I kicked off this year’s Next Big Nashville by dropping by the Belcourt Theater last night to watch the premier of the new Brooke Waggoner live concert documentary, “And the World Opened Up.” Filmed and produced by Charlie Peacock, the film included live footage and highlights from Brooke’s performance at ArtHouse in Nashville, as well as interviews with the artist and some super cute animation.
The performance at ArtHouse was rather notable because it featured Brooke playing all the hits (i.e. “Go Easy Little Doves,” “Femmes,” “Godwin,” and “Find Her Floods”)—but with a chamber orchestra as a backing band. As if Brooke Waggoner’s music isn’t gorgeous enough, who doesn’t get shhhiiiverrrs from hearing a full string section? Plus, some of Nashville’s other local artists participated in the performance or film footage, such as Natalie Prass and Kelsey Kopecky singing background vocals, Zach Casebolt playing violin, and Kai Welch playing trumpet.
The live interviews with Brooke revealed some very interesting insights into her musical background, including her huge influences by Romantic composers Debussy and Rachmaninov, to her fascination with and belief of Mozart as being the true King of Pop. Audience members also learned that she is very passionate about film scores, and would like to eventually compose music for films herself. Her artistic and songwriting processes were examined, showing how she makes her own orchestral arrangements, where she draws lyrical influences from, and how she began forging her career from age 9.
And may I just mention that she sat right in front of me at the theater? So for some reason, that made the experience even more satisfying for me. I guess because it’s so refreshing to see an artist keepin’ it real…? Anyway, the film was riveting and beautiful on an aesthetic AND musical level, so go here to purchase a copy, or to find out how you can see it.—Erin Manning