A pioneering country artist, Brook Eden embraces a transformative era of country music. As a queer artist, Eden experienced firsthand the changes in the industry. This is a change she is not only witnessing but also actively contributing. In an exclusive interview, Eden revealed how the genre she loves has evolved, especially as the expression of her LGBTQ+ voices is growing, and how this transformation makes her feel both proud and excited.
Eden, 36, is at the forefront of this change. When she first entered the country music scene nearly a decade ago, she was encouraged to keep her sexuality private for her career. Speaking to Gayety at the Galad Media Awards, Star continued: “At the time, I was told that if I came out I would lose my career in country music. For five years she wrapped up her identity, but in 2021 she made the brave decision to come out publicly, paving the way for others in the genre to do the same thing.
“The shift was incredible. Things have changed so much from 2021 until now,” she recalls. “And now, it feels like everyone is coming out, and that’s amazing.” As more artists in the country music scene increase, Eden believes it creates a safe space for others to feel accepted. She explained, “When one person makes it safe and secure, we invite others to feel safe too, and somewhere else.”
Brook Eden will be attending the 36th GLAAD Media Awards held at Beverly Hilton on March 27, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images from Glaad
With the increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ artists in country music, Eden is excited by the future of the genre. She is particularly proud to be part of this historic moment. “It feels like we’re really making change and making some waves in genres that were very gay. With country music continuing to spread its arms across a wide range of voices, Eden is honoured to play a role in the transformation of the genre.
Eden’s journey into country music is always linked to a passion for authenticity, and her latest work reflects that. With her new single “Giddy Up,” scheduled to be released in May, she again won’t bring her strange identity to the forefront of music. The track has a line dance that nods to Eden’s roots. “I sang with my dad’s band and grew up in a line dance bar. I’ve been doing line dance since I was five,” she shared.
The inclusion of line dance, a traditional national dance, combined with a strange twist, perfectly embody the blend of Eden’s musical influence and her LGBTQ+ identity. “To nurture a country and integrate it with my strange community is literally a heaven on earth,” she said, highlighting the joy she found by bringing together these two worlds. For Eden, the rising intersection of queer culture and country music is a celebration of both authenticity and fun. “The music is very strange, it’s very country. It’s a city. We’re indifferent about it now,” she declared.
As the country music landscape continues to change, Eden is excited to become part of the movement to embrace individuality and diversity. Her latest music is some of her most personal and authentic. “This is my most compromising and most authentic music I’ve ever made,” she said excitedly. “I’m really looking forward to people hearing it.”
Beyond her own music, Eden is inspired by other strange artists who have an impact on the genre as a whole. She mentioned artists whose work resonates with her, including Cynthia Eribo, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish. “There’s really good, weird music right now,” Eden pointed out. One of the artists she is particularly excited about is Chappel Roan, a country-inspired pop artist who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community. “Take me on a tour, Chapelle,” Eden said. “I’m obsessed with Chapelle. It’s amazing to see a full lesbian pop star. Life is happening now.”
The Journey of Eden is a testament to the ongoing evolution of country music. She remains optimistic about the future of this genre as she continues to break through barriers and shares her authentic self through her music. Country music is not just about changing as LGBTQ+ expressions. It’s about creating a space where everyone can truly be who they are, without fear of judgment.
For Eden, the most exciting part of this transformation is knowing that she is part of something much bigger than her. “It makes a lot of sense to be part of this change. We’re making waves and it really feels like we’re changing things,” she said. As she continues to rise in the world of country music, Eden wants to see where this cultural change will take the genre next.
In addition to her growing influence in country music, Eden’s personal life is also thriving. She and her wife, Hilary Hoover, welcomed their first child, a son named Beckham in November. Eden expresses how motherhood is a rich experience, saying it taught her how strong she is and how resilient she is. “It’s wild to be a country artist and mother, but I have an incredible wife. When I work, she can be a full-time mom. It’s really a team effort,” Eden shared.
As Eden continues to balance her career with motherhood, she remains determined to be both a role model for country music queer representatives and a loving mother to her son. “I am very proud of the direction country music is moving right now.
Brooke Eden’s unwavering dedication to credibility and his passion for breaking the barriers of country music helps shape the genre’s future. Her bold new music and her commitment to representing the LGBTQ+ community makes her a key role in the ongoing transformation of country music.
Source: Gayety – gayety.co