INTERVIEW: Brooke Law — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Brooke Law

_______

STRONG female artists are underrated…

in the industry - but they definitely warrant serious acclaim and spotlight. It has been great finding out about Brooke Law and her music. She discusses the story behind the single, Hidden, and donating the proceeds to London Black Women’s Project. I ask her what comes next and the musicians who have compelled her to take up music; whether there is new material in mind – and when music came into her life.

Law discusses her family and their support; a favourite memory from her time in music; the advice she would give to other artists coming through; what she wants to achieve this year – ending the interview with a legendary song.

___________

Hi, Brooke. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m great, thanks. Hope you are too! I’ve been working at an event at London Excel.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’ve been writing for about six years, working with some incredible producers and other artists. I generally write about love, disappointment and standing up for what I believe in.

Hidden is your new single. What is the tale behind the song?

The song was inspired by the film, Hidden Figures: based on a true story of three African-American women in 1960s. Despite facing significant racism and sexism, they managed to make a significant contribution to the NASA space programme - and their work continues to make an impact today.

Women are struggling all over the world for their right to have equal opportunities and continue to make significant contributions to the world we live in today.

I would like to use this song to say thank you and recognise women of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

The proceeds from the song are going to the London Black Women’s Project. What was the reason for choosing this cause?

Through visiting The London Black Women’s Project on Barking Street, I got to learn about how much ground-work they do to help women who have struggled. Their mission is to provide advice, guidance; support, advocacy and accommodation under a framework of empowerment and self-sustainability by influencing and affecting change in government policy and, by providing a safe environment.

L.B.W.P. has seven refuges with fifty-one bed spaces spread across East and North London.

Hidden was released to celebrate International Women’s Day. It is an important day to raise arguments and start a debate. Do you think female artists have to struggle harder to get their voices heard?!

I think women definitely have it harder in the music industry: there is so much pressure on what we wear, what we don’t wear. I’ve definitely turned up to sessions where a male producer has assumed I’m just a pretty face with little experience - and then he has been surprised.

Is there a video coming for the song? What can you tell us about the story and themes?

There is a video for the song, which I’m super-proud of. I have all the women in my family in the video and flashbacks to old family tapes. It, basically, represents mothers, daughters; grandmothers and the love and care women provide in the world. It includes women who have challenged social norms and fought for equality. The video features the Million Women Rise march - which protests to end male violence towards women.

I believe music came into your life when you were a teenager. What was it about music that connected with you?

I’m a very emotional person.

I find writing a song allows you to dig deep into how you’re feeling and let it out in a way that is really empowering - because you’ve just got a song out of it. Ha!

PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.ianbartlett.com/

Which artists did you grow up listening to? Who do you count as idols?

I really love gutsy, emotional singers. I was obsessed with the Christina Aguilera Stripped album when I was younger. I’d say my idols are Janis Joplin, Joan Armatrading; Jeff Buckley, Tina Turner and Annie Lennox. There are, obviously, sooo many incredible musicians...I could go on forever.

How important are your family roots and parents regarding your musical tastes and ethics? Are they important role models and guides?

I have a really close family...

We have gatherings nearly every weekend where my nan cooks Indian food for the army and then we always tell her off. My dad’s Jewish culture has definitely influenced my emotional and open personality. My parents are really cool. My dad used to be a hippy and my mum was a punk; so they definitely have an influence on my music.

What is coming up for you in terms of material? Might we see an E.P. later this year?

I’m hoping to start releasing my music in June. I won’t explain the sound too much, but it’s gutsy Pop with an Indian influence.

What do you hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?

More experiences and, of course, a successful debut later this year. I’m looking forward to working with London’s Black Women’s Project.