Highlights:
- Wilmington’s rising star, Annie Tracy collaborates with pop icon Robin Thicke in their seductive single, “Close To You.”
- Annie Tracy maintains a strong connection to her hometown of Wilmington, with the cover photo for “Close To You” captured in a place that held special significance to her.
- The anticipation is tangible, and music fans are eagerly looking forward to the release of this exceptional single.
2023 has been an electrifying year for Wilmington’s very own singing sensation, Annie Tracy. Her performances across the country, including a show-stopping appearance at Mary J. Blige’s “Strength of a Woman Festival” in Atlanta last May, have left audiences in awe. With her mesmerizing vocals and soul-stirring pop melodies, she has managed to captivate the hearts of music lovers, amassing nearly 70,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. But Tracy’s journey to stardom is far from over, and she’s taking it to the next level with a thrilling collaboration.
Annie Tracy Collaborates with Robin Thicke
Annie Tracy is making headlines with her latest release, a seductive single titled “Close To You,” which is set to drop on multiple platforms on October 13. The song kicks off with a jazzy vibe as Tracy passionately sings about a love that’s gone astray, gradually transitioning into enchanting pop and soul tones. But what makes this collaboration even more special is the presence of one of the most recognizable names in pop music – Robin Thicke.
Robin Thicke, renowned for his musical prowess and also known as a panelist on the hit Fox TV show “The Masked Singer,” adds his distinctive voice to the latter part of the song, infusing it with his soulful charm.
Behind the Scenes
“Close To You” was brought to life by the talented producer, Mike Sabath, whose credits include collaborations with notable artists such as Lizzo, Meghan Trainor, Selena Gomez, and the Jonas Brothers, among others. Tracy reflects on the genesis of this captivating song, stating, “I wrote this song in 2021 with Mike Sabath in Los Angeles, and I remember leaving the studio feeling like we created something really special and honest.” She further shares, “When my A&R/mentor, Tricky Stewart, informed me that he had shared the song with Robin Thicke this year, and Thicke loved it so much that he wanted to support the song and my journey by joining me on the record, I was blown away, humbled, and grateful. He is the first artist that I will have shared a song with in my career thus far, and what an insane artist to start with! He’s such a legend.”
A Musical Legacy
Robin Thicke, celebrated for hits like “Blurred Lines,” which dominated the pop charts for 12 weeks in 2013, brings a wealth of experience and a rich musical legacy to the collaboration. Although “Blurred Lines” garnered some criticism for its lyrics, pairing an emerging talent like Annie Tracy with a seasoned star like Thicke is a proven method for promoting new music, potentially benefiting both artists.
A Hometown Connection
Despite her national success, Annie Tracy remains deeply connected to her hometown. The cover photo for “Close To You” was taken in Wilmington, and it holds a special significance. The photograph was captured by none other than Tracy’s mother, Chrissy Ogden Marsh. Tracy shares, “I shot the cover in front of the Soul Saving Station on Dawson Street because I passed that building a million times growing up in Wilmington and always thought it was so special.”
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She adds, “I always wanted to shoot a photo in front of it and use it for a song cover, and ‘Close To You’ felt like the perfect record because it is essentially about trying to save an old lover’s soul by warning them not to get too close.”
Tracy’s Musical Journey
In June, Annie Tracy unveiled her first EP, “ACT I.” This collection of passion-fueled pop and R&B features lyrics that are both profoundly thoughtful and emotionally self-aware. Tracy is under the management of Stewart, a Grammy-winning producer, and has worked with another Grammy-winning producer, D’Mile, on the songs for her EP. Fans can look forward to another EP, “ACT II,” expected to release early next year, further solidifying her place in the music industry.
Conclusion:
With the release of “Close To You,” Annie Tracy’s musical journey continues to reach new heights. This collaboration with Robin Thicke promises to be an unforgettable musical experience, blending the talents of a rising star with a seasoned legend. The excitement is palpable, and music enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the arrival of this extraordinary single.
