Michigan-Based Musician RACHEL BROOKE Opens Up About Her Forthcoming Album, ‘Loneliness in Me’ and More!

On October 23rd, singer-songwriter Rachel Brooke will release her newest album, “Loneliness in Me.” This is her first solo collection in eight years and since her 2012 album, “A Killer’s Dream.” During this time, Brooke admittedly did some life living and shifted her focus to other aspects in her life.

Connect With Rachel Brooke Online Here: WEBSITE

Learn more about Rachel Brooke in the following All Access interview:

Thank you for your time. Given these unusual Covid-19 times, what does a typical day look like for you? How have you adjusted to these times? What has changed about your life? 

-My typical day hasn’t changed too much. I live out in the middle of nowhere, and there wasn’t much going on to begin with. I’ve had to adjust by changing the way I look at the world. It’s kind of scary right now, but I choose not to be frightened by it by doing my best, and choosing to protect myself and others.

What has been the hardest/most challenging part about being quarantined? Is your city starting to open up more now? What has that been like for you watching that unfold?

-Yes, we are starting to open up, however, who knows how long it will last. The hardest part was not being able to play music, and having to cancel my tour and upcoming shows. But so far I’ve seen a lot cooperation from people in Michigan regarding safety and mask wearing, so that’s good.

How have you been able to use social media during these unprecedented times? Are you finding that you use it even more now to stay connected to fans and other musicians? Have you changed the way that you utilize it these days?

-I’ve definitely been on social media more than I ever have. There isn’t really any other way to connect right now. I have done some live-streaming, but I’m really looking forward to when I can actually see people in real life.

What has it been like having to reschedule all your shows this year? Are there shows getting scheduled for 2021 that you already are looking forward to or are you waiting to start making future tour plans?

-I do have a few shows booked now and some for spring/summer. Some are festivals that were cancelled and then rescheduled again. I am hoping to get on some more shows in the summer, and hoping that things will finally be opened up again for travel/touring. Right now, it’s hard to say what will happen but I’m going to keep moving forward until I have to adjust again.

Since we are all really missing live music, can you recall a favorite show of yours from the past? What do you think ultimately makes for a great show for you? What has been a favorite show of yours by another artist?

-I’d have to say my favorite shows were playing in the bluegrass/country band with my dad and brother. We traveled all over, and we had so much fun together. I wish I could go back and do it all again.

I think the best kind of show is one where folks are listening and singing with you to your songs. That’s a pretty special thing.

Let’s talk about your forthcoming release, “The Loneliness in Me” set for release soon. What was it like putting this collection together? Did anything surprise you about the overall process? How did you go about choosing all the musicians to be a part of it? 

-This time around most of the songs were co-written which is something I’ve never really done before. In the past I’ve always written alone, so this was new. But I actually really loved it, and have found a new love of songwriting by collaborating with another songwriter. I chose a lot of the musicians on this record because none of them are your typical “country” music musicians. Which is what adds a lot of flavor to the record. I didn’t want a stale, traditional thing. I wanted it to stand alone.

I know it’s difficult but can you pick out some of your favorite songs on this album and discuss their inspiration and how they got to be on this collection?

-It is VERY difficult to pick a favorite on this record. I think they all have their own sound which makes them all special. But, I do really like the title track, The Loneliness In Me. That song really speaks to my life at the time of writing the record, and sparked a lot of other the tracks too.   (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6PW4hx8h-8)

How do you think this album shows the growth you have gone through over the years and since your debut album?

-I’ve grown a lot since my first record. Not that the first records were bad, but I’ve grown up, and so have my songs. And I hope I’ll keep growing and getting better, too.

How do you think future music is going to be influenced by this incredible and absolutely necessary Black Lives Matter movement that the US has been going through? How exactly is it inspiring you and your music?

-I think this movement is absolutely necessary. Only good things can happen when we stand up against injustice, and fight for freedom and equality. Musically speaking, I feel like country/Americana music needs to be more inclusive. There are a lot of people in the industry that can easily make that happen if they really wanted to. For me, BLM has inspired me to really examine my own life, and to be a better ally. Learning when to speak, and when to let others speak.

If you could get into the studio with any artist today and collaborate on a new song for you, who would it be and why? What musicians have continued to inspire you and your career over the years? 

-I’d love to sing with Willie Nelson. He’s just the best! He’s inspired me my whole life, and a lot on this new record too. He is the ultimate songwriter, and performer.

If you could go back in time and tell your younger musician self something about this industry or how your career was going to progress, what would you say?

-It doesn’t matter what I would tell my younger self, because my younger self wouldn’t listen.