A strong sense of self-worth. An attitude that can take on any challenge. A wisdom and peace that stems only from time, experience, and heartache. These are the attributes Minnesota native Debbie Anthony brings to the country music world, both as a solid vocalist and an infectious spirit one can’t help but take delight in. And in an industry all too often full of dubbed vocals, overproduced tracks, and bubble gum lyrics, it’s a welcome change.
Anthony spent hours as a child listening to her favorite records, but insecurities with her lower range voice and fear of forgetting lyrics prolonged her journey to the public stage. It was in college, while majoring in voice, that she overcame those obstacles and discovered the sensationalism of Shania Twain and therefore, country music. But marriage and kids soon followed, and a music career just didn’t seem to be in the cards.
But kids grow up. And although they leave eventually, a true calling for music stays when it’s centered in the right heart. And for Anthony, the timing is just right to release her new single, “Make Me Stay” off her sophomore album, More to Be Said. “Make Me Stay” is full of longing and heartache between two people with one just not willing to go down without a fight.
Suitcase by the door / Tears on the floor / One heart broken in two / Oh I beg of you / Make me stay /
Make me hold you / Make me re get to know you / Make me forget why I ever walk away / No fear no regret /
Love me like you’ve never loved me / Say somethin’ / Make me stay
Anthony’s mature voice effortlessly delivers the lyrics on top of beautiful piano and string instrumentals. Producer Gena Johnson (Ben Folds, Dave Cobb) keeps the simplicity of the message with a classic sound that is reminiscent of Crystal Gayle and Barbara Mandrell. (Clearly, neither Johnson nor Anthony is a fan of autotune, which automatically makes us a fan of them both!) Anthony is careful not to have the intent come off as whiny or weak, but instead as an honest look at where two people stand, hard as it may be. In fact, by the end of the song, her vocals reach a new confidence that come deep from the gut. And although we never know how the other person in the relationship reacts, Anthony has hopefully convinced her significant other that she deserves a second chance. She definitely convinced us from the first line, and we have a feeling, there is more where that came from!
We got the chance a few weeks back to chat with Debbie Anthony during the Country Radio Seminar held every year in Nashville, TN. Check out our interview here.
You can listen to “Make Me Stay” right here while waiting for the full album to come out, which should be sometime in the summer. And when the full album does appear, make sure you check out a duet with rising star, Dillion Carmichael. You can also catch the video to “Make Me Stay” below:
Keep up with Anthony through her website, www.debbieanthonymusic.com and interact with her on socials Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.