Rachel Brooke
Rachel Brooke | |
|---|---|
 Brooke performing at Muddy Roots, August 2021 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Michigan |
| Genres | Country |
| Years active | 2008–present |
Rachel Brooke is an American country musician.[1] Since 2008 she has released four full-length records,[2] two collaboration records with Lonesome Wyatt of Those Poor Bastards several EPs and other side projects. She is considered a key member of the underground country movement of the early 21st century, with sounds rooted in traditional Americana rather than modern corporate Nashville country music.[3][4]
Early life[edit]
Brooke grew up in Lovells, Michigan. She was largely influenced by her father Barry Van Guilder, a banjo player and guitarist who introduced her to several genres and music and eventually brought her to perform with him at a country fair.[5]
Career[edit]
Prior to her solo career, Brooke spent her teenage years playing in an all-girl punk band.[6]
Brooke's first two records, A Killer's Dream (2008) and Down at the Barnyard (2010) both had a sound rooted in country bluegrass and gothic blues.[7] Her next two efforts, A Killer's Dream (2012) and The Loneliness In Me (2020) incorporated more elements of blues and jazz, while still retaining the classic sound from her earlier records.[8][9]
She has performed at many festivals including Muddy Roots, South by Southwest, the Americana Music Festival & Conference and the Rochester International Jazz Festival.[6]
Discography[edit]
Studio albums
- Rachel Brooke (2008)
- Down In The Barnyard (2011)
- A Killer's Dream (2012)
- The Loneliness in Me (2020)
Collaborative albums
- A Bitter Harvest (with Lonesome Wyatt) (2009)
- Bad Omen (2015)
Appears on
- Misanthrope Family Album (Modern Mal) (2017)
EPs
- Junk (2009)
- Late Night Lover (2012)
- Sinner Man / Mystery of Death (split EP with Exene, Sean & Zander) (2013)
- The World's Greatest Anchor (2016)
Awards[edit]
- 2013: Independent Music Awards - (nominee) Album - Blues
- 2013: Independent Music Awards - (nominee) Song - Love
- 2023: The Ameripolitan Awards - (winner) Best Outlaw Female[10]
References[edit]
- ^ "Rachel Brooke". Independent Music Awards. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
- ^ "Rachel Brooke: A Killer's Dream, PopMatters". PopMatters. 12 February 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
- ^ Jon Norton (16 November 2021). "Rachel Brooke's latest album a delicious dip into sadness, regret, and self-deprecation". WGLT. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
- ^ "12 Songs That Helped Create The Country Music Underground". Saving Country Music. 11 September 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
- ^ Robert E Martin (22 April 2021). "RACHEL BROOKE • Walking the Musical Line Between Tradition and Transformation". Review Magazine. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
- ^ a b "About". Rachel Brooke Music. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
- ^ Laura Whitmore (25 August 2020). "Twangy and Powerful! Rachel Brooke Captures the Essence of Regret With 'Great Mistake'". Parade. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
- ^ John Apice (16 October 2020). "REVIEW: Rachel Brooke "The Loneliness In Me" Is Classy And Authentic". Americana Highways. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
- ^ Matt Wallock (2020). "Rachel Brooke Tackles Her Woes With Wit, Grit, and Humor in "The Loneliness in Me"". American Songwriter. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
- ^ "Scenes from Ameripolitan 2023 (& Yes, the Waffle House Dress)". Saving Country Music. 21 February 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.