Brookelyn Rose- Singer/ Songwriter originally from Philadelphia, Brookelyn Rose mixes theatrical storytelling and soulful vocals into her new EP entitled, “Does She Know”, which is also the title track! Brookelyn draws musical influence from many different genres; From early Motown to contemporary pop/rock, aspects of her musical tastes can be heard all throughout in her new EP!
Interview conducted on September, 07, 2020
By Dan Locke
Brookelyn Rose, will premiere her music video for my new single, “Take Me Back”. The video and song will premiere Friday, September 18th at 12PM PT/3PM EST on Youtube and Spotify.
You are from Philadelphia, PA. What was your upbringing like?
I grew up about an hour outside of the city in a small town with my mom, dad, and brother. Music and entertainment was always a big part of my life; My dad started out as a magician, so my first taste of performing was being his “little assistant on stage”. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I’d be singing and performing whenever the opportunity presented itself.
On the weekends, my friends and I would drive around and hang out at the local WaWa or Dunkin and talk and laugh until we were delirious. I feel really lucky to have grown up with such a loving and supportive family and friend circle.
How was the move from PA to LA?
I moved from Philly to LA 5 years ago and it was the most challenging thing I had done up to that point in my life. I left my family and closest friends and everything that I knew, and just got in the car and drove for 4 days. That first year, year and a half, was a real struggle. I was trying to figure out who I was in this new, strange land, while still holding on to my core values. I hated LA that first year and a half! Nobody tells you how hard it is to make friends as an adult! It’s really freakin hard! (haha) But, I began to put myself out there and started to connect with talented, genuinely kind people and found my tribe. LA started to feel less like a foreign planet and more like home. I fell in love with the weather, the music and the overall laid-back vibe of LA.
How did you discover music?
Music was always a big part of my upbringing; Both my parents have a deep love and appreciation for music across the entire genre-spectrum. I primarily grew up listening to Mo-Town and Funk artists. Then the early 2000s came and I became obsessed with Brittany Spears, Christina Aguilera and Destiny’s Child. Of Course, I also knew every line to every song that N’Sync and The Backstreet Boys were putting out too (haha), but I always came back to Earth, Wind and Fire, Chicago, Dianna Ross, and Aretha Franklin. These artists inspired me to sing out and find my voice.
How did you start to write music?
I began journaling in middle school and some of those entries were poems. With those, I usually heard a melody in my head while reading the words and then I would start to vocalize it. I began to seriously write music in high school and that became my form of journaling.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
I got my guitar when I was 18 from a family friend and realized I couldn’t strum it correctly because it just so happens that I’m a lefty at playing guitar too (haha). So, my dad got it restrung for me and I started practicing regularly. I stopped practicing though in college because I started focusing more on acting so, I can play basic chords, but I wouldn’t call myself a guitarist.
What was your first performance at like?
I don’t remember my first ever performance, but I do remember the first time I performed my original songs on stage. It was my senior year of high school and we put on a show for the graduating class. This was also the first time I played the piano and sang at the same time. In front of people! To say I was nervous, would be a massive understatement! (haha) But then, as soon as I started playing, all those nerves went away and I just felt at peace. The stage has always felt like home to me, a safe place to share my thoughts and emotions with people who will connect with me on a deeper level.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
The first completed song I ever wrote was in middle school, but I don’t think I ever gave it a title. I actually remember the melody and some of the lyrics, it was like, “When you’re walking down the street and you see someone that you don’t know, don’t be afraid, I’m here now, I’m here now. If you think that you’re alone and you’ve got nowhere else to go, don’t be afraid, I’m here now, I’m here now.” (haha) Something like that! But, no, I didn’t record that lil diddy!
Tell me about your new single “Take Me Back”, which comes out September 18th.
I wrote “Take Me Back” about 2 years ago when I was back in Philly for a friend’s wedding. A couple of days before the wedding, I drove out to this open field and walked around, thinking about how much had changed in my life and the lives of the people closest to me. I was so happy for all of the love and growth and accomplishments that we had achieved, but there was also this longing and sadness that I couldn’t shake. I wanted to go back to when we all lived in the same zip code and didn’t have the responsibilities of adulthood on our shoulders. I wanted to have a sleepover at one of our houses, eat until we couldn’t fit in our jeans anymore, and laugh until we were crying. I wanted to be silly and carefree. I missed the kids that we once were and then I just started singing and the words flowed out of me. I hope this song brings back a feeling of nostalgia for listeners and that you’re able to take a few minutes out of your busy day to reflect and pay homage to your past self.
