Achi news desk-
You’ve probably heard her hits on the radio, but did you know that the pop star, born Brianna Donolo, was born and raised in Montreal?
“I still have my 514 phone number and I never give it up,” she said.
With a Juno Award for Dance Recording of the Year under her belt, and a cross-Canada tour, Reeve is truly living her dream.
It’s only fitting that she gets to cross another item off her bucket list at home.
“The city is so alive and to perform here, finally, my songs on the same stage as Pitbull in Jean-Drapeau Park. I’m just so excited,” she said.
Reeve poses with the Juno Award for Dance Recording of the Year during the Juno Awards in Edmonton on Monday, March 13, 2023. (Jason Franson, The Canadian Press)
The homecoming show is apropos as the singer credits her upbringing in Montreal with her unique sound.
“We’re in the Old Port right now filming this interview, and I fell in love with dance music right down the street at ‘Velvet,’ when I was probably too young to go out,” she said.
The city fell in love with Rave in 2014 when she performed the national anthem at a Habs game.
Shannon King, of “Vinny and Shannon Mornings”, on Virgin Radio recalls the performance.
“That moment made her go completely viral,” she said.
“It’s been a long road of self-discovery since then,” Reeve said. “But I can trace the domino effects of my current career to this moment so I’m eternally grateful.”
The singer said that the time for self-discovery was necessary.
“It’s so special to me, especially as a bisexual woman who came out two years ago through song because it’s always been the easiest way I’ve been able to communicate with people,” she said.
Reeve is using her voice to help support the LGBTQ2S+ community, doing back-to-back shows over a three-day span.
“It’s so important to be loud and be proud and celebrate who you are,” she said.
The pop star says she’s not slowing down anytime soon.
“We’re back on the road all summer, several festivals, some in Quebec. We’re doing Sigal, we’re doing De Montgolfier, but new music is on the way. The time has come. I’m excited,” she said.
King is looking forward to Reve’s new music.
“It’s really cool to beat ourselves in the Montreal environment we know and love and see her live, her ‘honour’, her dream,” said King.
Reeve says that no matter where this journey takes her, there is nothing like home.
“My favorite thing to do is come home and, you know, drink some wine and play guitar with my dad in the living room,” she said.
