broox
NYC-based artist broox releases new EP Over Easy.
With the help of producer Zach Ezickson, the singer/songwriter/producer created a two-track project introducing her new sound.
The first track “B T W L D” is about showing love for someone you care deeply for. Followed by “She’s Been Listening” - a song directed to the outcasts, the new EP combines elements of soul with r&b.
“Unlike my last EP, Out/Through, Over Easy is more about being confident in who I am today with this new sound I am exploring. I wanted to create emotional, uplifting music that people can express themselves through movement and dancing,” says broox.
Openly out and proud, broox hopes to bring comfort and hope through her music.
Over Easy is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Vivian Panayotou
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I’m just a gal who grew up in Jersey and was drawn to music at a very young age. I grew up playing the cello, trumpet, and sax, and taught myself guitar and piano. I sang and wrote songs for fun—about crushes, struggles, dreams, anxiety, depression. I found solace in melodies and words and the way in which they made me feel, and still make me feel. The way that I can express myself freely through a song that I cannot in any other way is why I keep coming back to songwriting. I’m grateful that I discovered this passion of mine at a young age. It was an outlet. An escape. A coping mechanism. My drug prescription.
Growing up, I was a tomboy who played a lot of sports and had a learning disability, which while it forced me to work harder, simultaneously helped me to not get discouraged as easily. School was hard, music wasn’t. That was one of the only things that came easy. It was natural to me. I felt super comfortable in my own skin exploring both my feminine and masculine side, fluctuating in-between the two. I didn’t really think anything of it. It was just kind of who I was. I feel like as I approached middle school, I was pressured into being more feminine, and sort of kept up with that until my sophomore year of college when I came out. I started to circle back into this masculine, tomboy side of me that was distant but yet so familiar at the same time. In a way it was rather beautiful, coming full circle. That in itself has hugely influenced my upbringing and played a vital role in who I am today and my music. I think the way someone dresses and presents themselves is a beautiful form of self-expression. I could say the same for music, with words, melodies, and the overall creative process and what it takes for a person to create an idea that didn’t exist nor was fully formed yet- that is a form of self-expression. So when these two parts of myself aligned, I feel like it only allowed me to become a better musician than I was before.
When did you decide to fully pursue music as a career?
This is such an interesting question because I think there are so many layers and phases to this, along with a lot of fear that comes with when one decides to fully go for something head on. But I think with fear comes power in the way in which you use it. The way I see it, fully pursuing my music career and building the actual building blocks has been taking a gamble on myself- an emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual investment, in chunks. I think I started to give little chunks of this investment when I first started to learn how to produce my freshman year of college. I’d make these little indie-electronic instrumentals and put them up on SoundCloud, not really caring about how many people listened or who saw it- it was really for myself. I was challenging myself to learn different programs, production skills, and seeing where I could take my sound and how much of it could evolve and grow. At the same time, I was performing at coffee shops and open mics throughout college. Fast forward a few years later, after I graduated college, I was not only trying to figure out my next major move in life that summer, but I also got out of a relationship. I was juggling with the pangs of nostalgia, loneliness, and lack of direction. The classic post-grad anxiety/depression of what the fuck comes next. I had no answers. So I just poured out music left and right that summer. Why not, right? I’ve got all of these feelings and all this free time. In the closing of summer, August 2017, Shifted Recording in Greenpoint reached out to me and asked if I wanted a tour of their studio. Not really sure of how this would really jump start and impact my music career, I said sure, not thinking much of it. I walked into this beautiful studio with handmade tree-cut wooden desks, plants in every corner, beautifully framed photos on the wall, and a warm welcoming by the collective of producers there. Within minutes, this place felt like home to me. I felt just where I needed to be. For the next 5 months, I brought all of my songs that I produced that past summer to my incredible producer Mike Irish who worked with me on them. And thus came about my very first EP, Out/Through. So in short, summer of 2017 is when I’d say I started to take my music career more seriously. My exact thoughts were,”If I don’t take myself seriously, who will?” Life’s too short. Ever since, I’ve just been learning the game, and trying to get all the right people in my corner who actually care about me, believe in me, and are in for the ride.
How would you describe broox, the artist?
At the end of the day, broox is a genre-blending, queer, soft-butch, goblin goofball virgo who wants to make music that resonates with others that evoke some sort of an emotion in them. If that’s achieved than her goal and purpose has been achieved. She values her friends and artist community, and respects the hustle. She’s independent, driven, passionate, focused but sometimes too serious and needs to chill the fuck out— but only because her one-track mind keeps her caring a whole LOT. It’s those virgo tendencies that get the best of her.
