Desiree Dawson: All In
The former Searchlight winner returns with a new single that showcases the sweet soulfulness of her voice.
By Kerry Doole
Desirée Dawson - All In (Independent): This Vancouver-based R&B singer/songwriter exploded onto the scene when she won the 2016 CBC Searchlight Competition, for her song Hide. That single gained more than a million streams on Spotify, and following cuts Wild Heart and Where Do We Go and a 2018 debut album, Wild Heart, proved that was no fluke.
Dawson is back with this new single and lyric video, released last Friday. She gets some big-name help, co-writing it with Juno-winning songwriter/producer Chin Injeti (Dr. Dre, Drake, Eminem, P!nk), and Hey Ocean! lead singer Ashleigh Ball. All In was co-produced by Dawson and Injeti, and mixed by Steve Smith.
The track is a tender exploration of the thrill of a new love, and the sweet soulfulness of Dawson's voice is showcased to heart-warming effect. The accompanying animated video (funded by Creative BC) by Kunsang Kyirong is a perfect complement.
The singer explains in a press release that "It’s a song inspired by the trials, tribulations, and all the beauty of a journey of falling in love and embracing that love. This particular story was written from the viewpoint of two women in love, who are willing to open their hearts to one another during times in their lives where they’re really learning who they are, what they stand for, and how they want to show up in the world. It’s about loving one another through the suffering and pain of being human, and the sweetness that is born from being vulnerable, and taking a dive into the big unknown of love.”
A formidable talent, Dawson deserves consideration from a major label.
Links
Publicity: Bev Kreller, Speak Music
J. Cole at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on July 27, 2026. Gabriel Di Sante