummer, on May 27, 2016. The first single Barriers, was released in December 2015, with an alternative R&B sound. This was followed by Tonight, is the second single released in early 2016, with a dance pop influence.

The album consists of eight original tracks, all written and produced by Strummer.

Deluxe Edition

Later that year, Strummer released a deluxe edition on November 6, 2016. It consisted of three new tracks, one as himself as the featured artist. The bonus tracks are Avenue (featuring Baby Doug), Voodoo, and Fresh Dominator's Addicted To You. Avenue was first released on October 19, uploaded to YouTube and SoundCloud first. Then in November he uploaded his first music video, for Avenue. The song features rapping from Baby Doug, a close friend of his and frequent collaborator.

Wilderness - EP (2017)

Following the deluxe edition of his debut, Strummer began writing new material in early 2017. On June 16, 2017, he released the extended play Wilderness, his first multi-track project recorded in a home studio environment. Like his previous release, Strummer wrote all the songs, but unlike before — he was not involved in any of the production.

The EP featured the single “Bittersweet,” released in February 2017 and regarded as one of Strummer’s most popular songs of the era. Its accompanying music video was released two months later in April, directed by Strummer and shot via the Video Star app. Other tracks included “I Want You” “Roses,” “Deja Vu,” and a pitch-shifted remix of Bittersweet.

Wilderness represented a step forward in Strummer’s production approach, with more polished mixing compared to his earlier work.

Infatuation (single)

After an eight-month break from releasing music due to his anxiety, Strummer returned with the single “Infatuation” on April 13, 2018. The track was his first release through Spinnup, and his first official release to major streaming services such as Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon Music.

Produced and recorded primarily in a home studio, Infatuation is an R&B-influenced song characterized by slow tempo, trap-style percussion, and layered synths, drawing inspiration from The Weeknd and Bryson Tiller. In an Instagram Q&A, Strummer described it as “relaxing” and that it’s “good to get you in the mood”. The song’s theme centers questioning infatuation vs. true liking for a person. The single became one of his best-known works and received more positive responses online compared to his previous work.

In May 2018, Strummer released a remix of Infatuation featuring Baby Doug, which introduced new verses and alternate production.

Numb (Single)

Strummer released “Numb” on January 18, 2019, following a series of recording sessions during late 2018. The single adopted a more electropop-oriented sound, incorporating prominent use of autotune and synthesizers, and was produced by Kenny Roach and DG productions.

Lyrically, Numb explored themes of detachment and emotional distance in relationships. Strummer later explained that the song was intended as a reflection on toxic attachments rather than his own personal narrative.

Numb was well received, but was met with criticism over its electropop sound, especially as it lacked cohesiveness with his previous single Infatuation.

Selected Singles:

Barriers (2015)
Bittersweet (2017)
Infatuation (2018)
Over You (2018)
Numb (2019)
Under You (2025)

Personal Life

Strummer has stated he believes in Christianity. He has also stated that he has ADHD, absolute pitch, and synesthesia, and that he cannot read sheet music.

External Links

Link Strummer at IMDb

Link Strummer on YouTube