Features : Exclusive Interview with Brook Lynn

Artist Spotlight: Brook Lynn

America’s Got Talent introduced millions of viewers to Brook Lynn. Now, with “Love Your Enemy,” she’s showing them what comes next.

This Q&A gives fans a rare glimpse into the mind of one of music’s most respected voices.

FreshMusicWorld: What happens emotionally in the few seconds before you walk on stage?

Brook Lynn: Throughout the whole day, the nerves can get pretty overwhelming. But in those last few seconds before I walk on stage, I kind of zone out. I think it’s almost a protective response that helps me get through it.

It can go in two different directions, though. Sometimes that zoning out actually helps me find my own space where I can emotionally connect with the song. I stop thinking so much and just sing the way I naturally would, and I’m actually present and feeling everything.

But other times, especially when I’m overthinking what I’m supposed to do on stage, there are so many thoughts constantly running through my head that I disconnect a little. I still zone out, but instead of being in the music, I’m almost not fully there or experiencing the moment. And afterwards, that can leave me feeling like I didn’t do well, even if that might not actually be how it came across.

FreshMusicWorld: Is there a performance you'll remember for the rest of your life?

Brook Lynn: I haven’t had that many opportunities to perform in front of a big crowd yet, so I would definitely say my America’s Got Talent performances. Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one because all three were so special to me in their own way. Each performance came with different emotions and different moments, and they’re experiences I know I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

FreshMusicWorld: What do you hope audiences feel when they leave one of your shows?

Brook Lynn: I hope people leave feeling like they experienced something within themselves, like maybe the music opened up emotions they needed to feel, and they were able to fully give themselves over to that moment and walk away feeling a little lighter.

I also hope they connect with other people who have been through similar things. I’d love for it to become more than just the music and grow into a community where people feel understood, relate to each other, and support one another.

FreshMusicWorld: Has performing changed the meaning of any songs for you?

Brook Lynn: Yes, definitely. Performing some songs has made me connect with the lyrics and emotions in a much deeper way. Sometimes a song can mean one thing when you’re just listening to it, but when you perform it and really have to express the story behind it, you start noticing feelings and meanings you didn’t before. In a way, performing makes the song feel more personal.

FreshMusicWorld: What's something fans never see that happens before the lights come up?

Brook Lynn: Honestly, it’s pretty simple. Before the lights come up, I usually drink some tea and take a moment to clear my head and find some peace. I’ll also quietly run through certain parts of the songs in my head, just to make sure I feel ready. It’s kind of my little moment to reset and get into the right headspace before I step on stage.

FreshMusicWorld: How different is the artist on stage from the person off stage?

Brook Lynn: I don’t really feel like I have an alter ego on stage. I’m pretty much myself both on and off stage, and I actually want people to see that raw, genuine side of me. I don’t want to feel like I have to become a different person when I perform. I’m still growing into that though, especially when it comes to talking more on stage, making eye contact, and really connecting with the people in front of me. That’s something I definitely want to get better at.

FreshMusicWorld: What conversation were you hoping to start with this release?

Brook Lynn: I think the conversation I wanted to start is about not letting anxiety hold you back from the dreams you have. Anxiety can make you doubt yourself or make things feel bigger and scarier than they actually are, but I don’t think that means you should stop going after what you want. You can still be anxious, still have those fears, and keep moving forward anyway. That’s something I’m learning myself, and I hope people can connect with that through the song.

FreshMusicWorld: Which track feels the most personal to you, and why?

Brook Lynn: I’ve written a lot of songs that are very personal and close to my heart that I haven’t released yet, but out of the songs I have released, I would probably say “Love Your Enemy.” It touches on my experience with anxiety, which has been a big part of my life, so it felt really important and personal to share that side of myself. Putting something that vulnerable into a song and letting other people hear it definitely made it feel especially close to me.

FreshMusicWorld: Looking back now, what surprised you most about making this record?

Brook Lynn: What surprised me the most was realizing just how many people relate to it. It might not be my most-streamed song, but it’s definitely the one I’ve received the most messages and comments about. So many people have reached out to tell me that they connect with the song and the feelings behind it. That means more to me than I can really explain. Knowing that something so personal to me can make someone else feel understood or help them in some way is really special.