broox

At only 22 years old, New York City-based modern experimental singer-songwriter and producer broox knows that she owes a lot to her elders in the LGBTQ community. Her first EP, Out/Through, is inspired by “those before me who have paved the way for my generation to live beautifully and openly,” she says. And for her, living beautifully and openly means making beautiful music. At once emotional and rhythmic, with sultry vocals and metaphorical messages, broox’s tunes are both emotive and intimate, similar to the likes of Sylvan Esso, Lapsley, and Lorde. Her second EP is set to release this summer. Coming out was a difficult process, she says. “The hardest part was feeling alone, trapped in my thoughts and the fear that I would be judged for something that I could not change about myself,” broox says. “Coming out itself was like rediscovering this part of myself that I was vaguely familiar with but didn’t actually know. I was given a new pair of eyes to see the world with. I’m constantly seeking to understand and make sense of my surroundings and what it means to fully embrace the colorful and not-so-colorful parts about myself.” Despite her previous difficulties, she believes being out has made a hugely positive impact on her artistry. “Being out as a lesbian and immersing myself within the LGBTQ community has not only allowed me to establish this incredible network of people, but has also created a support system that has influenced my music tremendously in a way that has encouraged me to fall in love with myself, cultivating an appreciation for being free to live my life authentically and unapologetically.” —SEJ