My guys and I met Brooke Waggoner at Grimey’s New & Preloved Music a few years ago during a Record Store Day event, and she became an instant favourite. She has such a delicate voice which perfectly overlays her intricate piano. I personally love all her music, but “Rumble” has been my definite Creative battle cry at times.

Brooke will be part of The Great Aspirations of Sun Conductor at Old Made Good in Nashville on Saturday, September 20 at 7pm. What a cool experience. I am so happy to introduce Embody Your Muse readers to Brooke!

What does Creativity mean to you?

Freedom. Risk. Feeling understood and gaining deeper understanding by contributing in the way of making things.

How do you expand yourself creatively?

I always want to create new challenges and say yes to things that scare me. Meeting my heroes and not being afraid to put myself in a position of feeling inadequate and insecure; it’s really the only way to get better at what you do.

Embody Your Muse - Brooke Waggoner — Embody Your Muse - Brooke Waggoner

Were you creative as a child? If so, how have you evolved through the years? Did anyone encourage you, especially?

I was creative as a child. My parents were very encouraging with this. They never deterred me from wanting to do or make something. My mom saw to it that I had access to training in music even when funds were tight to ensure that I was always learning and being challenged.

What inspires you most?

Visuals inspire me a lot. Anything that’s interesting or slightly “off” in a way that requires my attention for awhile is inspiring. I play & listen to complex classical music when I want to unlock ideas and get the creative flow moving.

Do you daydream often? If so, does it inform your work?

I go through seasons of daydreaming. It seems to be sectioned off based on the amount of work I have going or the projects that I’m involved with. When I’m traveling or on tour I get some of the strongest visions for future work and ideas.

How does a relationship and/or children affect your creativity?

It adds to the fullness of it all. Gives me more stories to pull from and creates a deeper support system of people that are rooting for me. Grateful for those relationships.

How do you deal with creative dry spells? Do you make space for them, or push through?

I now understand them when they’re present. I no longer panic and question my life choices or the fact that I’m making art & music for an occupation. It’s literally just a “spell” and it always passes. There’s too much to do, see and make to feel limited during these times.

Do you have any other mediums you use to express yourself creatively?

I go through phases of writing. Mostly poetry. I also enjoy working with my hands in the way of creating visuals.

Do you enjoy collaborating, or prefer to work alone?

I do enjoy collaborating. It really depends on the project and what’s involved but interacting with people is very needed to balance what can sometimes be a lonely occupation.

Do you work in a studio/space designed specifically for your creativity, or on the spur of the moment/anywhere inspiration strikes?

I have a studio space I work out of. I designed it. It’s a space on our property designated solely for my work separate from the home. It’s my haven and a dream come true.

Is it important for you to have a creative, inspiring environment?

Yes, very much so. It’s not imperative to the work but it certainly helps.

This session was recorded live on January 7, 2014. Learn more about The Music Bed and Serial Box.

Do you plan thoroughly for projects, or go with the flow?

If it’s my own personal creation I plan pretty thoroughly. But depending on the project and environment, it can be refreshing to just play and write, and not overthink too much.

Do you have any rituals that help to set your creative time and/or space?

I work mostly in the mornings. I get a lot done between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. My brain feels sharpest at those times. I also get inspired and do a lot of “thinking” later in the evenings. Sometimes it’s easier to envision things at night and actually execute them during the days.

Does spirituality and/or culture play a role in your creativity?

Yes, very much.

Do you believe art can change the world? If so, how?

I believe it can have a profound effect. And it’s always been around. Even in the darkest of ages, there are forms of self expression and a documenting of culture and life events surrounding all times in history. It’s because I believe that art can change the world (and has already done so) that I take this job so seriously. It’s very important to take deep responsibility for what you put out there. It always has an effect.

What music, if any, plays while you work? What are you listening to at this very moment?

I’m currently listening to the Brooklyn Rider Quartet play Debussy. Like I said, classical music helps unlock thought for me. So when trying to articulate my process and work I find this music to be the easiest to work to.

Do you have any advice for aspiring creatives?

Just BEGIN. Don’t overthink. Start making things immediately and never stop. You can truly hone in on your individual voice this way. And don’t compare your career with others. That’s a dangerous game. Focus on YOUR work.

Where can we find your work?

www.brookewaggoner.com

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