Debbie Liske has recorded the first album of her career that combines all of her thoughts and emotions into one package of songs that smoothly blend the common traits of funk, rock, pop, and bluesy ballads to form what is best described as “acoustic rockin soul with a funky spice on top”. Scheduled for a full release in 2013, Extra Mile, her fourth album, is dedicated to people affected by natural and man-made disasters. Just after the recording was completed, Debbie joined the American Red Cross, ironically, just before Hurricane Sandy hit the US shores. She was immediately deployed to New York for a two-week deployment to help those devastated by the storm. Upon her return, she began to narrow down her purpose as an artist. Based on hope, inspiration, transparency and laughter, her music and artistry reveal personal life experiences that are often felt by many, but discussed by few. By bringing those topics to light, Debbie hopes that her music and her story find a way into the lives of people that need it most. Prior to the release of the full album, a single, My Hurricane, will be released in the summer of 2013. Just after that, Debbie’s first Official Music Video – My Hurricane – will follow. This video pushes the edge of comfort for a very private and quiet person, but as Debbie says, “The time is right to share the story”. In Extra Mile, the lyrics are as light as they are penetrating and the music is held together with an organic rhythm section including Rob Ladd on drums (Alanis Morissette, Don Henley) and Robert Sledge on bass (Ben Folds Five). But clearly by design, the soothing quality of Debbie’s voice and her passionate vocal presence is meant to be heard and felt above everything else. As Jerry Carter from WNCU Radio states, “the lady can sing”. Debbie’s previous albums were described as acousti-funk rock as she fronted her bands with a pivotal acoustic guitar, and she brings that forward again on Extra Mile, but this time adds more funk, more piano ballads, and more emotion. But what is even more noteworthy is her first use of a full vocal choir in Extra Mile, and a real string section in seven of the twelve songs that, like a magnet, bring everything together. Recorded and engineered by John Plymale at Overdub Lane in North Carolina and mastered by Greg Calbi (John Lennon, Sarah McLachlan) at Sterling Sound in NYC, Extra Mile is scheduled for release in mid-2013. Debbie’s first solo album, Heart Thoughts was recorded in the early 90’s and was promoted with acoustic solo and full band performances in many venues and festivals in the North Carolina area. After being awarded honorable mention for Best Local Musician In The Triangle by the Spectator magazine in the thriving music scene of North Carolina, she released her actual debut album entitled This I Know Is So in 1995. Following this release, Debbie and her 4-piece band hit the road for an east coast tour covering clubs and festivals from Georgia to NY with as many as 4 shows per week. Although the music and stage performance was hot and captivating enough for college clubs, the songs were cerebral and engaging enough for listening rooms and music festivals. She opened for bands such as Cravin’ Melon and Uncle Mingo, and performed at large music festivals such as Musikfest in Allentown, PA., and at clubs such as the Bitter End in NYC. This I Know Is So received airplay on dozens of college and commercial radio stations across several states. In 2005, Debbie decided to partner with charities, incorporate benefit concerts into regular performances, and identify ways to bring hope into peoples lives. She began to support many causes such animal rights, environmental protection, kindness awareness, breast cancer research, heart disease research and wildlife rehabilitation. By 2008, she was able to complete her third album entitled Back Around after a 10-year period since it’s inception. Back Around was released digitally in 2009. This album is a collection of tracks based on her perspective on life. Listeners are motivated to live in the present moment, believe in themselves, and adhere to the energy of the universe. Back Around is a true reflection of the acoustic-funk rock sound of her touring band. The release of her fourth album, Extra Mile, in 2013 will illuminate the maturity and complexity of Debbie’s life for existing fans that have heard her previous music. For new listeners, there is a story in every song that can sneak into a stranger’s heart and mind as if it was written for them.