Born and raised in Windsor, ON, Christee Palace had a musical upbringing, taking influence from her family of musicians including her father, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer, and teacher Pete Palazzolo. She gained Canada wide success with her debut EP Alive Today and singles “Out Of Time” and “Light It Up” which both charted on Canada’s Most Active Indie Charts. She continued to release more hits such as “Harden My Heart” and “Love Me In The Dark” which both reached over 125,000 Spotify streams. Now residing in Toronto, Christee has continued to make a name for herself, accumulating over half a million career streams to date, winning the 2019 Jim Beam National Talent Search hosted by Canadian Music Week, and performing at The Indie Awards. She has also shared the stage with incredible artists including Sean Kingston and Walk Off The Earth.
Please take a moment and give us some background info about yourself?
I’m Christee, a pop-rock singer and songwriter based in Toronto. 🙂 I come from a huge musical family back home in Windsor, and have been doing this basically my entire life. I play guitar and piano, and have been writing my own songs as far back as I can remember. I always knew I wanted to be a singer and performer, but it took me a few years to build up the confidence to pursue it. I moved to Toronto about 3 years ago now and I have been loving every second of it. 🙂
What was the inspiration behind your new single, “#1 Girl”?
I initially wrote this song about someone who just never put me first, and always played games with me. I always felt like I wasn’t good enough… so basically this song was me putting this person in their place. I remember thinking to myself.. this behaviour is like high school, and then I thought about all the young girls who are probably experiencing something similar at a time when they are just starting to figure out who they are and build their self confidence. I really wanted this song to become a women empowerment anthem for all those young girls who maybe need the reminder about what they are worth, and what they deserve.
Who helped out making this single.
I wrote this song and actually brought it to my dad (he is a musical genius and producer back in Windsor). I thought the song had a lot of potential so I wanted to demo it with him. We ended up producing the song together in full at his studio in Windsor, and I later brought it to my producer Tal Vaisman here in Toronto to polish it up and really make it come to life. Tal always adds the magical finishing touches. 🙂
How would you describe your music in three words?
Bold, unapologetic, personal
How long does it usually take to create a track?
I guess it really depends on the song. If we’re talking just strictly writing it, I can usually spit out a song in an hour or so depending on what I am writing about. Usually anything deeply personal to me comes out quick. In regards to the whole process of production, if I have a clear vision for my song, it is usually put together pretty quickly. We will get the majority of it done in a few hours and then some extra time here and there to polish it off. I am so lucky to have Tal who totally gets me and has that perfect balance of pop and rock.
Is there a moment or memory in your life as a musician that you always want to hold onto? Or a moment that has taught you a lot?
Up until this point the highlight of my career was opening up for Walk off the Earth in Kitchener, and my hometown. I don’t think anything will compare to being on my hometown stage in front of the people who basically raised me and watched me start out as a young girl with a dream, finally doing what I loved. There will never be a moment that will trump that. I hope there will be many more experiences like that in the future.
What is the biggest struggle for you as a musician at the moment?
No live music. I think I speak on behalf of every musician in Canada right now when I say that. It’s been the most discouraging feeling to not be able to enjoy connecting with live fans and performing your music. Nothing beats that live connection. I am hoping the end of this is near so I can get back to the best part about being an artist.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
New music and videos, and riding out the rest of this pandemic! I have been finding new ways to gain new followers and fans throughout this pandemic. In a way it has actually challenged me to be better. I hope to continue making new fans and reaching people with my music.
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in particular?
There are so many INCREDIBLE Canadian artists that I would just love to do a collab with. One local artist, Lights has been on my list for years. I love her music and her entire vibe, but everyone who knows me knows that my true #1 girl (see what I did there) is Avril Lavigne. 🙂
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
It’s ability to heal me, and bring the type of bliss that I will never feel doing anything else. The musical opportunities I’ve been blessed with have been the highlights of my entire life and I just do not get that doing anything else.
Do you have more new music scheduled to come out this year?
Yes I dooooooo!!! This new music is probably the most authentic to me and where I came from. It’s that perfect combo of pop and rock. I can’t wait for people to hear it…. I think this is my favourite music yet.
What are some things on your bucket list?
To go on a Canada-wide tour as an opener, and eventually headliner (or US, I’m not being picky LOL), meet Avril Lavigne, hit 50k followers on all my platforms, and one day have a song chart on the billboard charts. It’ll happen one day. 🙂
Any fun facts or hidden talents you would like to share?
Fun facts? I have a chapstick addiction, I love Taco Bell (and food in general), I am a huge mental and physical health advocate, I love working out, and I hate bananas. Talent wise? I used to be able to do the worm…….
Final comments or shout-outs?
Stay tuned for all my new music COMING SO SOON. I can’t wait for these songs. 🙂 🙂
