When Carrie Brockwell started compiling her collection of songs for her new album, That’s Real, which blends country music storytelling with Yacht Rock influences, she had no idea that Keith Urban was going to put his country spin on popular Yacht Rock songs from the late ’70s and early ’80s at the same time. The main difference is that Brockwell’s songs are originals, not covers.
She reported, “I had no idea he was going to release an album. Yacht Rock is my favorite thing ever.”
I wanted to know more about how this young Belmont University student got her start in music.
Carrie Brockwell has been surrounded by music for her entire life. Ever since she was born, her dad and uncle were in a band for over 15 years. They played everything from the Eagles and Tom Petty to Sugarland and Carrie Underwood.
Brockwell shared, “I would always go to their gigs, and they had a female lead singer. I remember being in elementary school and hearing them practicing in my garage as a kid. And I would be like, ‘Oh, I just want to be like them.'”
She loved their energy and realized performing was in her blood as well. Brockwell attended the Governor’s School for the Arts and was in musical theater until her first year of high school, when COVID hit. That’s when the Virginia native turned to songwriting since she could no longer do theater. Not long after, in 2021, at age 15, she auditioned for American Idol and received a golden ticket to Hollywood. While she didn’t make it to the finals, her career path was made clear.
“I’ve been chasing it and writing as much as I can and playing as many shows as I can. I’ve been very blessed to have a supportive family who want to back my dream,” she stated. That included attending Belmont’s College of Music in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is majoring in Music Business.
A song that initially received a lot of positive feedback was “Dizzy,” released during her junior year of high school in 2023.
“I wrote that song with Britain Cameron about a date that I went on at the Chesterfield County Fair here in Chesterfield. That song was so much fun because I was figuring out how to co-write and what my sound was becoming. It was a big stepping stone for me in my journey,” she explained.
By this time, the high schooler was making regular trips to Nashville. She wrote and released another standout song with Cameron, called “Things Are Getting Good,” in 2024.
Now, Brockwell has released That’s Real, an album that explores the themes of growth, heartbreak, healing, self-acceptance, and emotional honesty. Each song is rooted in her personal experiences, inviting listeners into moments that feel deeply intimate yet remain universally relatable.
The upbeat title track “That’s Real” is inspired by a phrase Brockwell often used during pre-production of the record. Producer Brian Fechino stated, “We need to write that song.”
Something that lends itself to the Yacht Rock vibe of this album is that, oftentimes, the song started with a riff or melody instead of a lyric. Fechino would bring her a riff and say, “This sounds like something you would like.”
Brian Fechino also co-wrote all but one track on the 8-song album. Brockwell, who admits to being a chronic overthinker, wrote the song “Nobody’s Perfect” that addresses this issue. “Your thoughts can get louder than what the reality is,” she shared.
While writing the album, Fechino helped Brockwell think things through and put them into the right perspective. There is a lot of anxiety that goes with being part of the music industry while still being in your teens.
The first song on That’s Real is called “Back Home,” a testament to her hometown and family. With college and touring, Brockwell has a lot to be grateful for, but there is no feeling like going back home.
“Faster Than I Thought” is about life going by way faster than you realize. She acknowledged, “I’m guilty of always looking toward the next thing. Life is going so fast, and you need to cherish every moment.” This is pretty insightful for one not quite 20 years old.
If you ever felt you didn’t fit in, “Find A Way” shows you how to find your own path. When you find your people, you will fit in. “It’s worth more when you find the path that’s right for you,” Brockwell said.
“Here I Go Again” is about falling in love, but not wanting to. “Are we moving way too fast?” the song asks.
My personal favorite song on the record is “I’d Love Not To,” a simple tune which is about not having to say “yes” to everything you’re invited to (or asked to write about). I can relate to the lyrics I know I’ve got these things to do, but the more I think it through, I’d love not to.
The aforementioned “Nobody’s Perfect” is Brockwell’s favorite song on the record. It’s the perfect reminder for anyone having identity issues, especially in the distorted world of social media. “It’s realizing that we’re all in the same boat and we’re literally all doing our best,” she asserted.
The final song, “Why Do I Stay,” is the only breakup song on the album. It’s based on a true story of when she started dating this guy right before she started college. The long-distance relationship didn’t work out. It was inevitable that, starting with “goodbye,” it wouldn’t end well.
The thing I liked best about That’s Real is that it doesn’t just focus on a guy or romantic relationships. It’s about home, life, and all the components that make you, you. I found that refreshing.
Brockwell’s momentum continues to build following a breakout year in 2025. The singer/songwriter and American Idol alum was named the 2025 Josie Awards Country Vocalist of the Year. Her live performances have also solidified her as one of country music’s most compelling emerging voices.
Brockwell headlined the Nashville Walk to End Alzheimer’s, performed at the iconic Bluebird Café, appeared at Song Suffragettes, and has performed at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House.
Looking ahead, Brockwell recently joined SongHouse as an official artist alongside talents such as Emmy Russell and Tyler Ward. She is also currently collaborating with the Richmond Symphony, further expanding her creative reach beyond traditional country spaces.
With That’s Real, Brockwell delivers a record designed to meet listeners wherever they are in life — encouraging them to embrace authenticity, let go of expectations, and simply groove.
Check here for Carrie Brockwell’s touring schedule. You can follow Brockwell on her website, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and all streaming platforms.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, and TikTok.
That’s Real Track List
- Back Home
- Faster Than I Thought
- Find a Way
- Here I Go Again
- I’d Love Not To
- Nobody’s Perfect
- That’s Real
- Why Do I Stay
Bethany Writes 
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