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Surrounded by porcelain masks in her East Nashville apartment studio, book NOT brooke makes it clear that she is not an “indie pop” musician. 

“A lot of people add the label ‘indie’ to what they’re doing to try to convey that it’s coming from a genuine place. That’s a nice sentiment and everything, but there’s something to be said about claiming what it feels like you’re making in your heart.  

I make pop.” 

And when she is making pop music, she goes by one guiding light. A philosophy that she came up with on her own. One that she calls the Dancer First philosophy. 

The Dancer First Philosophy: “If it’s good enough to dance to, then it makes the cut.” 

WHAT TO KNOW

Photo: Elizabeth Marsh

She started by playing cello at seven years old. Her sister was in orchestra in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. At the recital, as a five-year-old, Book was transfixed by the cellos and convinced her parents to buy her one.  

That fascination turned into a passion for music, particularly pop. Even though Nashville isn’t really known as a pop music city, Book says that it felt natural because she knew that people would be making music and she could learn.  

When she moved here she didn’t even know what a mix was. She began doing performance art in Nasvhille, though she said she didn’t know what she was doing there, she just wanted to perform. Then, one day, it clicked. The Dancer First philosophy.  

“The natural reaction to hearing music is to move to it. Even if it’s just a finger tap.” It helped her produce her new album, “Dancer First” which is out now. The album is chock full of sounds that honestly have no business being in a pop song. One song uses an eagle screech. But, when I was listening to it for the first time I could not stop bobbing my head. 

It got me. See if it gets you. 

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On today’s episode of the NashVillagerpodcast with host Nina Cardona 🎙️ 

The story of Nashville’s Kurdish community and the losses that lead so many to leave their homeland for Tennessee is valuable context for understanding the position of Kurdish people encouraged to join in the current war on Iran. Plus the local news for March 16, 2026, and HealthQ looks at the cost of dental care. 

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MORE TO KNOW

  • Former NFL player allegedly consulted AI bot on how to cover up girlfriend’s killing in Tennessee. Former Jets linebacker Darron Lee is accused of murdering Gabriella Perpétuo in a home in Ooltewah, outside Chattanooga. In February, Lee called 911 saying Perpétuo was unresponsive. She was dead when first responders arrived. Authorities say she suffered extensive injuries including blunt force trauma and stab wounds. Lee’s message history with ChatGPT reveals questions about how to treat her injuries, while saying “I didn’t do anything… self-inflicted.” 
  • The longtime site of a scrapyard near downtown and Nissan Stadium could become home to a children’s museum. Last summer a group of local investors bought the scrapyard property for $245 million. Now the Nashville Business Journal reports the 47-acre site will become home to a mixed-use development, new towers, and possibly the Music City Children’s Museum. A request to rezone the site is awaiting final approval from the Metro council. 
  • Democratic infighting on House committee kills affordable housing bill that got broad bipartisan support in the Senate. The act was the “Homes Not Hedge funds Act” created by Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) and Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville) It would restrict the number of residential properties that companies can buy. Rep. Vincent Dixie (D-Nashville) made a motion to hear the bill, but Rep. Bo Mitchell (D-Nashville) did not second the vote, killing it. In a heated text exchange afterwards, The Banner reported that Dem rep Aftyn Behn texted “Go f*** yourself.” to Rep. Bo Mitchell, and saw his obstruction as retaliation for losing to her in a heated primary last fall.

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