We were lucky to catch up with Deora Clairé recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Deora Clairé, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
If I could go back in time with what I know now, I would have definitely started my music career sooner. Instead of releasing my first project Love Over Hate EP in September of 2018, I would’ve released music earlier because my talent show performance in Costa Rica, during the fall of 2015, boosted my confidence in singing and stage performance. Back then, my schedule was busy with earning my bachelor’s degree and working, but I would’ve made the time to work on music. However, I will admit that I probably wouldn’t have been making Christian music since it was before the growth of my relationship with God. Growing up in a Christian household, I always had a relationship with Him, but it grew exponentially after the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 2019. Going through the manic and depression episodes truly strengthened my faith in God which impacted my music.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’m a Christian Bilingual Singer-songwriter from Memphis, TN. My love for music began when I was young. I grew up going to church every Sunday with my family, and we sang hymns from the songbook. My parents would often play music like Sam Cooke, Mahalia Jackson, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and more. They would sing along which made it natural for me to develop a love for singing as well.
When I was in elementary, I began writing songs and participating in the school choir. I also began learning Spanish, and I started incorporating it into my songs in middle school. In high school, I took advanced Spanish classes and sang in four different choirs. However, when I attended college, I lost interest in the choir because I realized that I dislike singing choral music. Therefore, music took a back burner to my studies until 2018.
I released my first EP Love Over Hate in 2018 and later released three remixes of an original song from the EP in 2019. My music career was heading in the right direction until I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder the same year. The diagnosis shook my confidence and identity. My dreams looked impossible, but God used the diagnosis to change my life for the better and to increase my faith. I learned that God still had great plans for me; plans to prosper me, to give me a hope and future (Jeremiah 29:11). I took some time off to get my mental health in a good space and to work on music.
In January 2022, I released my debut album Golden, an inspirational album reflecting the past two years of my life. In the August of 2022, I released my second album My Life which was my first true Christian album. Overall, 2022 was a year full of milestones. I released two albums, performed live several times in person, performed on tv, and interviewed for articles and shows. I began to live out my goal as a Christian artist of inspiring and encouraging people on their faith journey. I’m looking forward to putting out more music this year.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is using my God-given gifts to make listeners feel encouraged. I love the feeling of making a positive impact on someone’s life through my songs, testimonies, and devotionals. It’s a blessing to be a blessing!
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to edify, encourage, and expand God’s Kingdom by spreading messages of faith, hope, and love through my testimony, songs, and devotionals. This mission means a lot to me because it’s my purpose. I was born to share my faith and love with those I encounter to inspire them to continue their fight.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deoraclaire.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deoraclaire/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deoraclaire
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/deoraclaire
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@deoraclaire
- Other: https://linktr.ee/deoraclaire
Image Credits
@Madebyglyde @Paulnoltephotography