Try Me

The song "Try Me" from Chrissy Steele's debut album Magnet to Steele is a high-energy hard rock anthem that showcases her powerful vocals and the gritty production of Brian MacLeod. In a Dope Nostalgia interview, Steele shared that the track was recorded in MacLeod’s unique studio on his boat, the Grand Marnier, docked at Vancouver’s Granville Island. This unconventional setting added a raw, intimate vibe to the recording process, with the band capturing the song’s driving rhythm and bold attitude in a space surrounded by water. Steele mentioned on her Facebook page in 2019 that “Try Me” was a fan favorite during live performances, often igniting crowds with its defiant lyrics and infectious energy. The song’s placement on the album, alongside hits like “Love You ‘Til It Hurts,” helped cement its role as a staple in her early ‘90s live sets.

While specific trivia about “Try Me” is scarce in recent social media, Steele’s Instagram posts from 2021 reflect on her Magnet to Steele era, noting how the album’s raw energy was shaped by her years grinding in Vancouver’s club scene. A fan comment on her YouTube channel recalled seeing her perform “Try Me” during a 1991 Bryan Adams tour stop, describing how Steele’s stage presence “blew the roof off.” The song’s lyrics, penned with contributions from MacLeod and Tim Feehan, embody a fearless, take-no-prisoners attitude, which Steele has said in interviews resonated with her own journey breaking into the male-dominated hard rock scene. Though the rise of grunge overshadowed the album’s commercial run, “Try Me” remains a cult favorite among Zoo Freaks and hard rock enthusiasts.

Chrissy Steele, born Christina Southern, kicked off her musical journey in Comox, British Columbia, where she grew up singing classical and folk music. According to her bio on Last.fm, she performed in choirs and operas as a teenager in Comox and later Victoria, honing her vocal control. At 19, she moved to Vancouver to pursue a professional singing career but initially struggled with confidence to front a band. Returning to Victoria, she answered a newspaper ad in 1984 to join her first rock band, Room Service, as detailed on Wikipedia. This gig led to performances in rock clubs and a spot on the CBC’s televised Rock Wars competition, giving her early exposure.

Steele’s career gained traction in 1985 when she joined the hard rock band Reform School, playing clubs across British Columbia and Alberta. Her bio on Citizen Freak notes that she later performed with bands like Blu and an early version of the Chrissy Steele Band, building her reputation as a dynamic frontwoman. In 1989, Brian MacLeod, formerly of Headpins and Chilliwack, invited her to join a revamped Headpins after hearing about her talent. When the project shifted, MacLeod produced her debut solo album, Magnet to Steele, released in 1991 by Chrysalis/EMI. The album earned two Juno nominations, though Steele stepped back from music in the mid-‘90s due to the grunge wave and label issues, later working in graphic design and for Greenpeace, as shared on Might As Well Blog About It.

Fans can connect with Chrissy Steele through her official website, where she shares updates on new music, like her 2021 single “Unrequited (Remember Me).” Her Facebook page, with nearly 5,000 followers, is active with posts about her music and live show announcements. On Instagram, Steele engages with fans through nostalgic throwbacks and new project teasers. Her X account offers occasional updates, though it’s less active. Fan communities exist on platforms like Facebook’s “80s & 90s Hard Rock & Heavy Metal” group, where Steele’s work is celebrated alongside other era artists. No dedicated fan websites were found, but her YouTube channel serves as a hub for official videos and fan-uploaded live clips.