insideKENT Magazine Issue 36 - March 2015 | Page 17

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE TALENTED

Tracey Brook
Kent is a breeding ground for
homegrown talent, and there's no
greater example of this than singersongwriter, Tracey Brook. Having
recently released her first single "Star
Struck" with Warner Bros Records,
insideKENT caught up with the up and
coming artist to find out more about
her music, inspirations, and hopes and
plans for the future.

Tell us a bit about your
background and growing up
in Kent.
I grew up in Eastry with my mum,
dad, and older brother and sister.
I attended Eastry Primary School,
followed by nearby Sandwich
Technology School. It was whilst at
Sandwich Technology School that
my passion for music really started.
I formed a girl group and took on
the lead vocal role, and discovered
a love for participating in stage
shows.
For our readers who are yet to
hear your music, explain your
sound in five words.
Catchy, reflective, uplifting, inspiring
and heartfelt (in that they come from
the heart).
If I was to turn on your iPod right
now, what song would I see on
your recently played list?
Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk". I
really love that song; it makes me
want to get up and dance. However
,
you would also see that I enjoy
listening to various genres of music,
from the soulful Eva Cassidy to
current artists such as Rihanna.
They are just two artists that are an
inspiration to me.

Where do you draw inspiration
from when writing your songs?

received a call inviting me back to be
signed.

From my own life experiences and
what they have taught me. I feel that
everyone has a story to tell and I
am grateful to be able to express
mine through my music; I hope
others can relate to it! I listen to
artists such as Adele as I can really
relate to her music and lyrics, and
I'd like to think people would listen
to mine and feel the same way.

Your first single, "Star Struck",
focuses on unrequited love and
achieving the 'impossible'. How
important is it that there is a story
behind the songs you put out?
I feel that it is important to focus on a
story that people can relate to; this
offers up the opportunity for
conversation, and by doing so I hope
to encourage people to feel confident
in discussing their own story and having
a better understanding of their own
situations.

I enjoy writing down reflective words
and playing around with them to
build a meaningful story. Many of
my lyrics come from day-to-day life
experiences and emotions.

My drive is my two children; my eldest son has severe autism with complex
needs, and I just want to show him that anything is possible.

Congratulations on your recent
signing to Warner Bros Records.
How did this come about?

What advice would you give to budding singer-songwriters who want
to break into the industry?
My advice to other budding artists is to never give up on your dreams. A
good friend once told me if you dream it and believe it then you can achieve
it – this is certainly true for me.

My signing was completely by
chance. A friend was performing in
a popular West End show and he
forwarded a video of me singing to
the record label, which immediately
requested I attend an audition. I
went along with a song prepared –
"I Need" by Maverick Sabre – but
at the last minute I changed my
mind and sang a gospel song. I
really messed up, nerves got the
better of me, and so I left feeling a
bit deflated. A few days later, I

What are your hopes and plans for 2015?
My plan for 2015 is to enjoy my journey and to continue to learn about my
music and myself, as well as spend time with my family and friends.
"Star Struck" is available to download now on iTunes.
Tracey is hosting a fundraising evening on 12th March at the Astor Theatre
in Deal for her son's specialist school. Tickets are limited, so for a chance
to see Tracey perform live, call 01304 370220 or visit www.theastor.org.

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