Together just three years, Toronto Canada's Crybaby played music best described as downtown country. The songs themselves are personal, in the tradition of folk and the vocals have elements of old-time country music, but the instrumentation twists and turns away from these roots. 　　 　　There is a straightforward quality to Rae Billing’s songwriting and singing. Her style is distinct, somewhat akin to the songwriters of Austin, Texas. And Rae’s voice has been described as rich and pining, even shiver-inducing. 　　 　　The music is provided by a strong cast of characters. Clive MacNutt on lead guitar (Busted Flush, ex-Nils) , Richard Gregory on bass (The Lawn) and Pete Lambert on drums and viola (Trojans, Rivals). For the Paintings album, veteran ‘local hero’ Steve Koch (Handsome Ned, the Demics, Ron Sexsmith) adds his guitar texture. 　　 　　Crybaby’s sole recording Paintings was produced by Peter J. Moore (Cowboy Junkies, Holly Cole, Wild Strawberries) who is known for his understated style of framing a voice and the unique warmth of his recordings. While there is a solid Muscle Shoals rhythm on this album, MacNutt’s freeflowing guitar style underscores Rae’s frank expressions of vulnerability and desire, pulling the songs ever closer to the bone. 　　 　　The album won critical acclaim and Crybaby was hailed as providing one of the 'notable moments' at the SXSW Music and Media conference. 　　 　　Crybaby’s video for the single ‘Underground’, produced by Rob Gray (art director of two Blue Rodeo videos) received nation-wide airplay through Canada’s CMT network.