Now more than ever, we need music as an expressive outlet for moving forward in our life more than everything. It can heal us, it can hurt us, or it can help us through the worst of times. San Antonio, Texas-based musician Brooklyn Michelle who recently released her long-awaited single & music video “Retail Therapy” used music as a channel for her emotions. She wrote “Retail Therapy” while going through a breakup and used her music as a coping mechanism. After years of struggling with undiagnosed diseases, she used music as a creative outlet. Her songs focus on inner-self battles, and we can easily feel how she finds true-self with her music. While she is set to release her long-awaited second album, Placebo, she is also in the process of starting her own production company, Waffledog Productions, for bringing her vision to life. We talked to her about her music, production company and future plans. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Brooklyn Michelle.

Where are you based?
San Antonio, Texas.

What inspired you to get into music?
I've been involved in music one way or another ever since I can remember. I think it was something I was just born with. I didn't realize until about 13, though, that I actually wanted to produce my own music, which was heavily influenced by listening to a lot of Kid Cudi growing up. I think you can definitely hear his influence in my debut album "Lithium."

How would you describe the music that you create?
A lot of people use the word "spooky" when describing my music, and I think that's pretty befitting, haha. No matter the song's tone or mood, I feel that there is always this cohesive spooky vibe to it that kind of gives it my signature sound.

Congrats on your new single! Can you please tell us a bit about your single "Retail Therapy" and what inspired it?
Thank you! I actually wrote Retail Therapy while going through a break-up. I had been writing many songs to channel my emotions during that time period, and this one was one I wrote when I was starting to feel better. These songs I've written over this time definitely created a story that I decided will be the topic of my sophomore album. Retail Therapy is that perfect turning point in the album, which will kind of feel full-circle for me and hopefully my listeners, too, once the whole project comes out.

Cover Art - Davonte Carter / LSDoom Graphics /  IG @LSDoomGFX — Cover Art - Davonte Carter / LSDoom Graphics / IG @LSDoomGFX

The lyrics of “Retail Therapy” feel personal and reflect some kind of struggle. What's the story behind these lyrics?
The coping mechanism I was using at the time was literally retail therapy, haha. I loved to get dressed up and do DIY photoshoots to help me feel better, so I ended up writing about shopping. It's such a fun song to start your day and get dressed to.

How was the process of creating this song?
So Teddy Andreas actually produced the foundation of the song. I bought the beat from him and started adding my own (spooky) elements to it to give it my own sound. Some hi-hats, samples, a new bassline, and synth in there that kind of sounds like a whining ghost to me. Once I added that, I knew the song was perfect.

We liked “Retail Therapy's” music video. The color scheme is fascinating. It looks so futuristic and unique. How was the filming process?
I loved the idea of basing the chorus off of primary colors, especially since this song is kinda a point where I was getting back to my true self. My foundation, in a way. So I decided to take that idea and run with it to make the entire music video based on primary colors. We filmed the video over the course of six months. We weren't in any rush to do this one, so I wanted to take my time with building and executing each set (in my mom's garage, haha). I also wanted to give my hair dye a chance to fade out naturally, too, since I had three different hair colors to coordinate to each scene too.

You started writing your songs and performing at the young age of 12. What brought you to this career path?
The first time I ever performed was in 5th grade, actually for my school talent show. I was so scared to do it, but once I started singing (Love Song by Sara Bareilles, haha), I got in my own element and realized how much fun I was having, and everyone was having with me. I think that was the moment I knew I wanted to do this when I got older.

Do you have any role models, and how do you feel about the pressure of being a role model in this industry?
Industry-wise I actually don't have any role models nor feel that I need to be one either. I think more people need to understand that music artists are just regular people who equally have no clue what they're doing, just as those out of the industry do. We're all just figuring out what to do in life as we go and will definitely make mistakes along the way. And that's perfectly fine as long as we continue to try our best.

We appreciated that after years of struggling with undiagnosed diseases, you used music as the expressive outlet for moving forward in your life. Your Lithium album is about seven-year testimony to living with untreated Bipolar disorder, so how does it feel to deal with a mental problem through music, and how did it affect your music?
Being able to channel my episodes through music is one of the biggest reliefs I could possibly get with having to deal with this. I truly don't know how other bipolar people (or any mental health disorder) get through the downs without a creative outlet. I'm sure everyone has their thing, but this one saves me for sure. I think it's important to acknowledge how you feel rather than ignore or distract yourself from it. So this is my way of doing that without bottling it up and exploding later on. Which I still do, by the way. I'm not always great at this, haha.

You are also in the process of starting your own production company, Waffledog Productions, for bringing your vision to life. You have taken part in directing and editing all your music videos to date, including your single, "Retail Therapy." Can you tell us a bit of this project?
Waffledog Productions was actually the name of mine and my friend Joanna's Youtube channel in the 4th grade, haha. Something told me to hold onto this name all these years, and once I discovered how much I love producing music videos, I knew why. I am excited to not only continue my own but later produce videos for other artists too. Then eventually move on to TV and Film for sure.

