THEAUSSIEWORD.COM special interview with Australian / Maltese artist BROOKLXN.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
It all began from a young age. Music was always playing in my household as I was growing up and my parents enrolled me in dancing and singing once they saw how much I connected with music. What drew me to the industry and the moment I knew that I wanted to be an artist was after watching numerous music videos on MTV and the Britney Spears ‘Dream Within a Dream’ tour.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
My life experiences are the biggest influence to writing great music. it’s real, raw and me!
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
I mean… so many goals. One is to do a World tour one day, collaborate with artists that I’ve always been inspired by and to write music and perform full time for as long as I can.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
Due to the restrictions all over the world probably not a tour, but definitely new music!
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
I was inspired by the idea of a man working hard to get a woman’s attention. Based on a true story and that’s where the idea for “Thirsty” came about, which is all about demanding respect for yourself when others don’t show you enough of it.
“Thirsty” is about showing a man who is boss and who makes the rules. I believe that a man should treat you like a queen and want to get to know you. He needs to show you respect before you decide to take another step further into that relationship.”
I want this song to empower women: to set higher expectations so you’re treated the way you deserve to be treated.
On top of that, I was involved in every aspect of the creative process including writing, production, graphics, and video content. I would describe my music as spicy and confrontational with a little bit of sugar on top! It’s the perfect mix. I’m a dancer, so anything up tempo that I can move to is my vibe, but I promise I can be heartfelt and very vulnerable too!
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
Ahh I love this question! It normally starts with me singing multiple melodies throughout the day, and being inspired by something going on in my life for the song title (lyrics). I then take it to the studio with some co-writers and a producer and start writing. The visual is such a huge part of the vision and writing process too, as I am a dancer, I need to make sure it’s a 100% vibe and i can dance to it
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Some of my songs yes, but you’ll have to wait and see!
Success, what is the secret to it?
As an independent artist and with this being my first release, I realised that you really do have to do it all. Keep grinding and watching artists that you look up to and see how they do things, but like I said before I was the frontman of this whole project and have learnt so much. I do have more, but a secret is a secret for a reason 😉
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
The X Factor 2014 with BEATZ performing Hollaback Girl that has over 100 Million views on the internet and definitely releasing Thirsty as my first single on my own!
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Too many! Any artists that are performers, not just singers… Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, JLO, Beyonce, Christina Aguliera, Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, P!NK, Lady Gaga… I mean we could be here for days – Queen, Prince, Britney Spears – ok I’ll stop there
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
I have soooo many songs in the bank that I’m itching to release! Definitely a few more singles and maybe an EP!
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
I definitely want to be touring, collaborating with artists that have inspired me and songwriting and creating day in and out full time and being able to live between Canada, Australia and LA.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
That it’s not consistent as an indie artist, you never know how well a song is going to go and what the response will be. But we love it and that’s why we all do it I guess! It’s very tiring too!!! I think I’ve aged 10 years from this one single haha. My favourite seeing the amazing response from everyone and being able to tell my stories and experience with others – it’s super rewarding!
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, SIA, Tones and I and all of my fellow Aussie songwriters that are also artists.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
It’s super exciting and nerve wracking getting your music out to the public cause there’s so many artists nowadays and you need to be so different and unique, but what i will say is the ones that put in extra work and time will be the last ones standing… “Elton John”. One another note, I hate and love social media at the same time. It’s so time consuming, but it is so useful and part of the job, it helps us as artists and people to connect with fans and share our music around the globe!
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
By being true to myself and incorporating my visuals as a dancer! I have a few other things up my sleeve so you’ll have to wait and see!!!
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
Macklemore, Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Alicia Keys, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Dua Lipa, The Weekend, Drake, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara… There’s just too many!!!
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Stay true to you, if you have a dream and you’re passionate about it, don’t give up!! Keep song writing, growing and learning. Stay humble too and be kind to everyone you meet!
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
I chat to a lot of fans through my DM’s on instagram or on my comments on YouTube! They are the best! I’m super lucky and I can’t wait to make more friends that love my music. I LOVE YOU!!
Any last words?
Thank you for all the love and support Australia!!! So glad we live in a time where we can all stay connected with music online. Also…. I miss the beach and Australia!!! 🙁 I hope everyone is safe in Australia, specifically Melbourne. Thinking of you all and sending so much love! I know it’s not music related, but the whole entire world has been flipped upside this year
Website: https://www.brooklxn.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsbrooklxn
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itsbrooklxn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbrooklxn