Today we’d like to introduce you to Dessi Perez.
Hi Dessi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a 22-year-old Cuban-American singer-songwriter, the daughter of immigrant parents. Despite growing up in a low-income household, I was raised in a loving and traditional family. My dad was a music teacher and in a band back in Cuba, so music has always been in my blood.
I was constantly involved in school choirs and auditioning for local and national singing competitions. At 18, I finally got my first private vocal lesson and began writing my own songs more seriously (though my first one is still too embarrassing to share!). I started working with producers in Naples, FL, exploring different styles while finding my sound.
At 20, I moved to Orlando to pursue a degree in music production at Full Sail University. Now, after years of growth, I’m confident in the artist I’ve become. I recently released two songs—Dreamland and CVCN (Caras Vemos Corazones No)—which I produced myself. My dad plays bass and guitar on all my tracks, and they’re mixed and mastered by Eddy Rock.
I’m really inspired by artists like Lana Del Rey, The Marías, Elvis Presley, and Stephen Sanchez. Right now, I’m working on a lot of new projects, including a special song for the 4th of July that I’m really excited about.
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’s definitely not been a smooth road. I’m just a regular girl with a dream and no connections in the industry. Being very introverted makes it even harder to network or put myself out there, which is such a big part of this career. There have been a lot of bumps along the way, and honestly, I feel like my journey is just getting started.
There are times when I feel unheard or invisible, and it can be really frustrating not having any real guidance in the music industry. But I’m learning, growing, and pushing through it all to get to where I want to be.
That’s why I’m so grateful to Orlando Voyager and Julie Marcano for recommending me, it genuinely means a lot to feel seen.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a singer, songwriter, and producer. I create indie/pop/alternative music, and while it’s tough to categorize sometimes, I think that’s part of what makes it unique. A lot of my songs blend English and Spanish, though primarily in English, which reflects both my background and how I naturally express myself.
What really sets me apart is how hands-on I am with every aspect of my work, from songwriting to production, and how deeply personal my songs are. I’m extremely vulnerable in my music. I say things I could never admit to myself or others in real life. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s 100% me.
I’ve had producers in the past try to influence or push me to change my sound into something more “pop” something that’s more “sellable.” But I’ll never be happy doing that. I care more about making music that’s honest and true to who I am, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into a box.
While blending languages in alternative music isn’t new, I believe I bring my flavor and perspective to it. I’m proud of the sound I’ve developed and the courage I’ve found in being unapologetically myself.
What does success mean to you?
That’s a really difficult question for me because I’m a very ambitious person—I’m always striving for more, always thinking about the next step. But at the same time, I think true success would just be finding a community of people who genuinely connect with my music. If my songs can make someone feel seen or understood, that’s more than enough for me. Everything else is just extra.
I also think my definition of success will probably evolve as I grow. Right now, it’s about connection and authenticity, but in the future, it might also be about how I can use my platform to help others or create opportunities for other artists like me. Success isn’t one moment, it’s a journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dessireperez323.wixsite.com/dessi-perez-2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dessi.perez/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DessiPerez