We learned that after losing your grandfather, who strongly influenced your music career, to pancreatic cancer at the age of 13, you quickly joined as a board member of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network San Antonio affiliate. Can you tell us a little bit about working with this organization?
I first started by joining the organization with my mom and going to the board meetings. We were there to learn and help in any way we could. We initially focused on fundraising and gathering people for the annual 5K every year, though it wasn't until 2017 that I found my purpose for PanCan. I decided to join mine and my Paw Paw's love of music for the better and create an annual charity music festival, Purple Palooza.

Photo Credits: Darriuz Carter / IG @thatkidcarter

You have since founded the Purple Palooza festival, an annual charity event to raise awareness and funding to fight the deadliest and least acknowledged cancer. What does it mean to you, and how can we support it?
To me, this means my grandpa is still involved in my journey with me to this day. I promised him I wouldn't give up, and it's really a reminder that I haven't yet, and I am bringing so many people along with me for a better cause while at it. You can support by donating to the organization at PanCan.org! You can find the San Antonio Affiliate through there as well if you'd like to contribute to our team specifically!

Do you plan to host Purple Palooza in 2021?
That's what I'm trying to decide right now, actually. If so, it will probably be later in the fall this year. I guess I'm kind of waiting to see what other music festivals are doing first.

You are practicing your art on canvas in your art studio, specializing in figurative realism. What is the role of art in your life?
Right now, it's the role that pays the bills, haha. It's a creative outlet for me as well, though. I have so many specific commissions right now that I'm not exactly to the point yet where I can just create what I want to, and other people want to buy it. I sometimes do, which is amazing, but hopefully, my music career takes off in order to help my art career do the same. Then I'll have complete creative expression.

How do you see the importance of music in today's society?
I feel music has had the same importance it always has. It's a way we can freely express ourselves with no rules to it. There are so many constraints to all aspects of society, but you can do whatever you feel you need to with music.

Photo Credits: Joe Grizzly / IG @joegrizzlyphoto

There is talk you are already set to release new music just waiting to be released. Can you tell us about your new single "Come Here"?
"Come Here" comes out on April 23rd! I've been waiting to release this song for five years! It's probably my favorite song I've produced yet, so I had to make sure it was absolutely perfect! I can't wait for you all to hear it!

What can we expect to see for the visuals?
It's also probably my favorite music video I've produced yet. I'm wearing this elegant green Catherine D'Lish robe throughout the video to match the green vintage hotel suite it takes place in. There's also pink heavily involved. Definitely, Wanda and Cosmo vibes. Can you tell I love color schemes?

We heard that you are set to release your long-awaited second album, Placebo, in 2021. What should we expect from this album?
Late fall or early winter. As I said, I am a perfectionist, so I have to make sure I love every single detail of it before I give it to the world! Though it will be worth the wait!

Where do you see yourself in the music industry, and what other projects are you working on right now?
I see myself involved as an outsider, if that makes sense. I don't really want to be a mega-famous pop star as a lot of people dream about. I don't think I could handle that constant pressure. I see myself staying in my hometown making paintings yet being financially comfortable from my music. I really just wanna be able to feed myself doing what I love. Of course, I'd love to grow my following more, but I always want to feel like I can still connect with my supporters. I think past a certain level of fame, you just become a celebrity with people watching you, and there's this feeling of disconnect. I always want to feel like I'm friends with my audience.

Other projects I'm working on are collaborating with artists I've been waiting to work with for a long time and also making large paintings for people I look up to in the industry. Unfortunately, both are a secret for now, haha but follow me to look out for these.

Photo Credits: Jacob Glombowski / IG @glombroski

How has the pandemic impacted you and your music?
It actually has helped me find time to focus on myself and find my true sound. I think if I were to continue with my career without quarantining, I wouldn't be making the same music I am now. It really gave me the time to reflect on what I needed in way more ways than just music.

How are you staying positive during a shelter in place?
The downside of the pandemic obviously is that it's tough to stay positive all the time. My mental health has definitely taken a toll in seeing the excessive ugliness in society and true colors being exposed of people you once related to. I feel very alone sometimes, but I try to continue to learn different ways to help those in need rather than only dwell on how society is hindering them. Something I'm terrible at is allowing myself to have a breakthrough. I feel very guilty if I spend a day not working on a project that I know needs to get done. I realize how important it is for your body and soul to take breaks, so I'm working on that.

What is your motto in life?
"It never hurts to ask!" That can get you further than you think possible.

To learn more about Brooklyn Michelle please follow her via the following links:
Instagram: @officialbrooklynmichelle
Twitter: @TheBrooklynM
Website: www.BrooklynMichelle.com

Brooklyn Michelle: Finding Your True-Self With Music