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Rachel Brooke

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rachel Brooke
Brooke performing at Muddy Roots, August 2021
Background information
OriginMichigan
GenresCountry
Years active2008 (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]

Early life

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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.[4]

Career

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Prior to her solo career, Brooke spent her teenage years playing in an all-girl punk band.[5]

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.[6] 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.[7][8]

She has performed at many festivals including Muddy Roots, South by Southwest, the Americana Music Festival & Conference and the Rochester International Jazz Festival.[5]

Discography

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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)

References

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  1. ^ "Rachel Brooke". Independent Music Awards. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  2. ^ "Rachel Brooke: A Killer's Dream, PopMatters". PopMatters. 12 February 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  3. ^ Jon Norton (16 November 2021). "Rachel Brooke's latest album a delicious dip into sadness, regret, and self-deprecation". WGLT. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  4. ^ Robert E Martin (22 April 2021). "RACHEL BROOKE • Walking the Musical Line Between Tradition and Transformation". Review Magazine. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  5. ^ a b "About". Rachel Brooke Music. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  6. ^ Laura Whitmore (25 August 2020). "Twangy and Powerful! Rachel Brooke Captures the Essence of Regret With 'Great Mistake'". Parade. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  7. ^ John Apice (16 October 2020). "REVIEW: Rachel Brooke "The Loneliness In Me" Is Classy And Authentic". Americana Highways. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  8. ^ Matt Wallock (2020). "Rachel Brooke Tackles Her Woes With Wit, Grit, and Humor in "The Loneliness in Me"". American Songwriter. Retrieved 16 April 2023.