Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Tay

Hi Desiree, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Desiree’s musical journey kicked off 17 years ago in 2007 when she couldn’t resist the call to join her school band’s percussion section. Little did she know, that was just the beginning! Over the next nine years, she became a fixture in the band, soaking up every bit of experience and knowledge like a sponge. With countless performances under her belt, she’s now a powerhouse on stage, exuding confidence, enthusiasm, and a never-ending passion for music.

Her quest to master her craft has been anything but ordinary. She’s had the incredible privilege of learning from industry legends like Marcelo Woloski (Percussion, Snarky Puppy), Erik Hargrove (Drums, James Brown), and Eguie Castrillo (Percussion, Jennifer Lopez). With mentors like that, it’s no wonder her skills have skyrocketed!

When she’s not geeking out over her unhealthy obsession with the Red Hot Chili Peppers or juggling her studies at Berklee College of Music, Desiree is busy forging a path through the music industry. She’s dabbled in everything from drum tech and live sound to instrument repair, backline work, and even session recording. Talk about versatile!

In a notoriously unpredictable industry, Desiree has won over some of the biggest names on the live band circuit. She’s lit up stages at major festivals like the Singapore Jazz Festival and Boston Calling Music Festival, with her talents taking her to places like Hong Kong and China. She’s also made her mark on the airwaves with appearances on Singapore’s 987fm and Class 95. As a percussionist for both the local band Shirlyn + The UnXpected and the Boston-based Zaza and the Psychedelic Orchestra, she’s shared the stage with local icons like JJ Lin, Stefanie Sun, and RRILEY. Beyond playing with Singapore’s finest, Desiree has performed with international stars like Eva Sita, MARIS, Lang Lang, and Apl.de.ap, and even opened for Taylor Bennett alongside Niu Raza.

Desiree’s blend of humility, drive, and people skills make her a standout. She’s on a mission to lift others up with her talents and leave her mark on the music world. With a clear purpose, unstoppable ambition, and an impressive track record, she’s well on her way to hitting all the right notes in her career!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve definitely faced my share of struggles, one of the biggest being uncertainty about how I wanted to establish myself in the music industry. It took some time to figure it out, but with the support of my friends, I was able to navigate the rocky path much more smoothly.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Currently, I’m working in artist relations for Fatfreq, a Singapore-based in-ear monitor company where I support artists with their on-stage hearing needs. My journey with Fatfreq began as a customer, then I became an artist, and now I’m proud to serve as their artist relations manager. I absolutely love what I do, and I’m especially proud that I can excel in this role while still pursuing my passion for performing. What truly sets me apart is my personality, passion and attitude toward my work. Saying I love my job would be an understatement.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?

Growing up, I was definitely full of energy and ambition. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to pursue a career in music, but I struggled to figure out exactly what that meant. There was even a time where I wanted to be a composer, producer, engineer, teacher, performer, and manager—all at once! Thank goodness for mentors like Jason de Hamel, Marvin Khoo, and Soh Wen Ming, who took the time to sit me down and really help me think through my goals. They guided me in the right direction, teaching me the value of mastering one craft instead of being a jack of all trades. They showed me that whatever path I chose, I needed to commit my heart and mind to it and give it my all.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/desireeorientay
• Other: https://instagram.com/desfreq

Image Credits

Asher Tay
David Green Photo
Toby Dorfman