Desirée Dawson is a JUNO-nominated recording artist, songwriter, producer and yoga teacher. Desiree was born, raised and is currently residing in the, occupied, traditional, unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ / sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) nations (also known as “Vancouver BC”) and can often be found sharing her music internationally. Desirée is of mixed ancestry, her mother, French-Canadian settler ancestry from “Ontario” and her father is of African descent from “South Carolina”. Desirée Dawson is very passionate about music’s role in collective healing, by encouraging listeners to find a connection between themselves and the people and land around them. A CBC radio favourite, Desirée’s music has been featured on numerous CBC programs, has her songs on regular rotation and won the CBC Searchlight contest in 2016. Over the last couple of years, Desirée has been chosen for numerous high profile opportunities across the industry, whether as a songwriter in the Discovery Song Camp with Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, a participant in the Allan Slaight JUNO Masterclass, artist in the Vancouver Folk Fest, juror in the inaugural Black Canadian Music Awards, or various sync placements.
Desirée Dawson passionately supports her community through a variety of music-based workshops and gatherings. Whether performing solo with her baritone Ukulele, in harmony with her band or leading sound healing workshops, Desirée’s music is made to get us feeling and healing.
Name:
Desirée Dawson
Founded:
2016
# of Albums:
1
Latest Album:
Meet You At The Light
Latest Single:
Meet You At The Light
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
I mean.. What ages are we talking about? I’ve loved so many artists growing up. To name a few: Diana Ross and the Supremes, Tracy Chapman, Ne-yo, Adele, Beyoncé, Kanye West.
Favourite musician now:
Mustafa
Guilty pleasure song:
As It Was – Harry Styles.. but I don’t feel really guilty about it!
Live show ritual:
Grounding before a show is most important for me so I usually take a bath, do yoga and have some cozy, alone time.
Favourite local musician:
Kimmortal
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird when I’m thriving; night owl tendencies when I’m stressed.
Road or studio?
Road.
Any shows or albums coming up?
I’m excited to be putting my JUNO-nominated EP Meet You At The Light onto vinyl for the anniversary of the release and I’m currently running a pre-order for a limited run.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok
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Rapid Fire Vancouver Qs
Favourite local restaurant:
Calabash Bistro
Favourite street in your city:
I love the Seawall! It brings me so much joy and allows me to feel connected to nature even in the busy city.
Favourite park in your city:
Trout Lake – reminds me of dogs, picnics, times with friends, and nature!
Favourite music venue in your city:
Orpheum
Favourite music store in your city:
Bone Rattle and Gandharva Loka