You’ve just released your new EP Over Easy. Could you describe us the songwriting/production process?
With drips of sweat from the August mug on every inch of my body and unconfined frizzed-out hair all aside, this was one of the most enjoyable songwriting experiences I’ve had. Walking into the studio was like a kid walking into a candy shop. I was so pumped to get in there, to the point where one day as I was getting in the elevator to head up to the studio, I dropped my matcha latte and watched it spill everywhere-- only to realize Lindsay Lohan had witnessed it all go down. Clearly I had no chill, but she was.
This was the first time I’ve worked with a producer without walking into the studio with a project already produced by myself. I was introduced to Zach Ezickson through one of my best friends, who is not only a dope producer, but a dear friend of mine. We sat down and started playing each other’s music and what we’re currently working on. I told Zach how I’ve been exploring R&B and have been itching to try something new. He was like, “Wait yo, I was working on this beat earlier before you came and it might just be what you’re looking for”. And it was that last August when I first heard the beginnings of B T W L D. I was instantly hooked, so much so, that the first verse came to me within minutes and we rolled with it into the very late hours of the night. It’d be 2am where most of these studio sessions would go on until. I’d look at the clock and not even realize 6 hours just went by, but was fully wired and didn’t want the session to ever end. As a producer myself, it’s hard for me to hand over the full creative control, but Zach and I meshed really well and I was loving the energy in the room. It was a super smooth, easy-going, work dynamic we had going on, which is when I write my best stuff.
What did you feel when writing "B T W L D"?
B T W L D was the first song we made together, and in a way, we were testing the waters with how we work with one another, so it makes sense as to why it turned out to be a more fun laid back tune. Definitely one of the less dark and serious songs I’ve made, and in a way, was kind of refreshing. During that period of time I was feeling truly uplifted and just wanted to make a song that you could bop to with your significant other. I wasn’t even seeing anyone at the time, but rather drawing from experiences, and feeling the closing of summer around the corner being that it was August. Zach’s production’s got a funk to it and I felt really excited and curious in exploring this other side of myself that I haven’t really touched yet. He helped bring that out for sure. B T W L D is about showing love for someone you care deeply for, to express and put forth effort in letting that person know, in whatever shape or form that may be.
What's the story behind "She's Been Listening"?
This is a song for the outcasts. The weirdos. The ones who got picked on when they were young, but didn’t fall into the peer pressure of fitting in. Rather, they stuck to who they truly were and are, through and through. Similar with B T W L D, Zach played this beat for me and the first two lines “Fitting in to fall out, falling out to fit in” kept circling around in my mind. I sang it for him and he loved it. We laid down the first verse and chorus that night. I have a side of me that loves to rap. I sometimes perform slam poetry/rap at my friend Liana's open mic that she hosts once a month in this cute little coffee shop in Bushwick. For the second verse of this song, I wanted to see if I can lay down a rap verse similarly to what I’ve performed at these open mics. I came up with a few different ones, and finally one stuck and felt right, so I went with it. This verse was hard to come up with because I was really trying to channel some dark days when I didn’t feel like I was good enough, and revisit some not so great memories with kids who weren’t the nicest to me. But in retrospect, it was quite therapeutic for me, and I knew I needed to get a fire second verse down because I remember looking up to artists who spoke about positivity, and I’d love to be that for a fan. If I could help one person feel less alone and validated for being their most authentic self, then I’ve achieved my intentions and goal with this song.
What made you want to release these two songs at the same time?
I think just the fact that I’m exploring this R&B side of myself for the first time and these two songs were made around the same time. My previous releases have been more indie-electronic pop, so I’m pretty excited about this next release and how people receive it.
What made you want to call your project Over Easy?
Originally I wanted to call the EP “Like Sunday” because these two songs make me feel like it’s a laid back Sunday afternoon and I’m just chillin for the day. But then I tried to dive a little deeper, and run with that idea- Sundays… brunch… sunny side up eggs…. over easy… come with your yolk game strong. These are effortless songs to listen to, whereas my previous releases have been more heavy and dark.
What do you like the most about this project?
I’d say it’s finally being at a place in my life where I am super present and am investing more in myself. Unlike my last EP, Out/Through, Over Easy is more about being confident in who I am today with this new sound I am exploring. I wanted to create emotional, uplifting music that people can express themselves through movement and dancing.
As an artist, what do you want to achieve?
