"Desperate Measures" is a song by Canadian pop rock band Marianas Trench. It was released on July 4, 2012, as the third single from 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 described "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".[6] They also performed the song at the award show. The performance was choreographed by Nicole Arbour.[7]
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.[8]
Awards and nominations
Music video
The music video for "Desperate Measures" was released on July 4, 2012.[12] It was directed by Kyle Davison and it is the follow-up from the "Fallout" music video of a five-video storyline accompanying the backstory of their album Ever After.[13] The storyline finds the band under a spell and is being controlled by a woman who created voodoo dolls of the band. The video makes references to Risky Business and features an interpretation of Toy Story. Towards the end of the video, the group manages to break the spell and escape, amidst of a flash mob.[5][14]
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end chart
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Certifications
References
- ^ "Desperate Measures - Single by Marianas Trench". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
- ^ a b "Marianas Trench Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ a b "Canadian single certifications – Marianas Trench – Desperate Measures". Music Canada.
- ^ Ever After (booklet). Marianas Trench. 604. 2011. 25396 02412.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
- ^ a b "New Video: Marianas Trench, Desperate Measures". MTV. Archived from the original on November 23, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
- ^ Karen Bliss (May 22, 2013). "Marianas Trench, Drake Lead 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards Nominations". Billboard. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Kevin O'Keeffe (January 10, 2025). "'Canada's Drag Race' Season 5, Episode 8 recap: Watch what happens". Extra Magazine. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Marianas Trench lead the 2013 MMVAs with six nominations". MuchMusic. May 21, 2013. Archived from the original on July 10, 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
- ^ "And The 2013 MMVA Winners Are..." Fuse. June 17, 2013. Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
- ^ "SOCAN Awards Search". Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. Retrieved August 7, 2025. Click "Award Winner" and enter "Marianas Trench" in the search box.
- ^ "Marianas Trench release "Desperate Measures" music video". Alternative Press. 4 July 2012. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
- ^ "Marianas Trench "Desperate Measures" BTS". YouTube. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
- ^ Nadine Cheung (July 6, 2012). "Marianas Trench Get Dolled Up in 'Desperate Measures' Video". PopCrush. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Marianas Trench Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 13, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ "Marianas Trench Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 13, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ "Canadian Hot 100 - 2012 Year End Chart". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
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