My heart needs waking, Lord. It seems I've drifted off to sleep. Lulled by the things that this world offers, things I can buy but cannot keep. My heart was Yours once, oh, may it be again. Drive away the slumber of my soul and let me wake to You again.
(From "Let Me Wake")
From the time she was a little girl, Deb Mantel has used words and music to express the longings and desires of her heart. Her dad was born in the hills of Tennessee, and she grew up on the harmonies of bluegrass, the agonies of country, and the beat of southern rock. Playing guitar and singing with her dad, she knew from early on that music was something she was meant to do. Deb's younger brother, Tim, also learned to play the guitar, and soon the two of them were singing their hearts out to whoever would listen.
At the University of Michigan, Deb became a Christian and met her husband, Corey. Her songs began to reflect her growing faith and understanding of the eternal truths of God. Her brother, Tim, also became a Christian, and the combination of his incredible talent as a guitarist and her "heartbreakingly beautiful voice," along with their sensitive songwriting, caused others to ask for more music.
In January of 2002, with the help of her husband, Corey, and many supportive friends, Deb finally stepped into the recording studio. The satisfying result is her CD, "One Thing I Know," which features songs full of insight into the struggle to live the Christian life in the midst of tears and sorrow, always searching for the Truth. Her honesty is answered by the tender voice of the Father, who has convinced her of His absolute faithfulness and unconditional love.
A sold-out CD debut concert at The Ark in Ann Arbor in December of 2002 was followed by requests for radio and newspaper interviews along with invitations to speak at local churches. This has developed into a very exciting ministry for Deb. (You can read more about this on the SPEAKING page). Deb's desire is that, through her music, people will hear the life–changing truth that God is with us and for us, our eternal refuge.
Her style is her own and is not easily categorized. It is a beautiful mixture of folk, Americana, country, blues, bluegrass and contemporary Christian. Depending on the song or the event, it may lean more in one direction than another.
Deb lives in Chelsea, Michigan, with her husband, Corey, and their youngest son Tim. Their sons John and Jake are students at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They are members of Knox Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, where Deb helps lead worship for the getREAL events for women – a monthly girls' night out.
I am known by the One who knows all. I am watched by a tender, loving eye. I need not fear the darkest night, for the One who is the light, watches me with a tender, loving eye.
(From "One Thing I Know")