Based in Toronto, ZAWLES is an independent recording artist whose work is built on raw authenticity rather than commercial packaging.
The vision is simple: original music, unfiltered delivery, and a dedication to the independent grind. Operating entirely on his own terms, ZAWLES is focused on building a global catalog and documenting the reality of the music journey. It is about laying the groundwork track by track, owning the process, and delivering a sound that stays true to his core ethos.
Music
ZAWLES makes hip-hop with storytelling rap and cinematic production. His album The G-Flow Symphony (2020) is available as an uncompressed WAV on Bandcamp. “Sinful Life,” from the 2008 EP Back Alive - The I’m Holding, was featured in the Ving Rhames film Animal 2 (2008). Recent singles include “A Better Way” (feat. SP Vibez) and “Anyday” (feat. Sunny Trad), both from 2023. He has also worked with Royce da 5'9" (2018).
Zawles Designs
Zawles Designs is his streetwear and calisthenics apparel brand, built alongside the music. The central hub for the music, merch, and updates is zawles.com.
Film and Television
Beyond the recording studio, he also steps in front of the camera in the film and television space under his given name, Matthew Gonzales. Recent work includes The Greatest (Prime Video, 2026), where he appears in Episode 1 alongside Jaalen Best and Omari Hardwick. Full credits: imdb.com/name/nm3547796. Whether on the mic or on screen, every project is driven by the same philosophy: showing up, hitting the marks, and putting in the work.
