Canadian pianist/keyboardist and producer Desarae Dee has released her latest single, “Comfortable feat. Macklyn.” The new track, now available on all streaming platforms, is an R&B musical canvas that features Dee’s signature keys and Macklyn’s lush voice. It reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. 

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Desarae Dee about the latest release, the inspiration behind it, and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Congrats on this new release. What inspired you to compose this track?

My self-care and healing journey inspired my new track “Comfortable.” My theme for this year is “self-care, self-love, self-reflection” as it’s important for me to heal and put myself as the priority in my life.

You are known as an instrumentalist. What was it like collaborating with a vocalist on this project? Was the process different, and if so, how?

This isn’t the first time that I’ve collaborated with a vocalist and it’s always an exciting experience to collaborate and have someone be part of something that you have created. The process is the same for every collaboration – I normally  compose and produce the song in its entirety and I decide where I’d want to insert either a vocal or instrumental collaboration. I have an overall vision for every song that I put out and it’s important that whoever I add, understands and connects with that vision. This song was such a seamless process because Macklyn understood my vision and it aligned with his current healing and self-care journey. 

You’ve really started making a name for yourself as an instrumentalist, which is challenging in this industry. Advice for instrumentalists trying to break into the industry?

It definitely is a challenge to navigate the industry as an instrumental artist, but my biggest piece of advice to any instrumentalist that wants to navigate this industry as a independent solo artist is to BE CONSISTENT. Consistency is key! Find your niche – something that you believe will attract people to you and always put out your best work because your work is a representation of you. Consistency will get you far if you’re willing to put the work in to attain success.

How do you find inspiration and keep your creative juices flowing?

I find inspiration in my job (as a teacher), life experiences, my faith and relationship with God and my mood each day. I also get inspiration from the music that I listen to and the different  environments that I’m in. All these instances allow my creative ideas to flow and come to life. 

If you could have dinner with 5 musicians, dead or alive, who would they be?

If I could have dinner with 5 musicians, I’d have dinner with my 4 musical influences: Frédéric Chopin, Alicia Keys, Oscar Peterson, Robert Glasper and I would also add Ryan Leslie to that mix. 

Any upcoming releases?

I will be releasing my EP, “Self” in June 2022 – “Comfortable” is the lead single for that project. I will also be releasing a documentary visual to accompany the new project.