DANIELA BROOKER SET TO SCHOOL SCORE

Wire Magazine Top Trax Interview By DJ FR8-0

The slamming of lockers, the smell of wet carpet, unflattering iridescent lighting.. It’s not just another grueling day at the gym; it’s worse—high school. While the rest of us spent our glory years drooling over the questionable chemistry teacher or the captain of the football team, Daniela Brooker was busy writing her first pop hit. The 18-year-old singer/songwriter has been performing for as long as she can remember. After her first track, ‘Turn It Up’, was picked up by a London radio show, Daniela finally got to bring her real talents to the head of the class. 
 
While still in high school Daniela managed to juggle her studies and a relentless schedule of song writing, recording, and performing live. She’s worked with some heavy hitting producers, including Louis Read (Mary J Blige, The Noisettes), Paul Garred from The Kooks, and Rob Harris of Jamiroquai while earning positive reviews for her music. Although her tracks have mainstream pop appeal, her personal music taste has a much wider range. “I’m a big rock ‘n’ roll fan” Daniela explains, “but I also love old singers like Etta James, as well as pop icons like Beyoncé. My dream would be to duet with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.”  It’s that eclectic love of music that makes her live sets just as interesting, infusing pop, rock, and Latin influences. When describing her shows, Daniela says, “I give everything and just hope people have a good time.” Now a high school graduate, Daniela Brooker will be schooling us this Thursday at Score with a few of her hits, including her single ‘Summer Love’, which recently debuted on LOGO and HERE TV.  

Tell us about where you’re from and how you started singing?

I am from London, England but I am also half Venezuelan. I have always had the desire to sing for as long as I can remember. Any excuse to put on a glittery outfit and sing and I’d be there.
 
When did you realize you wanted to be a recording artist?

When I was 12 I was given a session at a recording studio to cover three songs for my birthday. Ever since then, I have been completely in love with recording music. 
Where can we buy your current singles?

You can get my single ‘Summer Love’ on iTunes or watch the music video on YouTube! 
 
Was ‘Summer Love’ written from experience? What’s the dish?

Haha! It is about a summer boyfriend/fling I had when I was younger with a Venezuelan boy. Remembering it makes me laugh because I was so dramatic! I cried the whole way home, which is a 10-hour flight.
 
Is there an album in the works for you? 

I’m writing as much as possible so that when I come to completing an album I’ll have the best songs possible. I do however have an EP coming out early next year, which I’m really excited about! 
 
If you had your way, what would you want your album to sound like?

My dream album would have a song for everyone on it, whether that’s a dance track or a stripped acoustic number. I believe an album should have something for everyone.
 
Living in the UK, how in touch are you still with your Venezuelan heritage?

We all speak Spanish at home. My mum always plays salsa and my brother is always blasting reggaeton, so I am around the language constantly. Being Latin, my mother has brought me up in that way and culture. 
 
Do you ever infuse Latin flavor into your music?

I always try and use a few lines in Spanish. I love artists who cross Latin influences with pop such as Pitbull and Shakira. 
 
Now that you’ve graduated high school do you plan on going on to college or is it full-on singing/songwriting for a while?

At the moment I don’t have plans to continue school because I want to completely focus on music. I can’t do things halfway, so doing school and music at the same time wouldn’t be good for me. 
 
Will this be your first time in South Beach?

I was there when I was really young, so I don’t remember it too well, but I am SO looking forward to being there. It is the destination I am most excited about going to!
 
What excites you the most about being here?

To perform to all the Miami people whom I have heard love to party!!!  
 
What do you have planned for us on October 20th?

I plan to entertain all different sorts of audiences! If you’re into pop, rock, or even dance I hope to have everyone enjoying the show.
 
Will you be bringing any of the hotties from your ‘Summer Love’ video with you?

Haha! One of the extras is my brother, so he’ll be coming. My whole band is coming as well. So if you’re into the rugged look, they will be an option too.
 
You’re going to have a lot of your fellow Venezuelans at your performance on Thursday. Is there anything you’d like to say to them? 

I’m so excited to have a Latin audience as it will be a different crowd than what I am used to, so I hope you enjoy yourselves and look forward to seeing you dancing!!!