Take Me As I Am by Dames Brown

Defected Records welcomes Detroit powerhouse vocal trio Dames Brown with the release of their long-awaited debut album "Take Me As I Am," a vibrant, soulful celebration of the Motor City's musical heartbeat and a tribute to their late mentor and producer, Amp Fiddler.

Rooted deeply in Detroit's rich musical lineage, Dames Brown, aka Athena Johnson, Teresa Marbury, and LaRae Starr embody the spirit of Motown, the groove of Parliament Funkadelic, and the fire of Aretha Franklin, weaving the influences of their hometown into a sound that's timeless yet strikingly fresh. From their beginnings as backup singers for a local jazz instrumentalist to becoming one of the city's most exciting vocal collectives, their journey has been one of authenticity. It was the late Amp Fiddler who first saw their potential, inviting them into his studio, mentoring their creative process, and ultimately giving them their name, Dames Brown, a title of respect for their strength, talent, and soul.

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 is a glimpse into our interpretation of house music, as it lends itself to the influences of techno, p-funk, gospel, and 70s soul, as only Amp Fiddler could produce. This organic, home-grown gem is a culmination of love and dedication; a musical sisterhood!
Dames Brown

Crafted primarily at Amp's home studio, "Take Me As I Am," this record is steeped in the essence of Detroit. His unmistakable touch runs through the project, from the lush instrumentation to the unfiltered energy captured in every vocal take. The result is a record that feels alive: spontaneous, deeply emotional, and full of personality. Each track is a nod to Detroit's evolving sound, connecting the dots between the city's gospel roots and modern house heritage.

Lyrically, Dames Brown speaks from experience across the LP. Exploring love, life, and family, all from a mature, self-assured perspective, their words hit with honesty and warmth. Collaborations with Detroit luminaries Andrés, Eddie Fowlkes, and Waajeed tie the record firmly to its home soil, while standouts like "You're The One For Me," "Glory," and "What Would You Do" showcase the trio's stunning range and charisma. Following the album, fellow Detroit royalty Moodymann has also remixed "Take Me As I Am," which will be delivered as an exclusive 7" first.

Across the album's fourteen tracks, from the opening statement "Introducing Dames Brown" to the closing track "Ova," the group moves seamlessly through moods and tempos, connected by the beating heart of Detroit and Amp's omnipresent influence. It's a love letter to the city that shaped them and a celebration of Amp Fiddler's enduring legacy.

The Dames' relationship with Defected has spanned across the legendary imprint and its sub labels, first releasing on Classic Music Company with Sophie Lloyd on the lauded club hit "Calling Out," while also lending their vocals to gems from the catalogue such as The Vision's "Heaven" and "Down," Floorplan's "Give Us Your Light" and Horse Meat Disco's "Message To The People." Remixed by the likes of Folamour, Louie Vega & Josh Milan, Zach Witness and Kelly G, "Take Me As I Am" punctuates an almost decade-long relationship with Defected.

On stage, the Dames' shows burst with energy, joy, and connection. Each performance is a testament to their chemistry and shared purpose: to make people feel good. With upcoming shows in their hometown, Detroit, and an Australian tour, plus recent appearances at Paris Fashion Week alongside Louie Vega, Defected Croatia, and Glitterbox at Hï Ibiza, the trio continues to carry their message to audiences around the world.

This debut marks the start of a new chapter for Dames Brown and a continuation of Detroit's proud legacy within the Defected family, bold, soulful, and unapologetically real.

Dames Brown - Take Me As I Am
Release Date 21st January 2026
Label Defected Records

Tracklist
1. Dames Brown & Amp Fiddler - Introducing Dames Brown
2. Dames Brown feat. Andrés & Amp Fiddler - What Would You Do
3. Dames Brown - You're The One For Me
4. Dames Brown feat Waajeed - Glory
5. Dames Brown & Amp Fiddler - Take Me As I Am
6. Dames Brown & Amp Fiddler - What Up Doe?
7. Dames Brown feat Eddie Fowlkes - Do It
8. Dames Brown & Amp Fiddler - Who Do You [Think You Are]
9. Dames Brown & Amp Fiddler - Provider
10. Dames Brown & Amp Fiddler - Introducing Part II (Dirty Hips)
11. Dames Brown - Sweat
12. Dames Brown & Amp Fiddler - This Time
13. Dames Brown & Amp Fiddler - Why You Got Me Crazy (Walk Away)
14. Dames Brown & Amp Fiddler - Ova