Christelle Désiré’s debut single – I Am My Hair
Storytelling, performing at iconic Club 606, walking the World Afro Day catwalk, music industry learnings & starting with a spark!
Photo credit: Anita Kinga
Christelle Désiré
Hi Christelle, tell us about your backstory and your journey in the music industry so far.
I had a perhaps-unexpected entry into the music industry. While singing came very naturally to me as a teenager taking part in school projects, and lending my voice to musician friends, I only started songwriting in 2020 during the first COVID lockdown. I didn’t go to music school - I learnt everything I know on LinkedIn Learning.
It’s a very competitive industry – what gives you the edge and makes you stand out from the competition?
I genuinely love stories, and I love writing about people. All my back catalogue has a strong story-telling component on a range of subjects: sailing, grief, football, even hair. Love songs aren’t my favourite but I do have a couple of love songs knocking about. One is called ‘I Don’t Do Love’.
How are you navigating the industry? What are the biggest challenges you have faced along the way and what lessons have you learned?
While having a great team around you is essential, I have learnt that you do not have to lean on more established artists to do something for yourself. You have unsuspected resources within you, and you should definitely tap into them first and foremost.
What inspired you to start making music?
During the COVID lockdowns, I could no longer get together and sing with musician friends. That pushed me outside of my comfort zone and gave me the inspiration to make music on my own terms. I had no idea what to do when I started, but I had time on my hands. We all had.
Your main musical influences?
I love Mary J Blige for her incredible vocals, but also her vulnerability, and her ability to move through worlds, working with Lauryn Hill, U2, George Michael, Sam Smith, Disclosure and many more. That is a skill I aspire to develop.
First song you bought?
Probably Mary J Blige’s ‘What’s The 411’. I instantly loved the first track with that bass loop that goes on for the whole song without ever sounding boring.
Photo credit: Anita Kinga
Christelle Désiré
How would you describe your own sound and how do you develop your unique voice?
I write my own music and lyrics. This is very important to me at this stage, so I can develop my own style. I draw from my many influences: 90s RnB, French chanson, jazz, Caribbean rhythm and gospel. As a storyteller, I want the voice to shine. I like layered voices that sound huge when making an important point.
Your music is “rooted in raw, lived experience”. How has this influenced your songs and shaped you as an artist?
My songs are often written based on people I know personally and describe experiences they have shared with me. My next song is about being able to enjoy life even after the loss of a loved one. A close friend confided in me on the loss of her brother. Many of us will relate.
What does your typical songwriting and recording process look like? What work went into the creative journey bringing your debut project to life?
It always starts with a spark – something I have seen, heard, a conversation. Then, I proceed to the piano, coming up with random chords, lyrics and so on. That stage is usually messy. Soon, order follows, chord charts, a typed lyrics sheet and a rough recording. For the recording process, the important thing is to have a meticulous producer by your side. I am lucky to have had Sarah Gillespie on ‘I Am My Hair’.
You also play the piano. What does music mean to you and what’s the most rewarding aspect of what you do?
Making music is a masterclass in vulnerability, especially when working with more experienced musicians. I value the humility that music brings in an emerging artist like me. Being able to turn a feeling into a sound, and to turn that sound back into an emotion is very rewarding. Having someone share with me how they felt upon hearing my music is something I cherish.
What was your inspiration for ‘I Am My Hair’ – a joyous celebration of, and a “love letter” to, Afro hair?
The spark for ‘I Am My Hair’ was a photography project by Anita Kinga. I was a model for one day and, upon leaving the photo studio, I sat at the piano, tried multiple chords and jotted down lyrics. Three weeks later, ‘I Am My Hair’ was born.
You released the track just ahead of the 10th anniversary of World Afro Day, at which it featured – how did the celebrations go?
Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the organisers of World Afro Day who have been championing Afro hair for a decade. The 10th anniversary was a joyful occasion in which many talented artists took part: children’s book writers, clothes designers, chefs etc. ‘I Am My Hair’ featured as a soundtrack to the community catwalks. It was very moving in every sense of the word. I even strutted for a minute or two!
How has your debut single been received so far?
The single has great momentum and the community is responding well, with 20,000 listens in just two weeks, which is encouraging for a first single and an artist who is just beginning to build their platform. I have received requests for translations of some of my social media content from Brazil, which I love!
What have you learnt throughout the process of recording and releasing a song?
I have learnt that while having an idea is the starting point, being able to execute is fundamental. Execution requires focus, discipline and sometimes saying ‘no’ to things you would like to do. Another learning is finding balance between your vision and ideas from others around you. Finally, I am still learning to navigate social media. I will not pretend that I enjoy it every day, but how else would I connect with fans based in Brazil?!!
How did you go about signing with Pastiche Records?
It started with the She Writes Songs mentoring programme by Sarah Gillespie. One session, I declared that I wanted to record ‘I Am My Hair’ and asked for advice. Sarah believed so much in the project, she immediately suggested recording it with Pastiche, her own Record Label.
How was your experience of performing at Pastiche Records’ summer line up at the iconic Club 606?
This was an emotional moment… The venue is amazing, the other musicians on the line-up were fantastic, my friends and early fans showed up, and the Yamaha piano at 606 Club is so enjoyable to play. This was an incredible experience, and I cannot wait to perform there again in the future.
What is your strategy for social media and digital distribution?
Currently, I am sharing the story behind ‘I Am My Hair’ through the five women featured in the song from the worlds of arts, sports and politics. It reads like a mini diary in which I explain why I chose these women, what they represent, and what cultural impact they each had. I also share parts of the song, such as the opening hook with this huge gospel-choir sound.
Tell me about your connection with ‘Queen Idia, The Musical’?
I met Lydia Idakula, one of the writers, when I was researching Queen Idia for my song and we became friends. I saw an early version of the show and it is the most incredible piece of musical theatre I have ever seen, so I hugely support ‘Queen Idia, The Musical’. And Lydia and her co-writer Donna Ogunnaike came to see me at 606 Club, for which I am very grateful.
How do you see yourself evolving as an artist and what are your immediate and long-term goals?
Firstly, I want to appreciate what is happening now with ‘I Am My Hair’ and continue to share its message. I have more material that I would like to take to the studio. Each piece has some strong meaning that I hope will speak to listeners on a very personal level. Ultimately, inspired by Lydia and Donna, I would like to write for theatre one day, for strong characters.
Which artists and producers would you most like to collaborate with?
Right now, I enjoy collaborating with Sarah Gillespie on production and also with Polly Gibbons, who crafted the gorgeous harmonies on ‘I Am My Hair’. That is my home. One day, I would like to work with House Gospel Choir. I like how they can move through genres and yet have a sound that is uniquely theirs.
Best advice you've received from someone in the industry?
On day one of my mentoring programme with Sarah Gillespie, she said, ‘I’d like you to sing your songs’. This probably sounds obvious and I can see that now. As an emerging songwriter, you are well placed to tell your stories. Once you are more established, this may open doors to other singers wanting to sing your material. One step at a time.
Your tips for others looking to make it in the music industry?
Master your craft, whatever that is, and be in control of the vision: there’s no need to leverage someone else. But have a solid team around you, drink water and get some sleep!
Biggest myth about the music business?
Connections are overrated. Yes, they may be useful, but a genuine team that aligns with your vision is key.
Finally, what’s next for Christelle Désiré?
Firstly, I will take a little holiday in Cape Verde, practice my Portuguese, read books, eat cachupa and return with my next set of projects: one about grief and one for single ladies who are slaying it. Stay tuned!
‘I Am My Hair’ is out now and available all streaming platforms.
Follow Christelle @christelle_desire_music
Photo credit: © Julie Suttle @purepicsbyjules