Detroit vocal powerhouse Dames Brown — Athena Johnson, Teresa Marbury, and LaRae Starr — have officially released their long-awaited debut album, Take Me As I Am, out now via Defected Records. The project arrives as both a radiant celebration of Detroit’s musical legacy and a deeply personal tribute to the trio’s late mentor and producer, Amp Fiddler, whose creative spirit helped shape the album from its earliest moments.
“For us, watching our seeds rooted in pure soul grow into Take Me As I Am is something truly special,” the group shares. “This album shows exactly who we are — three vocal musicians coming together as one to create something genuine and heartfelt. Guided by our brother Amp Fiddler, these songs reflect our interpretation of house music, drawing from techno, P-Funk, gospel, and 1970s soul. It’s an organic, homegrown body of work built on love, dedication, and sisterhood.”
Firmly grounded in Detroit’s rich musical lineage, Take Me As I Am captures the city’s essence — its grit, warmth, and unmistakable soul. Much of the album was recorded at Amp Fiddler’s home studio, lending the project an intimate, unfiltered energy. Lush instrumentation, spontaneous moments, and raw emotion give the record a lived-in feel that reflects the trio’s deep connection to the city and its sound.
The album features contributions from some of Detroit’s most respected figures, including Andrés, Eddie Fowlkes, and Waajeed, with additional appearances from Paul Randolph, Chris Bruce, and Will Sessions. Together, the collaborators help bridge generations, connecting the city’s gospel roots and funk history with the future-facing pulse of house music.
Each track on Take Me As I Am reflects real-life stories of love, resilience, and self-acceptance, carried by Dames Brown’s commanding vocals and unwavering groove. Standout moments include “You’re The One For Me,” “Glory,” “What Would You Do,” and the album’s title track, “Take Me As I Am.” A special 7” remix of the title track by Detroit legend Moodymann is set to follow the album’s release.
Dames Brown’s relationship with Defected Records spans nearly a decade, beginning with their breakout collaboration with Sophie Lloyd on “Calling Out,” followed by standout appearances on The Vision’s “Heaven” and Floorplan’s “Give Us Your Light.” Their unmistakable voices have since powered records from Horse Meat Disco, Louie Vega & Josh Milan, and Folamour, earning the trio international acclaim across house, funk, and soul communities.
On stage, Dames Brown embody the magic of Detroit, delivering performances rooted in joy, connection, and collective energy. With upcoming live dates in Detroit, across North America, and beyond, Take Me As I Am marks a defining new chapter for a group that continues to stand for timelessness, authenticity, and soul-first artistry.
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