How was it to work with Jennifer Pague of Vita and the Woolf?
It was great! I always love working with Jen! She produced 2 of my other songs, Novocaine and Hymns, as well! She’s so talented and pushed me to incorporate different sounds and vocal swells, that I hadn’t thought about before working with her. I think one sign of a really amazing producer is when they challenge you to go above and beyond, and that’s what Jen does! We’re also both Philly girls at heart, so we immediately bonded and she’s just such an incredible person!
How do you mix storytelling of your new EP “Does She Know?”
So, with all of my songs, I incorporate some sort of theme or issue that I’ve dealt with in my own life. Those ideas become lyrics and melodies and then I’m able to form a story that encompasses my feelings. “Does She Know” and that entire EP is primarily the emotional rollercoaster that I went through after my first real heartbreak. “Dangerous” is that beginning stage when you’re with someone and you know they’re not right for you, which then inevitably, leads to “Broken Doll”, wanting to fix someone without losing yourself. Then “Promises” is about all that time spent thinking about the future with that person who let you down, which leads to “Answer My Call”, which references that time, usually around 1 am when you really just want to call them up and work things out, but hopefully you’ve got a friend who will step in and stop you from doing that (haha). And then there’s, “Does She Know”, which was a very empowering song for me to write because it helped me to fully move on from that relationship. It’s about knowing your worth and being the best version of yourself without that toxic partner.
What is your favorite track on the album?
I love all my songs, but overtime, you change and grow a lot as a person and an artist. My newer singles, “Novocaine”, “Hymns” and “Take Me Back”, all strike a very deep chord with me at this stage in my life. I also love jamming out to “Does She Know” and “Promises” in my car!
How do you stay healthy while performing?
It can be really hard. I’ve actually just recovered from laryngitis which lasted a few months and it was really challenging to take the time to rest my vocal chords after they had undergone so much strain. But, I always warm-up before I sing and try not to talk too much or too loudly before a big show. I also drink lots of tea with honey and lemon and make sure to gargle with warm salt water if I ever feel like my throat is beginning to get sore. Also, rest! It’s so important to get enough GOOD sleep (haha).
Has anyone finally “Answer My Call”?
Haha! I decided to be the one in charge of answering the calls and not the other war around!
What is CUAPB?
CUAPB stands for Communities United Against Police Brutality. This organization’s goal is to create a climate of resistance against the abuse of authority by police organizations and to empower local people with a structure that can take on police brutality and actually bring it to an end. They provide support for survivors of police brutality and families of victims so they can reclaim their dignity and join the struggle to end police brutality. I put together an Instagram Live show featuring my good friend and artist, AWAL, back in June, where all of the proceeds were donated to this organization.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I’m glad that people are able to easily listen to their favorite artists and find new ones to enjoy. I do wish the artists themselves got more financial compensation for their streams though. I also wish that independent artists didn’t have to pay playlist curators hundreds of dollars to be featured on their playlists for a few days; I mean, I understand it’s a business for them too, but it doesn’t always seem fair.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Can I say both? (Haha) There are some albums that will forever sound better to me on vinyl but others, especially newer ones, sometimes sound better digitally.
Tell me about your National Anthem performance?
I’ve had multiple opportunities to sing the National Anthem at various sporting events, but I think you’re talking about the time I sang before a UFC MMA Cage Match fight! That was a particularly incredible show! The energy in that room was palpable and it was the first time I was ever in a wrestling ring; It was so exciting and an experience I’ll never forget!
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
I believe in equality, peace and justice for all and in order for that to happen, things need to change.
What is the mental health situation of the United States? How can the public help the doctors and nurses on the front line?
I can’t speak on behalf of an entire country, but I can speak for myself when I say that I have my ups and downs and that I’m working hard every day to try and keep a positive mindset and stay creative. I personally, think that wearing a mask and social distancing is the best thing I can do to help everyone during this time. If you’re able to donate supplies or money or food to different hospitals, then that would be another great way to help doctors and nurses directly.
Do you think kids should go back to school his fall?
