With her current single “Let Me Breathe" recently becoming her first Top 10 charting song, Texas country artist Melissa Brooke is riding high on a tremendous industry buzz right now. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Melissa about the song, why she thinks it’s resonating so much with people, if she expected the success that she’s received from it, navigating the Texas music scene, training and riding horses, and much more!

Single Review of "Let Me Breathe"

www.melissabrookemusic.com

1. Congratulations on your current single “Let Me Breathe” becoming your first Top 10. Can you tell those who haven’t heard the song yet a little bit about it? What it’s about, the style, lyrics, Etc…

Wow thank you so much! It’s a whirlwind of emotions and I’m so beyond proud and happy. So, I wrote the song a few years ago, when I was in the middle of a horrible relationship. He was very toxic and kept me strung along with the whole on-again-off-again thing. I knew I had to get out and away. I left my home (Port Aransas) and went to work my grandfathers ranch in Rio Vista, TX and that’s when I finally started to breathe. 

One of my all-time favorite artists is English musician Ellie Goulding. A lot of my artistic style comes from inspiration from her. I took a few years to mature myself to make the song more relatable to others who have been through the same situation I had and not just make it about me. Ellie’s influence really helped that.

2. Why do you feel that “Let Me Breathe” has resonated with listeners so much?

I feel like I’m not the only one who’s ever been in such an unhealthy and toxic relationship. LMB relates not just to romantic relationships, but family, friends, etc. Almost everyone, sadly, has been in my shoes or currently is and I wanted to let them know that there IS light at the end. It’s okay to say “hey, I need to do what’s best for me” and leave.

3. Why was “Let Me Breathe” the perfect follow-up release to your previous single “Beast?” 

Haha man let me tell you it wasn’t easy! For my promoter, Dillon Steen, it sure was but I was so unsure. “Beast” was grungy and very different from what the other girls have ever released, and everyone loved it…how the hell was I going to come up with something better? The more I listened to all my other songs “Let Me Breathe” just kept coming back and I knew it was her time! 

4. When you selected “Let Me Breathe” as your single, did you expect for it to rocket up the charts the way that it has? What did you expect from it?

Heavens no! I mean, I expected it would do good - it’s an amazing song. However, if you would have told me it would give me my first Top 10, I would have chuckled and said, “Man I hope so.”

5. With all the success of the single, is there an album or EP in the works right now? If so, when can it be expected to release? 

YES! I have an EP in the works. I’m putting the finishing touches on it but, as I’m a woman, I’m still struggling with what to name it (Haha)

6. You’re part of the incredible Texas music scene. What can you tell us about navigating that? How do you make yourself stand out within it, are the other artists helpful or more competitive, Etc…

You know, it’s been absolutely amazing. I’m beyond honored to call most of these artists my friends. It makes me feel so amazing how we always push each other. 

I also don’t think it’s hard for me to stand out…my hair is neon purple haha! But also, my writing and performances are a tad different. I grew up on Classic Rock so I have a growling voice and of course you can hear the 80’s in my music as well. 

7. From what we know about the Texas scene, a lot of an artist’s success within it is built off the live performances. What can people expect when they come to see Melissa Brooke live that just spinning your albums/singles doesn’t offer to them?

At a Melissa Brooke show you get a performance. You get the cheerleader Melissa who has the crowd get down with chants and yells. You get the Classic Rock Melissa that throws out the best in hairband. And of course, you get Disney Melissa which speaks for itself. I love Disney. You get a show for all ages.

8. You’ve been able to share the stage with some of cream of the crop including Pat Green, Cody Johnson, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, and more. What were you able to learn from watching them perform that you’ve been able to incorporate into your own performances? 

Always stay humble. No matter how big those guys get, they always stay real and true to the small-town folks and venues that started them out when they only played for 5 folks. I’ve done my best to stick to that mentality. I’ll never forget the first bar I played at and the first person that tipped me a dollar. I think that’s what makes my performances so high energy and fun too…I make it personal with every show.

9. Off the music subject for one question – You are the real deal, true to heart country girl off the stage as well. Tell us about your training and riding horses. We’re fascinated by this!

Now this is a subject I can get behind! I grew up with horses and I was a classic Horse Girl. I grew up dreaming of being the NFR World Champion barrel racer…but I got into music instead, so I decided my next passion: taking problem horses and turning them into champions! I still ride and compete but I’m definitely not NFR worthy. Oh…I’m a surfer too!

10. What is the best piece of advice that you can offer an aspiring songwriter/artist just trying to break into the music business? 

Have a freaking blast! Don’t hold anything back and be open about who YOU are. Not what you think people want or need to see and hear. Always be authentically you and your music will come to life, and the next thing you know, you’ll have your first Too 10 single! 

Learn more about Melissa Brooke by visiting her official website at: www.melissabrookemusic.com

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