Makenzie Phipps delivers a heartbreakingly raw and honest take on love, addiction, and broken promises in her latest single, “Love Me Sober.” Through vivid storytelling, she captures the painful reality of loving someone who always chooses the bottle first, shedding light on the emotional turmoil that alcohol abuse can cause in relationships.
I sat down with Phipps at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville to discuss the song and its deeply shared themes. Through this conversation, Phipps shared her inspiration and hope for the song’s ability to spark awareness about substance abuse.
A Raw and Honest Song About Addiction’s Impact on Love
The new track from Phipps is not just a song—it’s a powerful statement about a widespread issue affecting so many individuals and families today. Drawing on the experiences of people who have been affected by addiction, Phipps crafts a poignant narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The haunting lyrics and modern, edgy sound of the song lay bare the struggles of broken promises, the push and pull of a partner caught in the cycle of substance abuse, and the emotional weight of unspoken hopes to change.
Phipps explains, “I’ve had relatives that have struggled with substance abuse and substance issues. It’s kind of like the same song and dance where they say that they’re doing fine, but in reality, they’re hiding that they’re still going through the same cycle.” This deeply personal connection to the subject matter shines through in the music and lyrics, striking a chord with listeners who may be experiencing similar struggles in their own lives.
“Love Me Sober” aims to raise awareness about alcohol and substance abuse—issues that continue to contribute to devastating consequences across the U.S. every year, from domestic abuse to preventable deaths. Phipps hopes the song sparks important conversations, helping people recognize the impact addiction can have on relationships, mental health, and families. As she puts it, “It’s so important to talk about these things and be real about what we’re all going through.”
Listen to “Love Me Sober”
Finding Her Voice as a Solo Songwriter
With “Love Me Sober,” Phipps is embracing a new chapter in her career as a solo songwriter. Having previously written with others, she’s now finding her voice and honing her craft with a focus on deeply personal stories. She writes about what’s close to her heart, and through this, she hopes to connect with those who need to hear these raw, unfiltered truths.
“I wanted to dive deeper into topics that so many people out there are living and can relate to on a personal level,” says Phipps. “When the song hit me, it just kind of popped in my head, and I knew I had to write it. I think that it would be really cool to put it on the perspective of somebody witnessing someone else’s struggles.”
Along with exploring themes of love and addiction, Phipps is also looking to bring new topics to her music in the future, with plans to release a song this summer that speaks to the lives of blue-collar workers. She is excited for what 2025 has in store, with new music on the horizon and a tour to look forward to.
Makenzie Phipps: A Rising Star in Country Music
Makenzie Phipps has become a fixture throughout the Southeast, captivating audiences with her genuine country voice. From performing the National Anthem at sporting events to performing at fairs, festivals, and honky tonks, Phipps has delighted fans with her raw talent. Her cover of “Amazing Grace,” which went viral on Country Rebel, garnered nearly a million views on Facebook and helped heighten her popularity in the country music community.
Influenced by the sounds of iconic country songstresses like Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette, Phipps is carving her own path in the country music world. Though her style echoes the traditional sounds of these legends, Phipps brings a fresh voice that resonates with a new generation, one that may not be familiar with this classic, heartfelt sound. In these turbulent times, her music offers a sense of nostalgia and authenticity that feels particularly relevant today.
Makenzie Phipps Tour Dates
- FEB 27 – Ole Red / Nashville TN
- FEB 28 – Margaritaville / Nashville, Tenn.
- MAR 07 – Tap Bar and Grill / Jackson, Tenn.
- MAR 14 – Margaritaville / Nashville, Tenn.
- MAR 16 – Ole Red / Gatlinburg, Tenn.
- MAR 21 – Margaritaville / Nashville, Tenn.
- MAR 22 – Ole Red / Gatlinburg, Tenn.
- MAR 27 – 37 Cedar Restaurant and Bar / Cookeville, Tenn.
- MAR 28 – Margaritaville / Nashville, Tenn.
- JUN 04 – Country for a Cause / Nashville, Tenn.
- JUN 06 – Tap Bar and Grill / Jackson, Tenn.
- JUN 14 – Fincastle / Bluefield, Va.
- JUN 28 – Long Way Brewing / Radford, Va.
- JUN 29 – Rock House Marina / Pulaski, Va.
- JUL 07 – Boro Bourbon and Brews / Murfreesboro, Tenn.
- JUL 25 – Creek Bottom Brewing Company / Galax, Va.
- JUL 26 – The Rusted Musket / Mullens, W. Va.
- AUG 30 – The Rusted Musket / Mullens, W. Va.
- AUG 31 – Rock House Marina / Pulaski, Va.
- SEP 19 – Creek Bottom Brewing Company / Galax, Va.
- SEP 20 – The Rusted Musket / Mullens, W. Va.
- OCT 11 – Mitchell Opera House / Mitchell, Ind.
Stay Tuned for More from Makenzie Phipps
To hear more from Makenzie Phipps, be sure to check out “Love Me Sober” and stay tuned for upcoming new music. With her powerful storytelling and heartfelt music, she’s on a steady path toward becoming a major force in country music.
