Music is universal, and it touches people all around the world. It has no limits and no exceptions.
Brooker is an emerging talent from the UK and based on her sultry and soulful voice, she is prepped to make a special mark in music. Listeners can hear this newcomer’s sound on her new her six-track EP, ‘Naked.’
‘Naked’ is based on her personal journey and womanhood through the good and bad times. “I decided to name the EP Naked because some of the topics are so revealing which we can all relate to difficult times,” Brooker revealed.
The Naked EP is a combination of R&B and Pop songs that reveal Brooker’s diverse approach to music. She also pays homage to some of her influences including Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, The Neptunes, Kaytranda, and Mura Masa. Her latest single, “Naked to Strangers,” is a song that mentions the awkwardness of seeing an Ex again after a breakup. It’s like you once had a sacred bond and now it’s obsolete. The relationship ran its course, and it’s hard to revive your love with your partner. Another standout is “Forbidden Fruit,” a silky and seductive jazz-record that can be played in the bedroom.
Singersroom chatted with the emerging singer and songwriter about her passion for singing, the single, “Naked to Strangers,” recording, influences and more.
I love the record, “Naked to Strangers,” because it’s awkward to see a former lover after a breakup. How did you come up with the concept for the song?
I came up with this story because it was what I was literally living at the time. We had been working in the studio all day, and we finished and decided to have some drinks. After a couple of hours of hanging out, I wanted to get back to writing, and the song wrote itself in an hour.
Why did you title your EP ‘Naked?’
I called it naked because all the songs are personal experiences I have gone through and they are very honest and raw. The content leaves me exposed, so I thought ‘Naked’ was a good title to describe that.
What is your favorite track on the EP?
It all depends on my mood. I love each of them for different reasons. ‘Forbidden Fruit’ definitely has a unique groove to it which I really enjoy to sing over.
Describe the songwriting and recording process for the EP.
We recorded half the EP in London and half in LA. I would fly back and forth and so would AV and Dylan whom I created it all with. I would always go to the studio with an idea of what I want to write about. Then we would create the song either on the piano or a rough beat and from there the process would flow.
How would you describe your musical sound?
I would say it lives somewhere between R&B and Pop. I take a lot of influences from different genres and blend it together to create my sound. I am a real fan of music so you can hear those different feels throughout the EP.
Who is Brooker outside of singing and recording?
I am a city girl. I love to live life every day to the fullest and enjoy being in my 20s. I love to travel a lot even when I am not doing so for work. I am also a very big family person, so I love spending time with my big Latin family and doing anything that makes me laugh or is inspiring. I always try to make sure I take advantage of every opportunity because I love to have material to write about.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in music?
I never had to make that decision. I always knew being on stage was what I wanted to do from my first show at 3-years-old. When I was 13, I recorded my first song at a recording studio, and that was when my real love for creating music and desire to be a music artist began.
Name some of your musical influences from the U.S and UK?
I love so many artists. I love Christina Aguilera, Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, Justin Timberlake, Fleetwood Mac, Brandy… I have so so many influences; the list changes every time I am asked the question.
Are you planning a summer tour to promote your EP?
I am planning to do some shows in London and LA, but we are still figuring out what the live show will look like. I am definitely focusing on just getting the music out there right now!
What are your upcoming projects in 2018?
After I release my EP, ‘Naked,’ I will be in the studio finishing my second EP that I am singing in Spanish. I have wanted to explore singing in Spanish for some time, and it’s finally happening with the help of the incredible Julio Reyes Copello. I will then be performing the music and creating more after that!
Which artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I would love to work with Kaytranada. I think he has created a really cool sound. I also would love to collaborate with Drake; he is such an amazing songwriter and artist. That would be so cool!
What would be your words of encouragement for someone who wants to have a successful music career?
I would just say work extremely hard and stay true to yourself. It’s important as an artist to stay true to yourself and be authentic.
