Introducing #148 - Brooke Combe
Let us introduce you to Edinburgh-born multi instrumentalist Brooke Combe - who has just released her soulful debut track ‘Are You With Me?’. She took a moment to talk to us about her music.
Hey there Brooke - how are you? So your debut track is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
It feels really good having AYWM? out. The reaction has been amazing and we all worked really hard on it so I’m glad it’s finally out and people are enjoying it.
It is called ‘Are You With Me?’ - can you tell us what it is about?
AYWM? Is basically about a relationship coming to an end. You’re noticing all these negative things about the person and you’re giving them the ultimatum. Are you with me or not?
Where was the track recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process?
AYWM? was recorded in Parr Street in Liverpool. I wrote it at like 3am when I was around 18 years old and it took me like 20 mins to write. 3 years later getting it recorded and bringing it to life was really fun. We ended up recording the vocals 3 times altogether because we just wanted it to be perfect.
You wrote the track in twenty minutes during a 3am writing session - are you a bit of a night owl?
I’m definitely a night owl. I feel most creative at night probably just as I’m about to fall asleep and my brains thinking of 101 different things. I’ve always been that way.
Your love for music started at a young age with your getting a drum kit at the age of five. What are your fondest childhood memories when it comes to music?
Although I’ve always loved playing instruments, my fondest childhood memories of music were probably just watching my mum and dad playing old funk & Motown records and just really becoming immersed in the music. That’s what really gave me my love for music I feel.
Alongside drums, you play a number of instruments - guitar, saxophone, trombone to name a few. But which is your favorite instrument to play?
My favourite instrument to play is the Piano. There’s just something special about sitting down at a piano and writing and really good piece of music. It just feels deeper to me that any other instrument.
Your parents and grandparents surrounded you with early 90s R&B and Motown when you were growing up, can you name a few for us?
Some of the music I grew up listening to was Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston. There was a lot of Mariah Carey. And then stuff like The Temptations and Gladys Knight.
What are your key influences when it comes to your music?
I would say my main influence for music would be to actually just discover new music. It’s as simple as that. Constantly feeling inspired is important to me because if I’m not excited about music, there’s no point doing it.
How would you describe you sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
I would probably say my music is like soul with an edge. Throw in a bit of pop as well.