Interview by Will McPherson, courtesy photos

Melissa Brooke — Twenty-one years old, Texan, passionate with everything she is involved with, including her horses and her music, may be a simplified bio of this singer/songwriter who grew up outside of Crowley, Texas. She spent a lot of time on her grandfather’s cattle ranch, learning to ride horses. and barrel racing, competing in many area events. Brooke began singing when her family moved to Port Aransas, performing at school, churches and venues in the area’ and also began to write her own material. Nominated for the 2013 New Female Vocalist of the Year by the Texas Regional Radio Association, Brooke has been performing around South Texas, opening for Cody Johnson, Pat Green, Josh Abbott, and others.

Melissa’s music can be heard on stations throughout the South Texas Coastal Bend, West Texas, and also New Mexico and Kansas. Melissa has had three Top-50 singles  on the Texas music charts with her debut single, “Sticky Situation,” making it to No. 35.

More about Melissa Brooke

At 14, Melissa’s family moved from her native Crowley to Port Aransas, where she found new interests in surfing and four wheeling, while honing her singing and songwriting skills at school, church, beach hangouts, and local venues.

Melissa kicked off the Buckin for Boobs Rodeo in Robstown, Texas, by singing the National Anthem. She was invited to  Las Vegas, where she performed many locations for the 2012. And now, in her own words…

1. How did you decide to give music a try?  My very first gig was opening for Mark McKinney down south at a bar called Outta Bounds. I was 16 and obviously had never been in a bar and I was excited! I knew only three songs, but I played them like my life depended on it. When I finished, everyone cheered for me and Mark came up and asked what I was doing after I graduated. I told him I planned on going to college and he shook his head, faced my parents and said, “She’s not going to college. Melissa, you’re not going to college. Learn more songs and play!”

2. Who were your musical influences growing up?  George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Shania Twain, Johnny Cash, and (don’t laugh at me) Britney Spears.

3. Can you tell the fans about your musical style?  Absolutely! I’m a HUGE lover of all genres of music, not just country. One of my favorite styles of music is Indie. I try to incorporate the two styles of music that I love so much into what I write and how I play. I think my MBB fans are REALLY going to love the new stuff I’m coming out with!

4. How do you like to interact with your fans?  I love pulling fans onstage and have dance offs! They’re my favorite haha. I also will stay at the venue for hours, making sure I talk to every single person and take all the pictures they want! Especially, silly pictures. And kids, well I just love kids. So I learned pretty much every single song from Frozen and let the kids get onstage to sing with me 🙂

5. What was the first song you ever learned?   Zac Brown’s “Chicken Fried”

6. Can you tell the fans what to expect when attending one of your shows?  HIGH ENERGY! I love dancing, so I make sure there’s enough music and energy for that! I also call people out. (haha) It’s just the cheerleader in me. With that said, I also do cheer offs.

7. What is the one song you most love to perform live?  “Don’t Waste Your Time.” I love ending my shows with this one because it’s so high energy, it’s not a downer and it’s my favorite song off my record.

8. Do you prefer to play smaller venues or bigger?  You know, I’ve played for 20 people and 2,000 people. The only thing that matters to me is if the fans are getting into it, then it’s my mission to make them happy! Otherwise I don’t care how big the venue is. J

9. If you could perform with anyone right now who would it be?  Oh gosh, well my number one is Cody Johnson. I’ve already played a show with him, but he’s my hero! Also, Miranda Lambert and Ellie Goulding.

10. What is your process for picking songs that go on your album?  That’s a very hard process. Because the songs I write are all meaningful, and could do so well. But, I have to think of the fans and think — “Would they call and request this? Would they connect with song and touch their hearts?”  Also my mom helps me out. If she doesn’t like it, it doesn’t go.

11. Do you write your own material?  I do, I also do quite a bit of co-writing. I kind of have an ADD mindset when it comes to writing. I have a basic idea and then I find 12 different ways it could go…. so someone has to make me stick to the main point. haha

12. What inspires you to write a song?  Just about anything! My favorite song off my new record was written in a funny way. I just got my new Mustang, Cheyenne, and I was cleaning his stall. He turned around and looked at me and out of nowhere lyrics popped into my head. So I grabbed a marker and wrote it on his stall door. Inspiration comes anywhere and anytime!

13. If you could record just one song what would be?  Prince “Purple Rain”

14. When making your first album, did you try to pattern it after any particular album you have heard and blend it with your own style?  I was looking to have a family-friendly album. I was 18 when I started recording and I wanted to catch not only the ears of adults, but kids and teenagers as well.

15. Is there one artist you are a current fan of?  A whole lot! But Cody Johnson is my all time favorite.
16. Are you signed exclusively to anyone right now?  Nope, I’m independent

17. What would you say is the highlight of your career thus far?  Sharing the stage with Thompson Square, Lauren Alaina, and Lucy Hale in my hometown. The highlight of that night was when the radio station led over 3,000 people in singing “Happy Birthday” to me. 🙂

18. Where can fans go to find out more about you?  My website melissabrooke.com — Melissa Brooke Band on Facebook —MBrookeMusic on Twitter — and MelissaBrookeMusic on Instagram!

19. Where can fans purchase your music? iTunes, Google Play, and at my shows!

20. What is on the horizon for you?  A brand new single from my brand new album with a brand new music video to go with it! I’m very excited for what 2015 has in store for the boys and me! Y’all be on the look out!