Front Deck Boom Box: Katie Brooke

Katie Brooke has spent the past twelve years making her mark in the country music industry, continuously gigging throughout NSW and QLD, as well as supporting artists and bands such as Shannon Noll and The Black Sorrows. Katie had the opportunity to perform alongside country music icons such as James Blundell, Adam Harvey and Gina Jeffreys, as well as hosting and performing on the ever-popular Jim Haynes Breakfast Show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The Academy of Country Music graduate released her number one charting debut self-titled EP in 2020, featuring the ever-popular Home Town Song, as well as four other original tracks. Her second single, Dreamers Tired Mind was featured in a clothing campaign for Australian western clothing brand, Buckwild Country.

Last month, she released her album Sticks, Stones & Stories, which features our previous song of the day Cosmic Cowgirl as well as a cover of Zach Bryan's popular song Crooked Teeth. A modern twist to nostalgic 90's country tones, Sticks, Stones & Stories offers something subtly different and very fresh to the country music world, which is no surprise seeing as Katie has spent her life living and breathing country music of all shades.

We caught up with Katie to find out what songs she’s listening to for this week’s Front Deck Boom Box.

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1. Raised by Hailey Whitters

I love this entire album, but I really connect with this song. I find myself putting it on when I’m stressed, the energy of it calms me, it’s constantly on repeat. The opening lines “I breath it in like morning wind through pampas grass, I’ll make it last like my last twenty” instantly paint such a beautiful picture. The lyrics seem to just melt into one another perfectly. 

2. Something in the Orange by Zach Bryan
 

I love Zach’s work. He’s one of my all-time favourite artists and this is his latest release in the lead up to his new album which I cannot wait to hear. His lyrics are captivating, the whole energy of his music complimented by his vocals is just outstanding, he’s a true poet. I love the way Zach keeps it simple, he doesn’t need to hide behind a massively over produced modern sound, everything sounds so raw like he’s right there in the room playing his songs acoustically. He’s one for the feelers, the listeners who want something with authenticity and depth, those who want to hear magic. 

3. I’ll Fly Away by Randall King

I’ll Fly Away recorded recently by Randall King is my absolute favourite version of this classic written by Albert Brumley back in 1932. It’s a tear jerker. I love the work of Randall King, he’s a true country boy and you can tell through his own songs, he’s not just singing from the tailgate of his truck, he’s singing about his experiences as a real working farm boy. He really reminds me of George Strait and his vocal is probably one of the best I’ve heard. It’s so authentic and true to country music, wholesome stuff. I’d love to see the country music industry turn back towards this style a little more. 

4. Used by Sarah Leete

Sarah is a friend and I love her work. She has a no BS approach to her music and says it how it is. I love the way she tells her stories through song so organically and beautifully. She also has some great acoustic clips of her songs which really showcase how fantastic she is live and raw. She’s so underrated and I can’t wait to hear more of her music. 

5. Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ by Lainey Wilson

Lainey is incredible and I can’t get enough of this album and the way she writes. She’s a true country girl (so genuine and relatable) and it really shows in her music and her performances. I have a serious girl crush – from her voice and her music to her style and the way she presents herself, beautiful. It’s great to see her talent being acknowledged with recent award nominations and also featured on television shows such as Yellowstone, she really does deserve to be in the spotlight. 

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Keep up to date with Katie Brooke via her Instagram page here.