Katie Brooke Shares 'Relentless' Album + Q&A
After three years of grit, growth, and deep soul-searching, Katie Brooke unveils her second studio
album Relentless – a project that captures her most defining years as a songwriter, a mother, and a
woman walking unapologetically in her own boots.
Written entirely by Katie and produced with long-time collaborator Rusty Crook in Tamworth,
Relentless blends classic country roots with raw, reflective storytelling. It's a natural progression from
her 2022 debut Sticks, Stones and Stories, but this time, the stories hit even harder.
"I started writing this album three years ago, around the same time I became a mother and my life
shifted to a whole new realm," Katie shares. "In that time, I became the artist I've always hoped to be.
My songwriting got more honest, more traditional, more me. It's the most true I've ever felt."
That truth echoes through every track. There's a maturity to this record – not just in vocal delivery or
production, but in the songwriting itself. Each track feels like a journal entry cracked open for the
listener.
At the heart of the album lies its bold title track, 'Relentless' – written in a storm of frustration and
self-reflection. It's a sonic statement of defiance, channelling burnout into clarity. That same
undercurrent of resilience threads its way through 'Too Far Down' – a previous single that cracked the
CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart in 2023 - and 'Ain't No 9 to 5', a foot-stomping salute to the work
ethic and passion Katie inherited from her family – celebrating sweat, legacy, and the kind of drive that
doesn't clock off when the day ends.
The album also leans into vulnerability with unflinching honesty. 'A Little Dirt', which hit #2 on both
– a bright, melodic reflection on regret and growth. 'Someone's Enemy', explores the slow unravel of
friendship, while 'Higher Ground' serves as a moving tribute to her hometown and the 2022 Northern
Rivers floods that reshaped it forever.
There's also room for heart in its most nurturing form. 'You Can Always Come Home' was written for
Katie's daughter Faith – a love letter to unconditional love and belonging. On the flip side of tenderness
is 'Can't Fake That', a whip-smart, playful tribute to country women living the life for real – not for
image. With a wink to cowgirl culture and an undeniable swagger, it's a refreshing burst of confidence
and camaraderie.
The cinematic, 'Haunted or Holy' is the kind of track that unfolds differently on every listen, while
'Secondhand Spurs' is a nostalgic ride through Katie's early 20s in Tamworth, where dreams,
heartbreak, and horse riding collided. "If my 20s had a theme song, this one is it," she laughs.
The sound of Relentless is unmistakably Katie – timeless, authentic, and beautifully lived-in. Featuring
world-class musicians like Jason Roller (Alabama, Grand Ole Opry Band), Rusty Crook, and Bradley
Bergen, the album was recorded slowly and intentionally, with Katie traveling five hours each way from
her rural NSW home to Tamworth. "That drive became its own ritual," she recalls. "A time to reflect,
dream, and shape this album into something that feels worn in and well loved."
Raised on a beef cattle property and now raising her own family in the same Northern NSW pocket,
Katie has never chased a trend. Her whip-smart lyrics, salt-of-the-earth vocals, and no-nonsense charm
have earned her a loyal following. Alongside accolades like winning the Listen Up Music Songwriting
Prize (Gold Coast Semi-Final) and sitting on its national judging panel, she's opened for the likes of The
Her Relentless album tour will take Katie and her full band across regional and metro Australia – a
long-awaited step up for the country artist who's previously toured solo or acoustically.
Whether she's riding horseback with a guitar, writing songs while the baby naps, or cracking whips
(just like her dad did when he opened the Sydney 2000 Olympics) – Katie Brooke is as real as they
come. Relentless effortlessly channels that authenticity and marks a turning point, not just in her
career, but in her own story.
"I experienced a major flood, became a first-time mum, faced some tough failures – and still kept
pushing forward. This album is about that journey. It's about becoming."
It's not just the sound of a country artist finding her feet – it's the sound of one finally riding full tilt
into who she's always been.
TOUR DATES:
Friday 16th May – Chattahoochee Joe's – Brisbane QLD
Saturday 17th May – Mummulgum Hall – Mummulgum NSW
Saturday 31st May – The Hoey Moey Country Music Festival – Coffs Harbour NSW
Sunday 1st June – The Crown Hotel Grafton – Grafton NSW
Q & A:
How would you describe your music?
It's authentic and honest and true to my traditional country roots.
Can you tell us about (your new song/upcoming gig/video), what was the inspiration?
'Relentless' was written during a particularly challenging time in my career. I felt like I was showing up consistently and investing so much of myself into my career but facing endless rejection and just spinning my wheels. It's not at all uncommon to feel this way as an independent artist but I just felt like I couldn't catch a break. Songwriting has always been my therapy and the day I wrote 'Relentless' that's all I was seeking, I felt like I just needed to prove to myself "you've got this - look what you're capable of", and this song fell out. Now it serves as a very powerful reminder of what those difficult phases can produce, and why they're just as important as the positive phases. I hope people are able to lean on it if they're feeling defeated like I was.
What are your musical influences?
I'm heavily influenced by my environment and I'm really fortunate to live rurally in the rolling green hills of Northern NSW. My songwriting heavily relies on my emotions and experiences, writing really helps me process a lot. And I've been influenced by other country artists all of my life, some of my favourites are Alison Krauss, Joy Williams, Corb Lund, Charles Wesley Godwin and Kasey Chambers.
Do you prefer performing live or recording?
A little of both but I do love the excitement of bringing something new to life in the studio, nothing really compares.
What should we expect from your upcoming tour?
My band is great, I'm really lucky to have my producer Rusty Crook join us on the tour, he's played for some of the biggest names in the industry and always brings out the best in my music. We've been working on this show for a long time now and it feels so amazing to be sharing it with our audiences and seeing their reaction.
What motivates you most when writing music?
Motivation generally comes from an emotion, sometimes other great music motivates me as well.
Which music/artists are you currently listening to?
I'm loving the new Turnpike Troubadours record, it's been bringing me to tears. Charles Wesley Godwin and Joy Williams are often on high rotation.
What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Troy Cassar-Daley and Kasey Chambers.
If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Currently, Charles Wesley Godwin.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in the music industry?
Many. I think navigating the many, many aspects of being an independent artist. It's not just writing a good song, it's not just about having a great voice, it's not just about an effortless, flawless performance, it's learning the industry, crafting projects and set lists, managing bands, presenting your songs, knowing how to utilise social media to your best advantage, learning about marketing, promo, booking events and shows and liaising with venues. It's actually endless and I'm forever learning.
What's next, for you?
My new album comes out this Friday and we're currently on the album launch tour. From there it's about touring further and reaching as many country fans as possible! They're my people.
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