TORONTO—When she originally applied for a grant through Neebin’s Music Fund through the First Nation Child and Family Caring Society of Canada and inPath for the grand prize of $10,000, Faith Desmoulin of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory couldn’t fathom that she would win. But now, as she readies herself to release her first album, the funding will certainly come in handy and allow her to realize this dream.
“I applied for the funding under the Young Professional Artists program,” said Ms. Desmoulin. “The prize money can go toward anything, really. The program is run by inPath in collaboration with the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada,” she said, noting that there were 60 applicants in the running for the grand prize.
“I sent in an application describing what I would be using the money for if I won the grand prize of $10,000. I have an album in the works, which I am self-producing, mastering and mixing,” said Ms. Desmoulin. “I sent in this information, my official website link, Instagram etc. and I sent in samples of what I am working on.” She submitted three singles that will be on the album and three music videos.
While music is a huge part of her life Ms. Desmoulin also has a full-time job at the University of Toronto as coordinator of Indigenous Programming. “I love my job. I work during the day at the university and my nights and weekends are spent on my music.”
Ms. Desmoulin, who is 26, left Wiikwemkoong at the age of 12. She now lives near Toronto. She has been around music most of her life. “When I was younger, about eight, I started playing keyboards (piano) and took up singing at the age of 12. When I moved off the Island at age 12, I moved to North Bay where I lived with my dad.” She was discovered for his singing prowess by her father, Brian Simon, lead singer for ‘Johnny Cash Tribute and the Wiky 3.’
“One day my dad was singing a song and I said to him ‘it doesn’t go like that.’ It was a song by Adele, and I sang it out for him and he said, ‘you can sing,’” explained Ms. Desmoulin, who said as a kid she was very shy and quiet. Her songwriting career started after she graduated from Mohawk College in the music program.
There are a variety of artists that have had an influence on shaping Faith’s signature sound. Her biggest inspirations being Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, Diana Kroll, Queen, David Bowie and Billie Eilish. She seeks to offer something different and unique to her fans by creating and performing original music that they are proud to call their own.
“I write music for myself, what I’m feeling at the time. It is not all about love and heart breaks, but things like mental health. My first single was ‘Social Anxiety.’ I don’t like to stick to one type of music.”
“I am trying to separate my work life and my professional music side. I love my job at the university and my music as well,” said Ms. Desmoulin.
