What is your name?
My name is BRKE, pronounced Brooke
How did you come up with the name ‘BRKE’?
I think I was recovering from a hangover and needed to sign for a delivery
or something. ‘Cause I was so mash up I left the o’s off and didn’t
realise till later when I looked at the delivery receipt. I thought that
looks and sounds pretty sick so ran with it. A little while after I
decided that I wanted each letter to have a meaning or things that I see
myself as, and what I’m working toward. So the B stands for Blessed. R
for Respected. K for.kind, and the E for evolving.
What is your genre of music?
Mainly R&B, but there’s definitely little elements of UK Hip Hop and
Afroswing there too.
Give us a little bio about you.
What do you wanna know? I’m a singer songwriter, tryna put out cool,
relatable music. I once battled a known rapper in a Shoreditch chicken
shop, I won and he bought me a meal to keep quiet about the whole thing. I
may hint at who it is on a song one day if he doesn’t give me a verse for
my album. I’ve released 3 singles so far, with the latest being Control
Me, so go check that out.
What made you go in to music?
It was either this or get a job as one of them promo mascots at my local
furniture store that stand outside tryna lure you in. The music seemed to
have better career prospects and pension plan.
Are you a signed?
Nah I’m currently independent and putting out my music through my own
label, Mad Moves Records.
You released your single ‘ ‘Control Me’ tell us more about it.
Control Me is just a cool little vibe about being in a relationship that is a little
controlling though you know that it is. It’s that realisation that lets the
guys know we’re on to how they try finesse us girls.
What was the writing process like?
Don’t go in with a structure of what I want the song to be, just whatever
the vibe is in the studio at the time which is pretty chilled. There is
usually couple bevvy’s and deep conversations. That’s it.
What was the recording process like?
Pretty much the same, I’ve got a sick team around me that know how I work
in the studio so it’s effortless and mad fun.
What message are you trying to get out?
In terms of the single Control Me, I think just letting chicks be aware
what a controlling situation can feel like and letting guys know that
we’re onto them.
Who did you work with on the single?
A producer called J.A.K.I W.O.L.F.E
You also have a video for the track, how was the creating and filming
process?
The process was sick, a lot of the final concept came from myself then I
bounced them off a production outfit I like to do my visuals. We throw a
gang of ideas in to the pot then start to storyboard it. Luckily it all
went to plan and was shot over a weekend, which was smooth. Shout out to
my lead too, Mathew, he’s an up and coming model that’s worked with some
big brands. There is also a little scene from Paid In Full in the
beginning, such a sick movie, I liked the scene so I was like lemme
include this somewhere. Definitely go check it out.
Who did you work on the video with?
Next of Kin.
What was it like to work with them?
Yeah it was smooth, very simple process we work together with a lot of my
visuals.
Will we a Album or EP coming soon/this year?
Yeah I hope so that’s what I’m definitely working towards, there’s
definitely a few features that I wouldn’t mind getting on it too, so
fingers crossed. Regardless though I’m just going to keep releasing
singles this year.
If so what can we expect from it?
It will definitely be a mixed bag of banger, with up-tempo and slow jams
for sure.
Do you have gigs coming up or a tour in planning?
Yeah I got a few shows that’s being put together over the Summer?
Definitely keep checking my socials for an update on that.
If so where are you thinking of heading?
Start off in London then as the interest continues to grow start moving
our way around the country.
What else do you have in planning for this year?
Just keep writing and recording, establish myself as a credible act and
just keep putting out music.
Which TV channel would you like one of your songs to be played on?
Any of the music channels really, I’m not too fussed
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Yeah I got a collaboration with an up and coming Afrobeats artist Sona,
there’s a few more artists to come as well.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you?
and who would they have to contact?
Yeah definitely! That’s the beauty of music, getting the best out of each
other. The UK is just killing it so there’s definitely people; Stormzy, J
Hus, Fredo , Kojo Funds, Yxng Bane, Lotto Boyz, Stefflon Don, Nadia Rose,
Ms Banks, the list is endless.
What else do you have planned this year?
Got a few singles to drop, shoot more videos and hopefully tour
Do you play any instruments?
I don’t but I do wanna learn to play the piano.
Who are your influences?
I grew up listening to So Solid, Dizzee, Wiley, Chip, then Chris Brown,
Destiny’s Child, Usher and Neyo.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Everyday life, whatever the moment or the vibe is.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully I would be 2 or 3 albums in, doing stadium tours, putting out
music with a big fan base, being a credible act in the UK and making
noise in Europe and the US.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I’m out here hustling cookies man, I get busy in the kitchen whipping it
up. You got a sweet tooth? I got you!
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in
to the music scene?
Champion! Chip was one of my favourite acts in the UK and CB in the US.
Seeing that collab and the success it had made me think rah, anything is
possible.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Even though a tomato is a fruit, don’t put it in a fruit salad.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry
and just as an artist?
You better have thick skin and be patient.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Be grateful for what you have now.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
My local newsagents Jacks, he’s the plug, lol.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
To bed,
2/ Who do you see first?
My family
3/What do you eat first?
Anything in sight
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
1. Alcohol, gets you on a hype
2. Lyrics
3. Curlers
4. lip liner
5. thank the fans
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
