Emily Brooke – all of the pieces (unplugged)

By starrymag | December 18, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Your music is often described as “country/pop,” but how would you describe your sound?

 

A) I think my sound has been changing gradually over the years. Starting out I was more bluegrass/country then into country/pop and going into the new year I would say it leans into Country/Rock… Vulnerable with a sense of edge and confidence.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I decided I wanted to take guitar lessons because of Taylor Swift and Hannah Montana, but I grew up listening to 90’s country and 70’s & 80’s rock music so I’d say that mix influenced me a lot in my music over the years.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “last to know.”

 

A) The story behind “last to know” is the feeling of knowing that something feels off in your relationship, like something is wrong and you can’t keep the end from coming but wishing you could stay in the bliss for a little while longer.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) It’s a very specific feeling that I believe isn’t talked about much but it’s something SO many people have gone through. It’s vulnerable, honest and I think that’s what makes my fans connect to it so much.

 

Q) You have a lyric video out now, but are there plans to release a full video in the near future?

 

A) We have a full acoustic live recording of the single released.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) For my songwriting process, I like to come in with a concept or hook idea. Sometimes we write to music first and sometimes we start with the idea. It just depends, but I enjoy it either way if the vibe is good!

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I love having a hand in it. I love the production process, and I love working with the producer on a project and throwing ideas in there.

 

Q) You have a new album all of the pieces (unplugged) that came out in November. What made you decide to do a totally unplugged version of your music?

 

A) The album takes you through eight different parts of a relationship. So, we filmed and recorded it in my first apartment in Nashville where I went through so many of those emotions. I wanted it to be as vulnerable and broken down as it could be while also being a transitional piece for where my music is going sonically.

 

Q) Is there a particular song you did unplugged that holds a special place in your heart? If so, why?

 

A) It’s so hard to choose, there are so many of them that come from a personal experience. If I had to pick, I would say “why, why” as it’s so catchy and I remember going through that feeling of seeing an ex out at a bar and the internal battle of “do we make this mistake again?”

 

Q) You have opened for the likes of Randy Houser, Kelsea Ballerini and Charles Kelley. Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) At Pennysaver Amphitheater in Long Island I got to open up for Old Dominion, Ryan Hurd and Russell Dickerson. It’s one of the biggest shows I’ve done and it always stands out to me as one of my favorite memories on stage.

Q) We loved you on “American Idol” and were so proud of you becoming a finalist. What advice did you receive on the show that you took to heart and have carried with you and who was it from?

 

A) Thank you so much! The greatest advice I received on the show was to do shows without my guitar, to get comfortable working a stage without the crutch of the guitar as an entertainment prop and I feel like it added so much versatility to my shows.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would have to say Jason Aldean, Post Malone or Taylor Swift. Icons.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Post Malone’s new album. I’ve been a fan of his for years and I love his music and really respect him as a person in how he treats people.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you for believing in me. I wouldn’t be able to do what I love without your love and support, it means the world to me.