Desarae Dee – HipHop Paranoia

Tell us a few things about your new song “Your Energy”. What is the main idea behind it?

People often equate the word ‘energy’ to experiences they’ve had with building a solid connection with another person and the feelings that come when the energy between them is positive. That’s what I’ve tried to accomplish in my song “Your Energy” – a song that inspires us to create and manifest connections that bring a positive energy that is enriching to our lives, allows us to feel safe and be our true selves, and gives way to have moments of transparency and vulnerability.

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

My progress has definitely grown over the last 7 years that I’ve been an artist. My sound has changed along the way from being more Jazz/Gospel based to now being a fusion artist that combines multiple genres together to create something new. I’ve also grown as a producer and took it more seriously over the last 3 years. Overall, I’m always in evolution mode: always evolving and growing as the years go by.

What first got you into music?

My parents were actually the ones who pushed me to do music because they recognized that I had a musical gift and they wanted to bring it out. I didn’t start to enjoy it until I got to high school and saw that it was something that I could be great at and pursue further.

What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?

I really enjoy playing my music live and connecting with my audience in person. It has been one of the hardest things during this pandemic to not be able to perform live in front of crowds, but I’m glad that things are getting back to some sort of normal. I love the process of preparing for a live show and playing with my band.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced was getting my music played on radio stations in Canada, as well as playing at certain events. Being a fusion artist, sometimes it’s hard to get performance opportunities because my music is not only instrumental, but it’s so unique, different and not the norm.

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

I pour out all my emotions and I put a lot of passion into my music, so I want people to have an open mind to understand and to connect with the feelings and the message that my music portrays. I want people to be inspired to dig deep into themselves when they listen.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

My biggest vice would have to be my pickiness when it comes to my music. I’m very particular about what I want and if it’s not done in the way I need it to be, it bothers me.

Thank you!

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Describe your sound in 3 words

My sound is spontaneous, unconventional and outside the box

You blend so many different styles in your music. Tell us a few things about your creative process

My creative process is very spontaneous and is never planned. I create my music based on my particular mood that day or even through a conversation I have with God. The music I create has meaning to some part of my life and my story. I also like my instrumental canvases to be relatable to anyone who’s listening as I create music for everyone and not just a particular group of people.

Who is your favorite pianist?

I really don’t have a “favourite” but I have 4 musicians that have influenced my playing style: Robert Glasper, Alicia Keys, Oscar Peterson and Frédéric Chopin.

How difficult is it to promote instrumental music?

It definitely isn’t easy, especially in Canada as most music outlets (radio, etc) prefer music with lyrics and it’s even more difficult being a woman who is a minority. However, I have found my way around obstacles and through building solid relationships, I have support from a couple of radio stations here in Canada and I have also been able to have my music played on multiple radio stations and featured in music blogs internationally.

Your music has superb grooves. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you have composed yourself

First off, thank you so much; I truly appreciate that you noticed the grooves in my music. If I could have composed a song myself, it would have been Jazmine Sullivan’s “Pick Up Your Feelings.” I actually did a Reharmonization/Arrangement of this song on keys on my social media and I really liked the way it came out, so who knows; maybe Jazmine might see it and like it too 😉

Favorite music related film?

The one music related film that I enjoyed the most would have to be Lion King. There are many music moments in that movie and being a 90s baby, that movie was a big part of my childhood and learning how to play the piano during that era.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to never hide your gift from the world. There are so many people out there that need to hear your music, your creativity and the story that you portray in your music. Before I entered the music industry, I spent a lot of time in hiding and not really taking my gift seriously and seeing it as more of a hobby than a career. It wasn’t until my early 20s that I realized I had something to offer and I could really see myself doing this for the long run.

Thank you!

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Desarae Dee – Your Energy [Interview]

Desarae Dee – Late Arrival (Remix) [Interview]