Brooks have all your song requests sorted! The duo, starring Jana Chanelle on vocals and Matt Williams on guitar, cover everything, from old school classics to the latest hits of today.
The Perth duo met whilst studying contemporary music at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Both musicians have spent the past twelve years performing with various acts across Australia and overseas. Making use of a Boss loop station to layer melodies, this little duo has one big sound!
We sat down with Matt to talk career goals, music and a serious love of The Beatles.
How did you get you get started as a musician?
I got started out as a muso after listening to my parent’s Beatles albums as a young kid, and falling in love with their music.
How would you describe your sound?
I would describe Brooks music as acoustic, soul, RnB blues, “looptastic” pop.
Who is your musical idol? Is there anyone who inspires you or influences your sound?
Our musical idols are The Beatles, Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran, Elton John, just to name a few – there aren’t enough pages on Microsoft Word to list them all!
If you could invite three musicians to dinner, who would they be and what would you serve?
If I could invite three musos to dinner I would have to say first would be Robert Johnson, a 1930’s delta blues muso, who allegedly sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads. That invite is mainly just to get him out of hell for the night! I would also invite John Lennon (of course), and finally Stevie Ray Vaughn. For dinner I would serve spicy ramen.
What is the one venue/festival/event you would love to perform at and why?
We would love to perform Glastonbury one day, as it’s the biggest music festival in the world
What are your career highlights so far?
Our career highlights so far have been performing overseas, touring with amazing musicians, and playing various festivals, either together or in other projects. There have been so many great events we’ve been a part of that it’s hard to narrow it down!
What are your career goals as musicians?
Our career goals as musos is to be able to write original compositions, tour the world after their release, and then live off that lifestyle! Or, ya know, write the next Sgt Peppers!
What advice would you give to other aspiring musicians?
The advice I would give other aspiring musicians is to practice, practice, practice! No matter how good you are, you can always be better. Strive for that and be individual. If you know what you have is good, don’t be swayed by narrow-minded views – art is a taste, and not everyone likes the same flavours.
If you could be an accomplished musician on any instrument without a single lesson, what instrument would it be?
If I could be an accomplished muso on any instrument without a lesson it would be the sitar.
What is your favourite thing about working in the WA music industry?
My favourite thing about working in the WA music industry is the amazing diversity of incredible talent.
Don’t miss Brooks on Homegrown, 8pm Sunday 14 June on Facebook, IGTV and YouTube.
