7D - Baddie Brooks
THE SEVEN SERIES
Article by Miles Corley
During my interview with Baddie Brooks, I got to know her as an individual and an artist. When she entered the studio, I felt the presence of someone who was proud and had achieved reclamation.
Baddie Brooks understands how to reach her target audience through music. With her discography and debut album Reclamation, Brooks’ music is a unifying anthem that sends a positive message to people in the LGBTQ+ community. Her song “LGBT'' comes to mind when I think of bringing together the community.
“Just keep doing you and keep shining.”
Baddie Brooks has a music history that originated 16 years ago. Brooks studied trumpet performance in the fifth grade and continued to learn during her undergraduate career at Eastern Michigan University. She has taken that talent and brought it to the world stage. On top of her mastery of an instrument, Brooks has incredible vocals.
Before I had the opportunity to interview Brooks, I took the time to listen to her album, and I understood that she knew how to produce a complete album. Reclamation tells a story of being an African American Trans woman in America.
Brooks discusses subjects such as being neglected by family and friends, self-reflection, people pleasing, being sexualized by others, not giving a damn, just having fun and being comfortable with yourself. The album Reclamation ends with “13 years,” a 4-minute track that dives into the time it took to stop living in fear and finally claim the best part of herself. Brooks continues to shine brighter than any artist and continues her music career with her new song, “Nails,” released on all listening platforms.
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A producer at heart, Miles Corley's career is beaming with promise as the Eastern Michigan University product works in front and behind the lens. Having focused his college career on digital media productions, photography, and filmmaking, it’s no surprise that Corley’s work blends perfectly as a journalist in front of the camera, displaying poise and fun natural journalistic instincts during his episode on The Seven Series.
While interviewing artist Baddie Brooks, Corley’s energy flows off the camera as he and Brooks create a conversation detailing the artist’s career, new album, and life as a trans woman.
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Baddie Brooks is synonymous with the Ann Arbor area music scene. Whether being the face of Washtenaw County’s LGBTQ music or because the multi-talented singer-songwriter’s debut album Reclamation released to critical acclaim, Baddie Brooks captivates listeners with music highlighted by catchy instrumentals and socially-conscious messages.
For her performance on The Seven Series, Baddie Brooks performs her new single “Nails,” an upbeat tune where the singer-instrumentalist croons her way through a fun showcase of the versatility of her dazzling nails.
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The Seven Series is a seven-episode performance and interview production for up-and-coming musicians and journalists.
The Seven Seires allows local artists around the area to showcase their talent and offer aspiring journalists an opportunity to sharpen their on-camera and writing skills by engaging in entertaining interviews with the featured musicians following their performances.
Sponsored by The Ann Arbor Observer, Destination Ann Arbor, Leon Speakers and FedUp Ministries, the Seven Series showcases an abundance of local talent, The Seven Series will highlight local arts-based businesses and venue Leon Speakers as the primary venue for shooting locations.
The series is being powered by The Amplify Project, a 501c(3) nonprofit that identifies and mobilizes resources for independent Black musical artists in Washtenaw County. The initiative has supported Washtenaw County artists like Ki5, and London Beck, to release critically acclaimed projects.
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Antonio Cooper
Executive Producer
Antoniocooper88@gmail.com