Brooke Lee is an artist on the rise, and the momentum is real.
From sharing stages with names like Willie Nelson and NEEDTOBREATHE to lending her voice to Chevrolet’s “See the USA” campaign, she’s stepping into a defining moment. With her upcoming EP Desert Darling arriving April 17, Lee is carving out a sound that’s both personal and unmistakably her own.
We caught up with Brooke Lee to get to know the artist behind the music and what’s next.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
BL: I’m a singer-songwriter originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and I’ve been in Nashville for just over five years now. I’m a very free-spirited, “what’s she gonna do next,” feel-everything kind of girl, and I let that pour into my songs. I’m a big believer in living life to the fullest, and I try to let my experiences along the way naturally inspire what I write about.
CN: Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
BL: Pink has been a big influence for me. She’s unapologetic and so unique. I’ve always had a raspier voice, and watching her lean into that made me embrace mine more. She’s also an incredible performer who fully lets go on stage, and really makes you feel something- which is what I always try to do.
Personally, I’ve had really meaningful heart to heart conversations with Kasey Tyndal. She constantly reminds me to take care of the human being first, because that’s what ultimately feeds the artist.
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process?
BL: I’m always jotting things down in my phone or a notebook, especially when I’m on the road. I love bringing people into the exact moment a song was thought of, so I’ll write down poems, details of my surroundings, or emotions that I’m feeling.
I usually start with a feeling or a melody, and then build from there. I’ll close my eyes, listen to the music, and see where it takes me and I try to write from that place.
CN: You are the face and voice of the newly released national “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” campaign. What did that opportunity mean to you?
BL: The “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” campaign has been such a gift. I called my grandparents when I found out and they were so excited — they grew up with the Dinah Shore era and knew every word. That made it feel even more special.
Now I get messages from parents saying it’s their family’s favorite song to sing together, which is really powerful. And the stunt itself was wild — we went up 6,000 feet in a helicopter twice. In the moment it was all adrenaline, but looking back, I’d absolutely do it again.
CN: Your upcoming sophomore EP, Desert Darling, releases April 17. What does that title mean to you?
BL: A close friend — who also worked as the photographer and stylist on the project — sent me an email calling me “Desert Darling,” and I immediately saved it as a note for a title.
The EP originally had a different name and five songs, but we ended up writing one more song, “Desert Darling,” which changed everything. It was the missing love song on the project. To me, this EP represents who I’m becoming- a collection of moments that brought me here. It feels like I’m closing my 19–25 chapter. Vulnerable, but also empowering.
CN: You co-wrote all six songs on the upcoming EP. What was that process like?
BL: Every song came from really honest rooms and real conversations. I’ve learned that vulnerability is everything in songwriting, at least for my songs. I write from what I’m living through, and I’m trying to be more intentional about staying present and actually experiencing life so I always have something real to say.
CN: You’ve opened for artists like NEEDTOBREATHE, Willie Nelson, Ty Myers, Wade Bowen, Gavin DeGraw, Lukas Nelson, and Redferrin. How has that shaped you?
BL: It’s been incredible because they’re all so different, so I’ve gotten to experience so many different performances. I’m always in awe of artists who truly connect with their audience — whether it’s through storytelling, energy, or presence.
I try to be a sponge on the road and soak up everything I can from those experiences. It’s fun being able to revisit the dynamic of my shows and see how I can add to it.
CN: Your touring band joined you in the studio for this EP. How did that impact the sound?
BL: It was really important to me that the energy we bring live was captured on the record. Logan and Travis are incredibly talented and have been part of the journey behind these songs, so it felt natural to bring them into the studio and let that chemistry shape the sound.
CN: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
BL: Dua Lipa!! I’ve been listening to her a lot lately. She has such a cool, effortless vibe, and her music just makes me want to move, which I love. I really enjoyed her collaboration with Chris Stapleton. I think it would be amazing to blend our worlds and see what we could create together.
CN: What was your first concert?
BL: Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers — my dad surprised me when I was seven. It’s still the best concert I’ve ever been to.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
BL: Authentic. That’s really the only way I know how to show up. I don’t want to try to be anything I’m not — in life or in my music. The more honest I am, the more connected everything feels, and I think people can hear that too.
CN: What can fans look forward to this year?
BL: We have some exciting shows coming up that we’ll be announcing soon. I’m really excited to live in this EP for a while, but we’ve also started working on new music that I can’t wait to share. It’s going to be a busy year, and I’m excited for this project to set the tone.