Local singer/songwriter Destiny Best is tapping into her personal experiences with her debut single, I Choose to Live, in which she talks about her struggles as an adolescent.
Destiny partnered with award winning producer Jon Matthews to record the song, which is about her experiences as a teenager, which led to thoughts of suicide.
Part of the proceeds will be donated to support Crisis Services Canada, which mans the National Suicide Helpline 1(833)-456-4566 that was established in November 2017.
Sixty per cent of help-seekers reach out using text and chat, so a nationally funded 24/7 text/chat and phone line makes it easy for all to access, especially those in rural communities.
Being a member of the Toronto Children’s Chorus, practicing twice a week, performing throughout they year, and touring in South America and Europe helped her through these difficult years.
Destiny, who is a graduate of Holland College’s School of Performing Arts, said the song was her way of telling young people that it’s okay to ask for help.
“It was such a dark and difficult time in my own life, I want to make sure that people know there are people who understand what they are going through, and there are people who can help them,” she said. “Help is available 24/7 and it’s confidential.”
Alan Dowling, Destiny’s instructor when she was in the SoPA Music Performance program, said the song will resonate with people.
“It’s a great collaboration with Jon Matthews,” he said. “It’s a beautiful song with a powerful message.”
The song will be released on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, and available for purchase at destinybestmusic.com.