My only goal is for my songs to resonate in those who are listening and find comfort in knowing that they’re not the only one who might feel a certain way. I want to connect with my fans and know they have a friend in me. That I get it. That we’re in this together, even if we don’t know each other.
What appeals you the most about songwriting?
It’s therapeutic, and the best way I know how to express myself. Sometimes I feel like my brain doesn’t know how to sort out of my thoughts. Kind of like they’re all tangled in knots. The songwriting process untangles them for me.
Do you remember a specific moment in your life where music made a huge impact?
While I was going through a break-up, producing music helped me beautifully channel these emotions that I was going through which was incredibly essential to my healing process. While at the same time, the music I was listening to during this period also helped me tremendously in a way that sort of saved me from my own insanity and influenced my music. To name a few: Daniel Caesar- Freudian, SZA- CTRL, Nai Palm- Needle Paw, Moses Sumney- Aromanticism, Nick Hakim- Green Twins, Photay- Onism, Sylvan Esso- What Now, Nick Mulvey- Free Mind.
As an artist, what are the biggest challenges?
Sure, making music is super fulfilling and therapeutic at times, but sometimes I purposely seek it out as a distraction, and need to remember to check in and take care of myself physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally, Making sure I am really listening to my mind, my heart, and my body. I put a lot of pressure on myself wanting things to be the best that they can, but nothing is ever perfect and I need to learn when to wave the flag and throw in the towel, and give myself a pat on the back knowing I tried my best and that it’s all good, and to just relax and smile.
Besides music and art, what are you passionate about?
Lgbtq+ activism, mental health normalization, climate change/environmental science, body positivity, feminism, social injustice (black lives matter, refugee crisis), yoga (focusing on my breath helps calm me down), running, bike riding (anything that gets me active, really. Fitness is really important to me and helps me stay focused. I do it more for peace of mind to help), photography, video editing, art, traveling, and meeting link-minded individuals and learning from them!
What are your thoughts on today's social media?
It’s mixed, you know? Digital Dualism, a term I heard repeatedly as a digital communications major throughout college, is the belief that the on and offline are largely separate and distinct realities. Digital dualists view digital content as part of a "virtual" world separate from a "real" world found in physical space. So there’s the question of are we really ourselves on social media, or is it who we wish we could be? Or is it a mixture? While I don’t have the answers, there have been times where social media has been toxic, and then others where it’s brought beautiful people, experiences, and opportunities into my life, while at the same time an incredible source for my music. Getting DMs from my fans from all over the world about how they dig my tunes or that my music has helped them in some way literally makes my day.
What advices would you give to anyone who feels like they don't belong?
What does “belonging” even mean? Listen, I am definitely not God and I do not want to preach. But speaking from my own experience, I think it all starts within- to be ok with yourself, on your own and to find comfort in being alone. And then from there, surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and bring the best out of you- who allow you to be your most authentic unapologetic self. If you’re not around people like that, get rid of them! Like seriously, I promise it is the BEST gift you can give yourself. Another big thing I realized is that fear can be so debilitating sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be! Use it as fuel to push past whatever it is you need to get through. Time is going to go on anyways. What’s the worst that can happen? You fail? Good. The most successful people have failed so many times before they got it right, but they wouldn’t have gotten it right if they hadn’t failed.
What message do you want to give to the LGBTQ+ communities?
It’s so important now more than ever to stick together, support, and look out for each other. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to explore the LGBTQ+ community of NYC, not only to collaborate in the art space, but for friends to become family. A support system is key, and if you’re maybe a bit more on the shy side, that’s ok! There are incredible queer communities that you can find and connect with online. I think that’s one of the beautiful things social media has gifted the gays, quite honestly. It’s an outlet that is relatable and can help. I know how hard it can be having people in your life, whether that be co-workers, family, or religion who dismiss you, shut you down, and claim you’re not real, but my response to that is baby, live your life beautifully and unapologetically because you’re as REAL as it gets.
What are you proud of?
I’m proud of broox. I’m proud of something I created that’s me in its purest form, full front and center. I’m giving you me and being vulnerable, and it sometimes feels like I’m naked. It took a long time to get to this point, but I am getting more comfortable with who I am and my music, and I’m only just getting started.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
More love and kindness, less ego and entitlement. More queers wouldn’t hurt, either.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Pay attention to detail. Do things that feel good and are good for you. Treat you and those around you with kindness. If you don’t take yourself seriously, no one will. Hone in on your craft, and run with it. Trust your mind and your heart. Don’t act like you know everything because you just simply don’t, we’re never done learning and growing. Be open to people and the world. Fuck the rest, you’re doing great sweetie.
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