Brook Harris is a step closer to stardom. The Abbotsford singer has just signed a four-year recording contract with Silent Scream Entertainment, an independent label based in Atlanta, Georgia.
The new deal comes only three weeks after landing a three-year publishing contract with Triumph Publishing in London, U.K.
Both companies contacted Harris after discovering her music on ReverbNation, a free online marketing platform for artists.
“It’s really surreal,” said 14-year-old Harris, a Grade 8 student at Robert Bateman Secondary.
“It’s a dream come true.”
The Silent Scream contract consists of four full-length albums, with the first set to be released worldwide next spring. Meanwhile, Triumph Publishing will look after the promotion and distribution of her current music.
Harris independently released her debut EP No More in April. It features five songs written by the singer that focus on themes of love, courage and conquering adversity. She draws on the complex emotions of suddenly losing her mom at the age of seven and living in a blended family, as well as the pressures teenage girls face today.
“I don’t want a song to be meaningless and have random lyrics just because it’s catchy,” explained Harris.
Vocally, she has been compared to artists like Carrie Underwood, Avril Lavigne and Hayley Williams from Paramore. She mixes elements of different genres into her music, creating a fusion of pop, jazz, rock and country. At this point in her career, Harris says she doesn’t want to categorize herself as an artist.
Harris grew up with music, learning to write songs on the piano and guitar. She stepped on stage for the first time when she was only six years old. Since then, Harris has performed at church, local events and was a 2009 Valley Voices finalist.
In January, she won a $5,000 music bursary and an opportunity to sing with The Christian Tenors. Harris is also a regular anthem singer at WHL Chilliwack Bruins and AHL Abbotsford Heat hockey games.
“I was born with a passion for music,” she said. “I love how I can impact people through songs and create different emotions.”
Harris will soon be juggling homework with a busy career. Silent Scream is in the process of working out a recording and promotion schedule next year that fits around her class timetable. Harris admits that some things like social events will have to be sacrificed in order to accommodate her new schedule.
“It’s kind of overwhelming,” she said. “But it’s worth it in the end.”
by Kerrie-Ann Schoenit, News contributor, Abbotsford News
http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/abbynews/entertainment/112388434.html