A rising star in the current music scene, Brooke Bentham is turning heads with a refreshing blend of indie rock, shoegaze and folk. In the midst of a tour with Sam Fender and with her debut album on the way, Bentham is showing no signs of slowing down. I was lucky enough to ask her a few questions after her set at the Brighton Dome.
V: So you recently announced your debut album Everyday Nothing. Can you tell me a bit more about the name of the album?
BB: It’s a line from one of the singles, and it’s basically because the album’s about the little things in life that keep you going. The little physical things. And it’s also just about the mundanity of everyday life. It’s called Everyday Nothing because you’re just waking up and doing the same thing every single day.
V: What’s it been like working with Bill Ryder-Jones?
BB: It’s been great, I’ve known Bill for about a year and a half now. I’ve never worked with a guitarist before and obviously he’s one of the greatest guitarists ever. He really allowed me to get into a world that I wanted to be in. In terms of songwriting as well, it was really nice to work with a producer who also writes songs.
V: Are there any other artists that you would like to collaborate with?
BB: That’s a big question. I’d love to collaborate with Justin Vernon from Bon Iver. I’d love him to produce something for me because they’re my favourite band in the world.
V: Your music seems to be bringing back the sound of the 90s, but are there any more current artists that you are inspired by?
BB: I love Angel Olsen, she’s one of my favourites. I love all that American indie rock at the moment. I did a tour with a band called Soccer Mommy, who were amazing. And Mitski, I love her as well. Her album Puberty 2 is amazing.
V: I read that your single Perform For You was inspired by novels you were reading at the time. Are there other things outside of music that you get inspiration from?
BB: Yeah, I think so. It’s usually everyday scenarios. I write a lot of things in journals and stuff before they become lyrics. And I read a lot of poetry, which sounds terrible. But yeah – poetry, books, films, all sorts.
V: I understand that you and Sam Fender have been friends for a long time. Did you become friends through music?
BB: Yeah, we used to busk in Newcastle together and we’d play in pubs. That was when I was 17, so about 7 years ago.
V: And what’s 2020 looking like for you?
BB: Releasing the album, playing some dates. Hopefully doing a few more festivals. I haven’t released an album before so it’s a pretty big deal. That’s it for the moment!
Everyday Nothing is out on 28th February 2020.
