Pianist Desarae Dee is forging a path for Black Woman Musicians
The inspiring story of Instrumental artist Desarae Dee
When we set out to create this platform in 2017, the word "Representation" was at the forefront of our hearts and minds. Featuring an incredible Black Woman Musician like Desarae Dee is deeper than just presenting a talented artist; it's about inspiring the next generation of artists that look like her. Looking back, there was a time when the Toronto Artist didn't see herself represented at all in the music industry, but instead of using that as a reason to quit, it became her fuel to push forward. "All my life, I had never really seen a Black Woman Instrumental artist," Desarae Dee says. "I decided that it was the route I wanted to take because I saw a need for it." Seven years into her life as a music artist, Desarae has established herself as a premier talent with her boundary pushing style paving the way.
"I count it an honour to be able to pave a path that most probably wouldn’t have done"
With a playing style often described as unconventional or spontaneous, Desarae Dee blends elements of Neo-Soul with Gospel, Jazz and more, allowing the genres to peacefully coexist and blend into something new altogether. The unusual chord structures and eclectic creative choices that can be found throughout her discography were constructed during what she describes as her "Silent years". In this era of her youth, she'd never play in front of family or friends. Instead she'd spend time listening to her favorite producers and artists, while finding her own creative voice. This was a journey that Desarae Dee's family supported wholeheartedly, and she credits her development to that early love. "I am a product of my parents recognizing the talent that I had and the desire to allow that talent to flourish," She says. "They instilled in me the value of hard work, and excellence, which are a part of not only my daily life, but as a musician, producer and artist."
"All my life, I had never really seen a Black Woman Instrumental artist. I decided that it was the route I wanted to take because I saw a need for it."
In 2014, Desarae Dee made her official debut as an artist, dropping the Gospel Single "I'll Worship You". By 2016 though, she began to showcase the chord structuring and melodic lines that she is now known for with her first project as an instrumental artist: "20". In "20", Desarae Dee pulls from Jazz and Neo Soul influences and establishes herself as a fearless risk taker. "I count it an honour to be able to pave a path that most probably wouldn’t have done," She says. "I’ve received such a huge response from other women and even men who have been inspired and encouraged by what I do and driven to improve themselves and their gifts and talents."
https://youtu.be/vkJ0SvNXbE4
Desarae Dee's body of work now includes three EPs and a total of fifteen singles with radio play. She's landed on a number of great Spotify Playlists and remained consistent throughout the years. In 2020, she launched a music series called #DailyVibes which most recently included the dope single "Change is Good" featuring Becca Toft. "This song came to me as the world as I saw it was changing before my eyes, She says. "I wanted myself and others to stay uplifted during these difficult times. The creative process for this song was simple. My first thoughts were 'Let’s write something that will uplift others during these difficult times we’re living in', with the hopes that they would embrace the changes and the new reality happening around them". As evidenced in "Change is Good", the unprecedented last twelve months have definitely found their way into Desarae Dee's artistry, a change that she says is for the better. She took the time to watch her audience closely and fine tune her content for this changing world. "With my music creation, I started shortening my music, making an impact from the beginning because I saw a shift in how people are listening to music," She says.
"My first thoughts were 'Let’s write something that will uplift others during these difficult times we’re living in"
To celebrate the seven year milestone in her music career, Desarae Dee plans to drop a lot more tunes, along with long awaited visuals too. When the world gets back to normal, she's hoping to travel, share her music, host workshops and encourage upcoming women musicians. That last part is what we've found to be special about Desarae. She's already proven herself as a talented artist, but as she's forged ahead, she's made sure to take the time to reach back. "I want to show all black women out there that it is possible to make it in the industry all while bringing something different to the table," She says. "For me, it has ALWAYS been about making a GREATER IMPACT and leaving a lasting impression on the generations of black women instrumentalists coming up after me." Representation. This is what Desarae Dee provides with each unorthodox chord played and every song written. By simply being herself, the next generation can see something to strive for. With her genre bending talent and fearless mentality, we feel like the culture is in good hands.