Artist Interview: Brooke Reuss
- Artists & Activists Records
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Featured on The Compassion Project: Songs for Animals, Humans, and Earth Justice
Melbourne-based singer/songwriter Brooke Reuss brings heartfelt conviction and melodic power to contemporary pop. Influenced by artists like Sara Bareilles, Delta Goodrem, and Tina Arena, Brooke uses music as a platform for empathy, justice, and connection. Her featured track on The Compassion Project, “Stand Up Reloaded,” is a call for unity and action — a bold anthem rooted in social awareness and compassion for all living beings. With a growing presence on national radio and television and a debut EP on the horizon, Brooke continues to inspire audiences through authentic storytelling and powerful vocals.
Was there something or someone who was the "catalyst" for you to go into music?I have wanted to be a singer for as long as I can remember. I have written songs and sung from a young age. There wasn't a defining moment, but I have had many influences over time who have motivated me to push harder. Tina Arena was one of my first singing influences as a kid. As a teenager, Delta Goodrem inspired me to write more and try piano. In the most recent few years Sara Bareilles has been the most influential to me as an Artist, Songwriter and Performer.
Let's get this out of the way. What is the craziest thing that has ever happened in your music career?
I had the privilege of working with Australian Idol Winner Damien Leith a few years ago. My partner and I traveled to his studio in Sydney and wrote the song Sometimes in a day! It will be on the upcoming EP. It was such an amazing experience to work with Damien. It was a full-on session but well worth the experience and the powerful song was created.
What has been the highlight of your music path? My first music video – Stand Up, not only because this was my first music video and debut single, but my closest friends and family took part in the video. The result was so much more than I ever expected.
How do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like?
It depends, some days I will sit and write something because I feel it, some days I will bring an idea to a co-writing session and build on it, and some days (like just recently) I will be playing something on piano and I hit an accidental note or chord I like and start building lyrics and melody on that.
What changes would you like to see in the music industry for independent artists?
I would love to see Independent artists showcased more on TV shows like MTV or rage, and Radio Stations like Triple J, Fox, etc. I am so appreciative of what is available to independent artists, but it is still so hard to get your music out there to hopefully make connections with people and help change their lives.
If you could share the stage or a song session with an artist, who would it be?There are so many artists I'd love to share the stage with. If I had to pick one I would LOVE to sing with the amazing Sara Bareilles. I have not connected with any other artist as much as her. The way she sings, the way she writes her lyrics, and melodies have always had an impact on me.
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, producing...something else?
Rehearsals are always fun! You have to let loose a little to relax the nerves. Most recently my pianist and I practiced in my home. We used a saltshaker for a maraca and my cats joined us. They loved the songs and kept chatting through the practice. Never a dull moment.
Can you tell us the story behind one of your songs and how it came to life?
Song was originally written differently, for some reason I couldn't get it the way I really wanted it to be. It's about a young boy who battled cancer. No matter how much pain he was in he always tried to lift everyone around him and lived his life to the full. The story behind it was and is so important to me that I wasn't quite happy with it until I took it to my extremely talented Producer, Lee Bradshaw. We re-wrote some parts and it ended up perfect.
What is coming up in the future for you? In the next few months I will be releasing my EP. More details to come www.facebook.com/brookereussmusicwww.linktr.ee/brookereuss
About Brooke Reuss Brooke Reuss is a pop singer/songwriter from Melbourne whose music channels emotional depth and social conscience. Known for her soaring vocals and authentic lyricism, Brooke's influences include Tina Arena, Delta Goodrem, and Sara Bareilles. Her featured track on The Compassion Project, “Stand Up Reloaded,” is a defiant anthem for justice that encourages listeners to speak up and take action. With national radio play and a highly anticipated EP on the way, Brooke continues to use her voice to lift up others and spark meaningful change.
Links:
Facebook: facebook.com/brookereussmusic
Linktree: linktr.ee/brookereuss
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