by Haley Cullingham
Everyone who missed that Old Skool Love, don’t despair. Canadian R & B singer Divine Brown is back, with a new album that sounds just as refreshing as her first single. Divine Brown’s new cd is like maple syrup drizzled over farm-fresh vanilla ice cream-cool, creamy, smooth and sweet. Her five-octave vocal range is showcased on a combination of soft, crooning slow jams and upbeat, sixties inspired dance numbers. With influences ranging from Chaka Khan to Joni Mitchell, Divine definitely lives up to the strong, soulful spirit of her heroes, writing beautiful songs and producing much of this album herself. Retro and romantic, The Love Chronicles  is, like Divine herself, delicious in every sense of the word. She Does The City talked to the lady herself about Red Carpets, Capoeira, and lazy Saturdays. 

Where did you grow up in Toronto?

I grew up in North York for the most part, but my family moved around quite a bit.

What’s your favourite way to spend a Saturday?

Going biking to the beaches… I love being by the water! I find it very therapeutic.

What can you not live without?

Flavored lip gloss. I have like twenty of them in my purse!

What’s your favourite restaurant in Toronto?

Ho Su on Queen St W. They have a great blend of Korean and Japanese food.

What are you currently reading?

A Portuguese lesson book. I am currently learning the language on my own. I’m fascinated with Brazilian culture. I think that interest began when I played Capoeira for roughly four years consistently.

Big city pet peeves:

Why ambulances and fire trucks are so loud? Geez, going shopping and walking downtown, and when of those puppies go whizzing by, my ears start bleeding immediately! But I know they serve their purpose to help society, so you just have to accept it right?

You can go on vacation anywhere right now, where to and why?

Brazil, to play Capoeira with native Capoeiristas in the place where it all began!

Red carpet event, what are you wearing?

Whatever I am feeling at that moment! As long as it looks good on me 🙂

Are you willing to share Toronto’s best kept secret?

I haven’t found that yet… other than Toronto has insane pool of talented musicians and actors that have yet to shine!

Who are you listening to on repeat?

Madonna… I love that song on her new cd “Miles Away”. Guilty pleasure… great song.

What do you love most about your career?

Being able to express my inner most feelings through music. Performing them is the icing on the cake!

If you were to share advice with a young girl entering the industry, what would it be?

Keep at it! Persistence and perseverance is key!

Three words you would use to describe your new album:

Soulful, funky, reflective