I’m not a parent or a teacher or even a student anymore, so I don’t feel qualified to say whether or not kids should physically be going into schools. What I do know, is what the numbers are showing based on people going back into school and the rate at which COVID is spreading. It’s not great. But, I understand that students need to learn and that teachers need to work. So, if they are able to do it virtually, that seems like the best way to keep everyone safe; That’s my biggest concern, the safety of all these people.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
I don’t think I can pick just one song, but I’ll narrow it down to two or three; “Fight The Power” by Public Enemy and “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. I’ve also been listening to Beyonce’s, “Freedom” (ft Kendrick Lamar), on repeat for the past couple months. These songs are prevalent to what’s going on in the world today and shine a bright light on the injustices that take place in our society. These songs also talk about creating a world where people of all colors, socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnicities are treated equally and gives people hope for the future.
Your last live show was on Feb. 27, 2020 at the Other Door. At the time, the virus was still low. San Francisco Mayor, declared local emergency on Feb. 25, 2020. Orange Country declared a state of emergency on Feb 26 at the time there were over 8000 positive cases. In addition, the lockdown did not happen until March 15. What were you thinking at the time of your performance?
Honestly, I didn’t know much about it at the time. I thought it was going to be much more controlled than it has turned out to be. I was just focused on putting on a great show and booking more venues to perform at.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I think there will continue to be more virtual shows, even after venues can open up. I also think it has changed the live performance landscape for the foreseeable future because large groups of people won’t be allowed together in tight spaces for shows, so they’ll have to space people out more and expect less capacity per show.
Also, the music and entertainment industry has taken a huge hit due to COVID and I think it has shed a light on how insufficient the government has been in helping freelance artists and music venues survive financially during this time.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
A lot of writing, reading, cooking, and hiking. I’ve also put together my own home studio and am in the process of learning how to produce music.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I’ve learned how to play Texas Holdem Poker and I love it!
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I’ve always been a fan off Hulu and Netflix, but Amazon has some of the best written shows, in my opinion!
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. You did some videos of you in the kitchen. Could this be another outlet for you in the future? Rocking and Cooking.
Haha! You know, that’s not a bad idea! I could go by, “The Singing Chef”, (haha). But I think I’ll stick to keeping singing and cooking separate…. for now!
I like your alphabet challenge on Tik Tok. This is the first time I have seen something like that. Is it your idea?
Thank you! I really enjoyed doing it! It pushed me to learn a new song and sing it each day throughout the challenge. I did come up with it! I can’t imagine no one else has thought to do it, but I haven’t seen it done by anyone else; I hope it catches on!
What is your Love Bugs?
It’s a term of endearment I use sometimes for my friends and fans.
Live Nations just started Live Nation from Home. Which are concerts from artist homes. An all-new virtual music hub keeping fans connected to their favorite artists featuring daily live streams, performances, new music, and more. Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
I’m not quite sure, but I’m hopeful! It sounds like a great idea, I just hope smaller, independent artists have the opportunity to put on these shows with Live Nation too.
For smaller bands who do not play large crowds, this is not really an issue. How do you see bands going back to smaller venues and doing things like play for the door, with no guarantees?
I think they’ll just have to work with it for now until another option is presented.
In addition, at the present time for a band to go on tour from one state to another, they may need to self-quarantine for 14 days. How is that going to work?
Does this regulation include bands who are touring by car or bus? I thought it was only limited to people flying to other states.If this is the case though, then hopefully the venue or music label, if they’re signed to one, would cover most, if not all, of the hotel and food costs. Otherwise, I’m not sure how it would work for bands and musicians to tour at this time.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it maybe the end of the music fest for the next couple of years?
No way! I don’t think it’s going to be “the end”, but I do think it’ll be different. Maybe festivals will have each person take a COVID test before coming and take temperatures before entering and make face masks mandatory. They could have separate viewing areas, like little cabanas or cabins and each group would have to stay in their own specific area surrounded by the stage? Who knows? Those are just some of my ideas!
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
That sounds awesome and so futuristic! (haha) I’d be down to see that!
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I’d like to be touringand playing live shows again! I would also like to have some producing credits under my belt by then!
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this interview and for listening to my new song, “Take Me Back”! This is another very personal track for me and I hope you enjoy the music video for it too! I also want to thank UnRated Magazine for asking such in depth, interesting questions! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more music, photos, videos, and tour updates!
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