To listen to Desirée’s Song for Eliza and Ghost in the Water, click below.
When Desirée Christa Ricker was 13 her parents gave her a guitar. As soon as she had learned three chords, she began writing music using popular themes of love, home and self-discovery.
But music was not her first passion in the creative arts. It was the theater. At three she started dance lessons and at five, acting classes. She began performing at a professional summer theater at the ripe old age of six.
Desirée graduated from Appalachian State University with bachelor’s degree in philosophy, religion, and dance, and a theater minor. She has worked for several theater companies including the Flat Rock Playhouse and earned her membership with the Actor’s Equity Association at only 22.
Though she loved theater, after college it was no longer the source of passion and inspiration that it had once been. So, she began a journey working various jobs (barista, promotion, waitress, rider for injured race horses) in search of her own sense of peace.
In 2010, Desirée moved to New York City to watch, listen, learn and be inspired by the many talented musicians and singers and started writing songs in earnest. Influenced by the roots music of Western North Carolina, her style is a fusion of folk, blues, bluegrass and rock.
A natural lyricist, she easily conveys universal themes in a way that tugs at the heart strings and leaves the audience wondering whether it was her secrets or theirs that had been told.
Originally from Hendersonville, North Carolina, she has made Ocracoke home since 2012 where teaches dance and acting classes, as well as Sunday school and voice lessons.
Desirée is looking forward to performing again at the Ocrachicks concert the Saturday evening of the Ocrafolk Festival, June 5 to 7.
Song for Eliza:
Ghost in the Water:
