GRAMMY-nominated country artist Deborah Allen drops her first album of all-new material in over a decade. The Art of Dreaming (BFD / Audium Nashville), is a fantastic collection of songs, mixing several styles and showcasing the artist’s talent (available for purchase now via all online digital retailers).
We had a chance to ask Deborah about the album, her songwriting, and more!
Can you take us through your vision for The Art of Dreaming?
I can remember exactly where I was when I got the Idea for “The Art Of Dreaming.” I was sitting in my car on top of Mulholland Drive in California looking across a wide open view. It felt like anything and everything was possible. That’s when I said out loud, “The Art Of Dreaming… is Believing.”
It’s really my philosophy on life. Once the song was written, I knew I wanted it to be the title of one of my albums! I felt like this was the perfect time. Thanks to Shel Silverstein’s wise advice to me shortly after I moved from Memphis to Nashville at age 19, I’ve dedicated my life to writing songs and creating music which has resulted in an extensive catalogue.
In 2021 when my friend, Chuck Rhodes of Audium-Nashville-BFD, who I had worked with in the past, came to me and said, “You have such a great collection of music and it needs to be heard,” I was thrilled!
To get things started, I cherry-picked and paired it down to about 50 of my favorite songs, followed by several listening sessions with Chuck, my manager/husband Raymond Hicks and me. We all agreed that “The Art Of Dreaming” would be the title track. And although it is not thematic in nature, it makes total sense to me because this new album is definitely one more step in my journey along the way to the dreams that have continued to propel me forward.
In this new album, my Memphis rockabilly, soul roots are prevalent, but so are my Nashville storytelling and classic country influences, as well as a twinge of southern gospel. Magically, it all eventually came together as one cohesive, yet eclectic landscape of music and influences, resulting in my new album.
Each song is so unique. What’s your songwriting style?
I am very open and receptive to my feelings and emotions. I have always felt that every song has a language of its own. The music can bring out an attitude which naturally affects your choice of words, whether a romantic elegance or bluesy slang.
It’s like creating an oil painting. Your mood and energy is gonna determine whether you choose cobalt blue or scarlet. For me, songs never happen the same way twice. They can start with a great title, or a cool groove, or they can sneak up on you in a dream. So, my style is to stay true to the moment, set the bar high and keep going ’til you’re satisfied. And when it feels good and feels real to you, chances are it’ll feel good as feel real to the listener.
How does it feel to release a song celebrating hard working men with “Blue Collar Baby”?
Ooooooh!!!! It makes me smile and wanna dance!!! If anyone on earth deserves to be celebrated it’s our Blue Collar Workers, men and women, who are the backbone of America!!! Really, they are the backbone of the world!
My mother and daddy were in the auto-upholstery business, so I grew up in a Blue Collar family! In fact, they actually designed and upholstered the interior of Elvis’ first tour bus (it turned out beautifully I might add… designed in royal blue, all trimmed in gold). They were just hardworking people with a dream in their heart who delighted in using their hands, their imagination and determination along with a little elbow grease to create beautiful work that was appreciated by their customers and that provided a great life for our whole family. Work hard. Play hard. Do good.
It may sound idealistic, but America was built on that philosophy! Our country is full of skilled, imaginative, amazing Blue Collar families that we should be proud of, building up, supporting and celebrating everyday. Since music is the most fun way to celebrate, I say let’s all sing and dance to “Blue Collar Baby!”
I like the opportunistic vibe of the title track. What’s something you’re dreaming about for the near future?
Well, since “The Art Of Dreaming”… is “Believing,” I am believing for the fruition of several special projects! Along with a continued creativity and output of mainstream Deborah Allen music, I am believing for a duet album, a gospel album and a patriotic album. I am also believing for my new book, also titled “The Art Of Dreaming” to be completed this year. On a deeper level, I am trusting and believing for God to protect us and bless us with peace on Earth.
I saw that you recently joined the Fusion Touring artist roster! How excited are you to plan an upcoming tour? Can you share any details yet?
I am extremely excited to be represented by such a great agency as Fusion Touring! My responsible agent, Chuck Thompson and the entire team at Fusion are seasoned professionals and very creative in their approach to representation, which I love. We already have some great plans in the works which we will be announcing soon. I can’t wait to perform my new songs and old favorites in theaters, performing arts centers, fairs and festivals for friends and music lovers across America!
You’ve accomplished many things during your career. What are you most proud of?
Well, of course, I am very proud of my new album. And I’m still just as proud of my signature song, “Baby I Lied” as I was the day we wrote it. That’s the song that’s taken me around the world and back.
At this point, I can say I’m most proud that I never gave up on my dreams and my purpose. I’m proud of never out growing my curious mind and adventurous spirit, which has kept life interesting and new exciting doors of opportunity opening. It’s kept me growing.
I’m mostly proud that I have reached a point in my life and career that I can meaningfully use my talents to contribute to great charitable foundations such as my most recent invitation to participate In an amazing recording project benefitting TAPS.org (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.)
Through the years I’ve come to realize that accolades and awards are great, but the rewards of being able to help others in need by using your talents is even greater. That’s what life is all about. We can do so much more than we even realize.
Remember, There is nothing impossible with God for those who believe. “That’s the Art Of Dreaming.”
Please visit: DeborahAllen.com for all the latest updates.
The Art of Dreaming Track Listing
- Run Baby Run
- Memphis Rendezvous
- A Girl Like That
- It’s Only Goodbye
- Patsy Cline Crazy
- All or Nothing At All
- Lyin’ Lips
- Blue Collar Baby
- Someone Like You
- Shameless Love
- Last Time for Everything
- The Art of Dreaming