Testify by Annie Mack
Acclaimed blues singer Annie Mack branches out on her new EP Testify, mixing folk, rock and country gospel into her unique soulful sound. Digging deep, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as she takes the reins as songwriter and producer.
Although only 5 tracks, this power-packed release features Mack at her finest, singing her truth with strength, conviction and unflinching honesty. From the opening notes of her gritty, gospel-inspired “Testify” to the radio-friendly roots anthem “Get On the Train,” she preaches love and self-acceptance, with a call for us to embrace and stand up for our whole selves.
Written over a few years, Mack began the recording process in February 2020, teaming up with producer Matt Patrick (Jeremy Messersmith, Reina del Cid, Cory Wong) at The Library Studio in her hometown of Minneapolis. Forced to take a break when COVID hit, they returned to the studio in late spring.
“I decided to go into the studio after George Floyd was Murdered. Matt Patrick and I had already started pre-production. This was my defiance to murder and death being used to silence and to instill fear in black people. ” Mack says. “The protests were happening just miles away and the city was in the process of healing. Our work took on an even more purposeful intention--to create something strong and beautiful and Black from Minnesota."
Mack and Patrick brought together some of the top Twin Cities players to bring her musical vision to life, including guitarist Jeremy Ylvisaker (Andrew Bird, Jenny Lewis, Justin Vernon, The Suburbs), drummer Noah Levy (Mason Jennings, Mandy Moore, BoDeans, Brian Setzer), bassist Aaron Fabbrini (Romantica, Vicky Emerson). Joining Mack on the background vocals are venerated jazz and R&B vocalists Tonia Hughes and Sara Renner. Together this band of eclectic musicians teamed up in a unique moment to make a recording that speaks to this moment in time when our spirits are broken and hope is in limited supply. “After having everything taken away I needed to create something powerful, honest and healing for myself and others--a kind of love letter to Black women,” Mack says.
Testify is indeed the album we need right now--honest, soul-filled songs to lift our spirits and spring us into action so we can make ourselves and the world a little more loving.
Tracklist
| 1. | Testify | 4:36 |
| 2. | Get On The Train | 3:43 |
| 3. | Shadows of a Kingdom | 3:50 |
| 4. | Judge and Jury | 4:29 |
| 5. | Walking Around | 4:04 |
Credits
License
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ANNIE MACK
is a soulful singer and unflinching songwriter who writes from the gut and demands your attention.
Raised in North Minneapolis. Annie Mack grew up in the 80s, influenced by the rich Twin Cities music scene. “After my mother passed away, the thing that really stood out to me was to do something that you love before you leave this life."