Song Premiere: B.R.K.

March 8, 2023

B.R.K. — the multipotentialite artist — has a knack for learning new things. Already an accomplished singer-songwriter, graphic designer, and visual artist, B.R.K.’s on the move again, looking for new ways to tell stories. On B.R.K.’s latest single, out today, we find him in a new capacity, as producer. In part, one could read B.R.K.’s venture into production as a matter of necessity; being put in position where he wanted to continue making music but could not rely on one of his main collaborators like he had previously. But, knowing B.R.K., it was only a matter of time before he ventured into a new medium; that’s just who he is.

Ahead of B.R.K.’s latest single, Wait, HOL’ UP, I got a chance to talk to him about venturing into production, his new song, what’s been inspiring him lately, and a bunch more! Here’s our conversation:

Stanley: What's been inspiring you lately? 

B.R.K.: I think what’s always inspired me is my world around me. Real life and situations are always my muse. This particular song has just been the transformation and seasons of life since the pandemic. I included the sneeze and ‘bless you’, as a nod to the pandemic originally, but it may become my producer tag now lol. I just can hear hella people at a show yelling “bless you” and think it’s cool lol.

Stanley: You’ve been releasing music in some capacity for the better part of a decade now. What would you call this chapter, if you will, in your artistic journey?

B.R.K.: This chapter is called MORE. I’m excited to be more of myself. Bigger, louder, more experimental. I want to embrace even more of what makes me a human and incorporate that in the music. 

I originally wanted to shift focus to making music that makes you dance/move. Since the pandemic, movement (like dance or even like working out) has been really helpful with my mental health. So, I want to do a lot more music that encourages movement. Plus, my guilty pleasure is dance videos on youtube lol. I’ve also wanted to leave behind the ‘unrequited love stories’ that I’ve often highlighted, but I think there’s space for MORE of both. And of course, I’ve always felt the burden of talking about more than love, it’s a lot of life stuff too. 

I think collaboration is important ‘cause it’s multiple points of view and multiple hearts and souls involved.

Stanley: In terms of credits, who are you working with on this song?

B.R.K.: Though I’ve produced my own work before and I’m really hands on with composition/production… This song feels like a premiere for me as a producer. My best friend and main collaborator, MrDamention, moved back to London during the pandemic and with that transition I kind of was escorted to a place where I really had to figure me out again, alone. I didn’t know I could really get ideas of this magnitude off the ground. But I committed in 2022 to producing more and I’m actually good lol.

Of course collaborating with other producers and musicians to add extra sauce. I think collaboration is important ‘cause it’s multiple points of view and multiple hearts and souls involved. With this track I produced and wrote the song out in the woods in February 2022. And then in April I went to Atlanta to work with artist, producer, and drummer, Remey Williams, he added live drums and some other things. We also had musicians like, Cello Sanders (Bass) to add some more live instrumentation, and additional vocals from Naomi Parchment. 

Stanley: On the verses for wait, HOL’ UP where it’s more stripped down, the bass is serving as the primary harmonic instrument, a spot usually reserved for a keyboard. It’s something I’ve seen you do in other songs. I’ve seen you perform sets with just a bass guitar, too. This could all be me reading into things too much, but I’m curious to know what resonance — or connection — do feel with the bass guitar? 

B.R.K.: String instruments, in general, I think mimic and compliment my voice really well. I just love the way my voice sounds paired with them. But bass is also my favorite instrument, I actually want to learn very soon, and add it to my gifts. I love bass lines, so memorable and undeniably felt. And I think it also reflects me in instrument  form, as I’m technically a baritone. I like living down there sometimes. I love that it’s like the bed and foundation. And the way the bass rides in this song in particular, especially in the vamp… is electrifying. Very high spirited, though it’s low in register. 

…coming into this era I wanted to back away from proving I can sing, I know I’ve done that at this point. And now I want to explore.

Stanley: I’ve told you and written about how you have one of my favorite voices, its really wonderful texture. That said, you do some things with filters I don’t think I’ve ever heard you do, and it was super effective in the song! I’m particularly thinking about the 2:50 mark of the song. What were you trying to convey in that moment? 

B.R.K.: Yeah, going into this era I just wanted to get weird. Many get flack for plugins, like autotune, etc., but coming into this era I wanted to back away from proving I can sing, I know I’ve done that at this point. And now I want to explore. I really am inspired by the way James Fauntleroy uses effects. It adds, doesn’t distract. It helps tell the story. And at that particular mark, I want my passion to feel like rage on some rockstar vibes. No inhibitions, a different kind of vulnerability for me. I love alternative music and wanted to lean into that direction. 

Stanley: You've put out some really great singles this year. Can we expect a full length project (EP or LP) this year?

B.R.K.: I would love to. I have so much music written and produced; just rebuilding my compass to know which way to go. But this song, of all of the songs I’ve created over the past few years, has meant the most and stood out to me. I felt like it was a cool way to start this new era. I love how it’s a bit risky and different for me in the genre. 

My hope is that it’s like a siren call to other artists and potential collaborators as I’m still experimenting with sounds. But I literally have tons of music. I originally wanted to release a project every quarter, cause I feel I’ve been away for a minute, but I think my old work still stands strong and just looking now to build deeper and more authentically, if that makes sense. 

Once I’ve established more direction I never want to stop releasing projects. But I would love for it all to be more alternative. Just something fresh from me.