Singer Pimms Brooke is one of those. The kind of person who, having decided her choice of career at a young age, has stuck to it through thick and thin. Now, after the release of her first single, Not Giving Up, and an album coming up later in the year, the Dubai-based London native says she’s ready to take on the world.
Do you remember the moment you decided you wanted to be a singer? Take us back there.
From a young age my sister and I were always choreographing dance routines and singing as kids. I always wanted to be a singer and perform on big stages. I was 12 years old when I had my first encounter with really singing, when I sat with a family friend and learnt Wonderful Tonight [by Eric Clapton] with his guitar. I was hooked from that moment. I really started to take an interest in singing at 16 when I attended music college in East London, where I learnt how to write and produce music. I then moved on to open mic nights and played the odd gig here and there in the UK.
How did Dubai come under your radar? What compelled you to move here?
Well, Dubai was a place I wanted to give another chance. I visited in 2008 and I wasn’t a fan. I came to a crossroad with Dubai in 2013 when I decided to up and leave my life in London. I wasn’t singing in London and the freelance work of modelling and promotional events were not earning me a good living. I started in Italy, I was travelling for two months and one of my friends told me there was a job going in Dubai… I had a Skype interview and before I knew it, 10 days later I was moving to Dubai.
And would you say you made the right decision?
It was a very tough decision to make. As there was a time early on in the first year of moving to Dubai things weren’t so great. It was a struggle to work towards an industry that is not to recognised in Dubai. Even though I miss my family dreadfully I’m defiantly saying “it was the right decision”.
How would you describe your music?
Ha! This question is always a funny one for me. I love all music and want to try all genres. But if I have to narrow it down, I fall into soul and jazz music. That’s me all over.
Tell us a little bit about your first single. And the upcoming album.
The debut single, Not Giving Up, is a dance/house track. Coming off the forthcoming album Under the Layers. I wanted to write and make my first song something that would make people smile and dance with, [and] have a hopeful feel to it. I wrote it based on relationships of today. That there are real people left in the world who do know the meaning of love and they will fight to the ends of the earth to be together. It’s your life and you can’t live it to please everybody. The acoustic video for Not Giving Up has already been shot, which is one very unique video. I can guarantee you’ve never seen a video like this one.
The official video is going to be shot very soon. I’m so excited; the preparations are coming along nicely. The album is due to release later this year. The title has a sentimental value to me, as I’m going to really show people what’s “Under The Layers”.
How different is the music scene here from other cities you’ve lived in?
Soooo different! It’s up and coming still. Artist wise, we have some really good talent here and I think it’s a good place to get noticed and the industry is growing and growing.
Is it hard to be accepted when you perform your own songs, as opposed to performing well-known covers?
I do sing covers, I enjoy singing other peoples’ music [because] it helps me to improve my quality of music and vocals. I love to perform my single at the end of my shows. The reactions I get are like “Oh, she’s not just a ‘cover artist’”.
What would be your advice to other musicians who are trying to make a name for themselves here in the UAE?
Just keep doing what you’re doing. Never listen to the word ‘no’ because any musician who has made it, has not had it easy. You have to focus and be prepared to give up some social time to your music. Be confident about your brand and never rely on anyone. Everything I have done in Dubai has been from my own hand. Know you have to pay the price because nothing is free. Always stay passionate and grow.
I really do send out all the love and blessings to my fellow artists in the UAE. Don’t EVER give up on what you love.
What next for you? What are your future plans?
After I’ve released the album, I am hoping to get signed and make more music. Go on tour! That’s why I was blessed to sing, write and entertain. So I can share my creativity with the world.
Go online
Follow Pimms Brooke on Instagram and Twitter @pimmsbrooke. To get in touch, go to pimmsbrooke.com
