"Desperate Measures" is a song recorded by Canadian pop rock band Marianas Trench. It was released on July 4, 2012, as the third single on their third studio album Ever After.[1] The song peaked on the Canadian Hot 100 chart at number 20 on the week of August 11, 2012 and was certified triple platinum in Canada in March 2023.[2][3]
Background
The track was written and produced by Josh Ramsay.[4] MTV describes "Desperate Measures" as a power pop song.[5] The song earned 2 nominations at the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards for "Video of the Year" and "Pop Video of the Year" and they performed the song live at the award show. The performance was choreographed by Nicole Arbour.[6]
In 2025, this song was used on the eighth episode of the fifth season of Canada's Drag Race as a lip sync battle between Makayla Couture and Perla.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | "Desperate Measures" | MMVAs Video of the Year | Nominated[7] |
| 2013 | "Desperate Measures" | MMVAs Pop Video of the Year | Won[8] |
Music video
The music video for "Desperate Measures" was released on July 4, 2012.[9] It was directed by Kyle Davison[10] and it is the follow-up from the "Fallout" music video of a five-video storyline accompanying the backstory of their album Ever After.[11]
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Year-end chart
|
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Music Canada)[3] | 3× Platinum | 240,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
- ^ "Desperate Measures - Single by Marianas Trench". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
- ^ a b "Marianas Trench Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ a b "Canadian single certifications – Marianas Trench – Desperate Measures". Music Canada.
- ^ "Marianas Trench - Desperate Measures". Genius. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
- ^ "New Video: Marianas Trench, Desperate Measures". MTV. Archived from the original on November 23, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
- ^ "MMVAs 2013: The best and worst moments at this year's ceremony, from Drake's surprise appearance to the Desperate Measures of Marianas Trench". National Post. 17 June 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
- ^ "Marianas Trench lead the 2013 MMVAs with six nominations". Archived from the original on July 10, 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
- ^ "And The 2013 MMVA Winners Are..." Fuse. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
- ^ "Marianas Trench release "Desperate Measures" music video". Alternative Press. 4 July 2012. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
- ^ "Marianas Trench: Desperate Measures". IMDb. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
- ^ "Marianas Trench "Desperate Measures" BTS". YouTube. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
- ^ "Marianas Trench Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ "Marianas Trench Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ "Canadian Hot 100 - 2012 Year End Chart". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2022.