Interview: Brooke White Gets By With a Little Help from Her Friends

Brooke White is truly a jill of all trades. Upon launching her musical career on Season 7 of American Idol, the Arizona born-and-bred and now California-based artist has constantly been on the move, keeping herself busy by dabbling into various creative outlets—singing, songwriting, acting, painting, blogging, and even hosting an online web-series.

In every endeavor Brooke takes on, a common purpose of spreading kindness and contributing something to the greater good is always present. This December, in the true spirit of the holiday season, she’s mixing passion with purpose, by making music that makes a difference…and with a little help from her friends. Through PledgeMusic, Brooke (along with ten of her fellow musically-minded friends) are working towards creating and releasing a collaborative charity album filled with original lullabies and happy songs, with proceeds going towards supporting Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), an organization dedicated to implementing rescue missions to save kidnapped children from sexual slavery.

In an exclusive interview with The Hudsucker, Brooke shares the inspiration behind this good-hearted musical album, how the collaborations came together, the story of her involvement with O.U.R., and how YOU can help support this project.

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Remembering Michael Johns

Michael Johns 2009

It is with sadness and anguish that I am writing a tribute in the wake of the sudden and tragic death of a man who meant so much to me, Michael Johns.

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brooke white sun up sun down banner fourth of july 4th

Brooke White’s “Sun Up Sun Down”

“Sun Up Sun Down” was written and recorded by Brooke White for the Hallmark Channel television-movie, Banner 4th of July.

Featuring guest vocals by co-star Christian Campbell, the folksy-Americana tune is reminiscent of last year’s smash hit, “Home” by Phillip Phillips, in how it echoes words of encouragement – this time with an added message to wake up, go outside, step into the new daylight, and live life to the fullest.

The Banner 4th of July soundtrack also includes another original from Brooke (the piano ballad “Fly Fly Fly”) along with two songs (“XYZ” and “Voices”) from Jack and White (her duo with Jack Matranga).

Sun up, sun down
We’re gonna paint this town

Turn your blues into a shade of red
Oh you gotta live your life like you mean it
‘Cause you ain’t seen nothing yet
Yes we’re gonna turn this thing around
Like a sun up, sun down

Listen to “Sun Up Sun Down,” along with “Fly Fly Fly,” “XYZ,” and “Voices,” from the Banner 4th of July soundtrack on Spotify.

Haley Reinhart Casey Abrams

American Idol Inspired Duos

I am a shameless fan of singing competition reality shows. While some may write off shows like American Idol and The X-Factor as overhyped karaoke contests, one cannot deny the tremendous impact that these shows have had on the music industry. Where would stars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and One Direction be today without Idol and XF? Probably not on our iPods!

This summer, Queen Kelly (a.k.a. the original Idol) is devoting her time to being a mentor/coach on Duets, a new singing competition which pairs amateur singers with their musical idol as duet partners. The fascinating premise of this show led me to realize something significant about these reality shows. Though Idol and XF mainly serves as a launchpad for solo artistry and group acts, some former reality show alums have gone on to establish some great singing duos as well, forging collaborations with fellow musicians, contestants from other singing competitions, and even former competitors!

On that musical note, here are three of American Idol and The X Factor’s finest duos for you to check out – it’s double the discovery and twice the listening fun!

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Album Review: Jack And White’s “Gemini”

If you like the modern musical match-ups of She & Him, The Civil Wars and Jenny and Johnny, you’ll love Jack and White – a new collaborative project by Jack Matranga and Brooke White, as inspired by the iconic duo of Fleetwood Mac. Their artistic vision is showcased in their debut EP, “Gemini,” a collection of six tracks that infuse their unique blend of California cool and breezy blues. Highly recommended: the revelatory and addictive “Smoke and Mirrors”.

With sweet harmonies and catchy lyrics that are guaranteed to linger in your ears, “Gemini” is a late summer treat worth indulging in!

Download the Gemini EP on iTunes.