From the mountains to the rocky side and the west coast of Canada. Meet Desiree a great artist from Vancouver.

Tell us where you were born Desirée?

I was Born in Vancouver BC and grew up in White Rock BC.

I went to White Rock elementary, Laronde Elementary and Earl Marriott Secondary School.

What do you love the most about the Canadian music industry?

It seems being in it that its so supportive and there is so much diverse talent. Im pleased to be a part of it.

Which artist inspired you to follow your dream?

I love Adele.

Her passion and honesty helped me through a lot and made me realize I could do what she does! But my mom is really who inspired me to follow my dream. She is such an angel. I feel never ending amounts of gratitude for her and her support. She’s inspired me since day 1 with her constant hard work and glowing heart!

What’s a hot spot in your city to go to for some good live music shows?

Calabash Bistro, Fortune Sound Club and Commodore ballroom are my favourite places to go, but Vancouver is FULL of little gem spots.

What does Desirée do on her own time to relax and reflect?

I hang out with friends and family. I go to yoga or teach yoga! I dance around my house. I siiinnnnnng! I make yummy food.

Who’s a female artist you would like to collaborate with?

Ruth B / Adele/ Feist/ Rihanna/ Kai

Who’s a male artist you would like to collaborate with?

Bahamas/Chance the Rapper/Drake/ Michael Bublé

Can u tell us of any upcoming projects?

My song Hide produced by Konrad Oldmoney was recently released on iTunes! Check it out!

Any shout outs?

My Mom and step Dad.. LOVE YOU SUZE AND PHILLY. Thanks for all the constant love and support. One day soon I will stop coming home so frequently to eat all the food in your fridge :)

My amazing manager and producer, Konrad Oldmoney who is a genius.

My siblings (who are my best friends), my friends (who are family) and Everyone at CBC Music for giving me the opportunity to go further with my Music Career.

Can you remember the first song you wrote?

Yes :)

What would you say to a brand new young aspiring artist?

Please keep going. Don’t let insecurities and fears stop you from shining! Don’t let them win! You can most definitely do it, if you remain open and commit. Its defintely not “easy”, but just keep going.

What’s your fondest moment that touched your heart performing at a show?

My heart is touched at every show, by every person who is there sharing their energy and enhancing everything I do. I just had my first show since being back in Vancouver after being away for 4 months and winning Searchlight and I was so touched by everyone who showed up to my favourite Venue, Calabash Bistro. One of my dear amazing (VERY TALENTED) songbird friends, Jody Okabe, brought me a bunch of bright cheery congratulation balloons, it was just so sweet! (check her out online because her voice is too sweet for words hehe).

At the CBC music festival, my lovely little cousin Emma brought her Ukulele for me to sign. My heart exploded as she handed it to me. She wasn’t feeling well and her and the rest of the beautiful family drove 5 hours to be there. It was so heart warming. In fact I had family drive from all over Ontario to come down. My cousin from Buffalo came and my Aunt from Atlanta came too! One my my best friends/soul sister, Max and her sweet momma, surprised me and flew in from Vancouver for the show! It was really so magical and I feel so grateful for the experience.

One of my friends, Alina, shouted out for me to play a certain song when I was playing live in Jamaica. It shocked me because she loves the songs that mean so much to me but that are not the most popular. Sometimes i’m too nervous to play certain songs and she always lets me know that those ones are the ones that make her feel! It really touches my heart. I sing them loud and proud knowing that even if nobody else connects with it, I know that she does!

What’s your favourite quote?

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.”

― Maya Angelou

“Thanks to my best friends for also being amazing photographers! The pictures in this interview are all shot by Lauren Keen and in the past all my most used photos were shot by my amazing friends like Christine VanPoelgeest, Maxine Chadburn and Johann DSouza. There is something so special about a best friend being the photographer you’re working with. They see you at your best and they know how to capture the true moments. Im surrounded by so much talent and beauty with the people in my life.. Again, endlessly grateful! “