Dames Brown’s Long-Awaited Debut Album Lands on Defected Records

An ode to Dames Brown’s mentor, Amp Fiddler, and the techno, funk, and soul of Detroit, Take Me As I Am is a declaration of love and self-acceptance across 14 tracks.

Dames Brown are no strangers to Defected Records. The dynamic trio’s relationship with the label and its imprints spans almost a decade, with their emotionally resonant vocals gracing collaborations throughout the years. Now, their hard work has culminated in Take Me As I Am, an album that’s been years in the making and is now available across platforms.

Comprised of Athena Johnson, Teresa Marbury, and LaRae Starr, Dames Brown embodies the strength, resilience, and soul of Detroit. From their humble beginnings as backup singers to being discovered by the late, great Amp Fiddler of Parliament-Funkadelic fame, everything about their journey has led to this moment.

With the help of Amp’s precise production, this album screams Motor City. It was recorded primarily in his studio prior to his passing, and his touch is felt throughout, while the trio’s distinctive personality shines through. Add in collaborators such as Andrés, Eddie Fowlkes, and Waajeed, and you’ve got Detroit through and through.

To watch our seeds rooted in pure soul blossom into Take Me As I Am is sublime. It shows you exactly who we are — brilliant vocal musicians coming together as one to create a genuine, heartfelt album. Presented by our brother, Detroit’s own Amp Fiddler, this collection of songs offers a glimpse into our interpretation of house music, as it draws on the influences of techno, P-Funk, gospel, and 1970s soul. This organic, homegrown gem is a culmination of love and dedication — a musical sisterhood.
Dames Brown

From the opening track, “Introducing Dames Brown,” to “Who Do You (Think You Are),” Dames Brown is telling the world exactly who they are in a funky, non-assuming way. The upbeat tempo, soulful vocals, and harmonious textures mesh the trio’s style with Amp’s expert touch.

That homegrown sound flows throughout, most notably through the title track, “Introducing Part II (Dirty Hips),” and “Sweat.” Their modern blend of gospel laced with house beats will bring you to a church you never knew existed.

This album celebrates not only Detroit, but Dames Brown and Amp Fiddler. It pays homage to the city that shaped them and the man who took a chance and mentored them. Through a tale of gospel, funk, techno, and house, Take Me As I Am allows the ladies to be unapologetically themselves.

Take Me As I Am is available for streaming on Spotify or your preferred platform. Keep it locked on the trio’s socials to hear what they’ll be up to next.

Stream Dames Brown – Take Me As I Am on Spotify:

Dames Brown – Take Me As I Am – Tracklist:

Introducing Dames Brown

What Would You Do? (feat. Andrés & Amp Fiddler)

You’re The One For Me

Glory (feat. Waajeed)

Take Me As I Am

What Up Doe? (feat. Amp Fiddler)

Do It (feat. Eddie Fowlkes)

Who Do You (Think You Are)

Provider (feat. Amp Fiddler)

Introducing Pt. II (Dirty Hips)

Sweat

This Time

Why You Got Me Crazy (Walk Away)

Ova (feat. Amp Fiddler)