Canada's Desirée Dawson won the CBC Searchlight competition, CBC Radio's talent search contest, with her song "Hide" in 2016, and her star has only continued to ascend since then. Building off that momentum, she released her debut album, Wild Heart, last year. The album charted in Canada and additional singles helped the up-and-coming artist to receive more radio airplay. Now, she's prepping for her second collection later this year, and the first listen that we're getting from the as-yet-untitled album is the single "Just Fine," which Desirée is debuting with its music video in a SoulBounce exclusive world premiere.
Produced and co-written by Cody Taylor, "Just Fine" is Dawson's optimistic declaration that despite her thoughts to the contrary, she knows in her heart that everything will be OK. It's a feeling that many can relate to. “I’ve been watching as different parts of my head and heart are constantly in battle, and I realized I am not alone in this journey," she explains about where she found the inspiration for this track. "So many other people feel this rollercoaster of emotions every day, too."
"Just Fine" is an encouraging musical pep talk. "There is a part of me, that knows that I'll be just fine / There is a part of me, that knows it's all in my mind," Desirée Dawson sings on the catchy chorus as a note to self and as a reminder to everyone listening. "My hope is that it will connect with people who hear it and allow them to feel seen, heard and to keep moving forward,” she shares. Dawson should have no worries about the song connecting with audiences not only due to its message but also thanks to its sonic appeal. Piano and percussion create the foundation for her cheerful pop-soul vocals."Just Fine" just makes you feel happy listening to it. It's the kind of song you'd hear in a fun commercial or included on the soundtrack to a romantic comedy.
For the music video, director Kevin Parker chose to show us a slice of Desirée's life. We see the singer/songwriter going about her day – from waking up to crafting a song in her living room to walking around the city to hanging with friends – and witness her lows and highs. According to Parker, “In making the video for 'Just Fine' we strived to visually depict a relatable range of emotions, but also to emphasize that it is completely alright to have feelings like fear, anger and sadness mixed in with the happiness, love and hope." To that we say, mission accomplished.
For a dose of good feels, press play on the music video for Desirée Dawson's "Just Fine" below. We don't have a crystal ball, but we suspect that you'll be hearing a lot more of this song, so just remember where you heard it first. Follow the "love spreading human" that is Desirée Dawson on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
