By Lauren Schwab Eyre

When a relationship ends, it can be a roller coaster of emotions. Some songs instantly take me back to when I felt a certain way – sadness, grief, unnoticed, bitterness, acceptance of it being over, and thankful for where it led me now. Emily Brooke has known these feelings all too well and released her album, all of the pieces (unplugged), comprised of songs that take you through the feelings following a break-up. She talked with me about how the collection of songs came together, her acoustic recording process, and how she hopes others can relate when they listen.

From Florida To Nashville

Emily grew up in South Florida and quickly learned guitar at age 9. Following her inspirations, including Taylor Swift and Hannah Montana, she began performing everywhere she could. At just 13, she began working on her first album and several years later earned a spot as a top 24 finalist on American Idol. This experience ignited her music career, and she began traveling back and forth between her hometown and Nashville. After spending so much time performing, she decided to focus on her songwriting.

all of the pieces (unplugged)

When Emily was dating, she wished there was a specific album she could go to that would take her through the different feelings. “When I was going through a relationship, I was bouncing around to different songs and artists to find the right song about the feeling I was going through. Over the years of writing and building up my catalog, I realized I had written a lot of those feelings, and I thought it was the perfect time to put them together.  There were a couple of songs we wrote that fit in between emotions. It was cool seeing it all come together and feel like you are going through (the emotions of) a relationship when you listen,” shared Emily.

When it came time to record the project, Emily decided on an acoustic recording. “I felt like in the project there were so many emotions going on, I wanted it to be stripped down and vulnerable, I thought the best way to do that was live record it and keep it super simple. So we did it in my old apartment, my first apartment in Nashville. That meant a lot as well because a lot of the feelings in those songs, I felt them in that space. So it was cool getting to connect the songs and emotions to the space as well.”

“If You Didn’t Notice”

One of my favorites from the album is “If You Didn’t Notice.” Emily shared how she recently went through a breakup and wrote this song while still in the relationship. “It’s the feeling when you’ve told a person what’s wrong, wanting to fix it, and they’re not even listening. It can be toxic, but you pick fights just to feel something. You’re going through the motions. We ended up writing this feeling of loving someone for so long, but they’re not listening. You know something is going on, and you’ve been trying but there’s no effort on the other side,” said Emily. 

“Busy
Too busy to ever pick up
When you saw it was me
Distant
Even when you were next to me
I could still feel you leave
We get too drunk
We’d say too much
Then you’re screaming that it’s all in my head
If you didn’t notice
I loved you more when
These battles were the best high
Of this heartless war
I’d fight just to feel you
Then say that I hate you
Just to try and make you feel anything at all
But you didn’t notice“

– Emily Brooke

“I’m Supposed To Hate You”

Another song I found myself playing on repeat is “I’m Supposed To Hate You.” Emily felt like it was definitely the next feeling in trying to heal from a breakup. “Everybody tells you how you’re supposed to heal from a heartbreak like screw him, don’t text him, he sucks, you know all the things. You can try with all of your might, but it’s hard to keep yourself from calling them up when you used to be so close, and I know I’m supposed to be doing all these things and supposed to be getting over you, but I can’t help it kind of feeling,” said Emily.

“‘Cause I’m supposed to hate you
I’m supposed to wanna cuss you out when you call
Yeah, I’m supposed to blame you for everything that you put me through
Forget I loved you at all
Boy, you’re like a hard hangover, a bad tattoo
So why’s it so hard to do?
Yeah, I’m supposed to hate you”

– Emily Brooke

What’s Next

I love Emily’s creativity in this project and her willingness to bear all her feelings through her music. Her attention to song writing hasn’t gone unnoticed, as each song allows the listener to feel what she is going through and relate to the emotional ups and downs that come when a relationship ends. Emily is working on new music and has a concept for an upcoming album that she says will be a mix of sadness and sassy. She expects this year to be full of new music, new shows, and new places. To stay updated on Emily Brooke’s music and shows visit emilybrookemusic.com and follow her on her social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Tik Tok.

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