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A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single lyric. Or at least that’s how Desirée Corso’s story begins. The 28 year-old Toronto, Ontario native has a remarkably simple explanation for the genesis of her first song lyric. “Back in 2001, I read an article on [singer] Beyoncé, which stated that, she wrote her first lyric in her early teens. I’ve always enjoyed creative writing, so I thought, ‘What makes her any different from me? If a teenager can do it, I certainly can too.’†With that thought fresh in mind, she put down the article, picked up a pen, and wrote her first verse.
Soon, Corso discovered that she could not get her ideas out fast enough. She had literally opened a floodgate of creativity. Whenever she had a spare moment from her University studies, she would write, often engaging her free time in fits of meter and rhyme. Thoughts came quickly and easily, and Corso was surprised that she could enjoy something so much. There were periods when she would overflow with ideas and the words to give those ideas shape and sound. By year’s end, she set a goal to achieve a certain number of lyrics, and was thrilled to discover that she not only met that goal, but exceeded it.
August, 2004 proved to be a life-changing and inspirational month for the young lyricist. Fresh from the satisfaction of a growing collection of work, she entered the VH1 Song of the Year, International Songwriting Competition. Corso was floored to discover she was one of a handful of writers to be selected for Runner-Up status, amongst hundreds of other applicants. Although her original impetus for writing came from a very personal place, here was proof that her words had genuine impact, and the capacity to reach audiences. What started out as an experiment had blossomed into a full-fledged passion.
When asked what inspires her lyrics, Corso replies that she is fueled by life stories – not just her own, but the individual narratives of others, and what she imagines others are going through. By using her imagination, she is able to push the boundaries of her creativity to find new ways of lyrical expression.
In June of 2007, Corso’s poignant lyrics, caught the attention of Artist Relations for the "We Are Listening" Lyric Contest. An Honourable Mention Award, described by Artist Relations as a "commendable achievement", was thereby awarded to Corso. No doubt, this was fueled in large measure by Corso’s honest voice – one that comes from an organic place. She doesn’t write for any other reason than the pure, unadulterated love of expression. Sincerity is not something that can be taught.
Corso has no idea where her lyrical journey will lead, but this aside, without question, she loves what she does; is never going to stop doing what drives her passion; and she looks forward to the future with creative courage and optimism, but with no expectation. If her passion so happens to take her to newfound pillars of achievement, then she will embrace it all the more, "for there is nothing better than following your passion and achieving something, unexpectedly."
