We’re excited to present our Nashville Spotlight artist for the month of July, in partnership with H.O.M.E!
Brooke Martin‘s journey as a singer-songwriter didn’t begin in a traditional sense: that being a music classroom or traditional studio environment. However, she’s currently attending university, and is taking in everything she learns with stride.
She has come a long way since winning Voice of the Ocean at just 13. Now a Belmont student and ACMA’s Young Artist of the Year nominee, she’s turned heads with her soulful voice, genre-blending style, and national recognition as a Songtank Top 10 finalist for Black Mirror. She’s performed for thousands, wowed on live TV and radio, and even caught the attention of a 31 Records exec, who called her his “Michael Jordan” of new talent. It’s safe to say that this rising star from Hot Springs is just getting started.
We had a chat with her about her music journey, keep reading to learn more about what Brooke has been up to since she first fell in love with the craft!
We asked Brooke about her favorite part of being located in Nashville, first:
Being surrounded by people that also love music and want to pursue it. It is so fun to work with so many different people on new music and helping each other out.
And while Brooke has been singing her whole life, she didn’t fully delve into her project until overcoming her stage fright after entering her first singing competition.
“At that point, I’d never been on stage before in front of so many people so I was so scared,” she admits. “But I did it and ended up winning the trophy.”
That performance, part of a talent competition called Voice of the Ocean, was a turning point for the shy Arkansas native. A passion for performing was ignited, and as she states:
That experience helped me overcome my stage fright and realize how much I enjoyed singing for people.
Since then I would perform at little venues around hot springs Arkansas, and Little Rock and I’ve kinda built up my set list with covers and originals from there.
A recent performance:
Brooke’s musical influences are as eclectic as her setlists. Early on, Grace VanderWaal inspired her to pick up the ukulele, and artists like Lennon Stella, Tate McRae, Khalid, and Julia Michaels have shaped her songwriting and sonic identity. With the help of her parents, she’s developed a repertoire that spans generations and genres.
When I was learning what songs to play at gigs or shows, I would do my best to learn all the classics and popular songs everyone knows. I have a wide variety of genres in my setlists because of it.
I definitely feel my voice has gotten a lot more mature in the past couple years. And I think my songwriting has developed into something more complex when I write. I am still trying to find my ‘sound’ as an artist and the specific genre that best suits me but I think I’m getting there!
As far as what Brooke has been up to since, her recent single and upcoming EP are major milestones for her. The single, “queen” is a perfect introduction for new listeners of Brooke. “queen” is an intimate-sounding, yet powerful song of self-empowerment. The country tinged electronic guitar wails in the background to a contrasting soft vocal performance and beat. In addition, the lyrics are the perfect inspiration to not settle for less than you deserve.
Listen to the song below:
The upcoming EP is rumored to continue off that tone, all rooted in real-life relationship struggles that balance vulnerability with relatability.
“All of these songs were written from experiences I’ve been through or reflect parts of my life,” Brooke explains.
She continues:
I want people to listen to my music and feel that certain comfort when they can relate to a song and the lyrics. All of these songs are things I have been through personally or reflect parts of my life I wanted to do my best to portray these experiences and put them into lyrics.
If anyone has been through or is going through similar experiences, it is comforting to know they are not the only ones. I just wanted to do my best and be honest with myself as well as my listeners and write about things I personally relate to, and things that are important to me.
I owe everything to God and I am so grateful for Him giving me something to pursue and be so passionate about.
Stay tuned for what’s next for Brooke! She’s going to be playing more shows and has plenty of more music to come.
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Bursting with joy as I read & listen to my granddaughter sing, she is such an inspiration to me & to all who hear her. Keep reaching for the sky Brooke, you got this. So proud, love you, grandma
Most unique voice! I hope everyone tries to hear her sing live.
This girl has got a gift that not many can explain. She can turn heads in a rowdy resturant or bar as her voice echos throughout the venue. She is a natural that will have you wanting to hear more. I wish this beautiful and talented woman all the best!!