A CirdecSongs Chat with Deborah Holland

(All photos from Deborah Holland’s official website)

Not enough people know about Deborah Holland. This cannot be overstated.

Deborah’s voice is distinct in the best way possible. It cuts through everything and makes itself heard. The listener has no choice other than to hear what’s going on. Once that happens, the listener is grateful to have been in the right place at the right time.

My first encounter with Deborah — like so many others, I’m guessing — was as the vocalist for Animal Logic, a group started by two legends in Stanley Clarke (bass) and Stewart Copeland (drums). Their search for a singer led them to a cassette with songs written and sung by Deborah. One of those songs, “A Spy in the House of Love,” became Animal Logic’s first single in 1989. The music was what I like to call “Intelli-pop,” because it struck me as being too smart for commercial radio.

Animal Logic, featuring Stanley Clarke (left) and Stewart Copeland

The band lasted two albums (and a recent EP), but Deborah continued to write and record both as a solo artist and as a member of another trio called The Refugees. Deborah’s writing is as honest and introspective as it gets. Her songs are easily relatable to anyone, often leaving the listener feeling as though the tune could easily be about them.

Deborah has just released a new album called I Made It This Far. Once again, the full-on retrospection is on full display, and once again we can relate. Our lives don’t always go exactly the way we want them to, but life goes on and we’re fortunate to make it as far as we have. And there is always something that makes it all worthwhile. The album’s first single, “Thankful,” helps drive that point home.

https://youtu.be/9zv8NJgr7es?si=ETh9I_p04wSbLiLB

This is actually the second time I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Deborah. The first time was a decade ago as research for my first book. I was eager for a feminine perspective about the music industry. Deborah’s name was the first to enter my mind. A mutual friend connected us, and we spoke for a couple of hours.

I can’t prove it, but I think Deborah spent several minutes during that chat waiting for the other shoe (whatever that may have been) to drop. When it never did, she relaxed and spoke freely. Perhaps she was waiting for a boatload of Animal Logic questions. But I wasn’t interested in talking about that band. I wanted to know about her. My feelings haven’t changed.

Deborah is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. But while I never triggered that instinct, I have a hunch that she doesn’t suffer fools gladly. This makes me respect her that much more.

I was so happy at her enthusiasm to talk again. Things didn’t go on for as long as I would’ve liked because Deborah was pressed for time. But the time we got was highly enjoyable. And for that, I thank Deborah Holland for taking a moment to chat CirdecSongs.