Introducing Holly Brewer

Holly Brewer a 26 year-old vocalist from Milton Keynes and is the latest talented addition to Rod’s band, she has been settling in over the past few weeks before the band start the next Vegas residency at Caesars Palace next month, SMILER caught up with Holly as rehearsals took place to introduce her to Rod’s fans.

Hi Holly thank you for speaking to us, SMILER members were introduced to you briefly in issue 95 when you backed Rod on ‘Strictly’ and ‘Children In need ‘ but what’s it like to get the job permanently?

It doesn’t feel real! I am completely over the moon and feel beyond grateful. I was lucky enough to provide backing vocals for Sir Rod’s new album which was a dream, so to experience performing live with him around the world will be incredible!

How have rehearsals been going?

Rehearsals have been going really well thank you! I had been rehearsing by myself whenever and wherever I could for about 2 months so to see it come to life with the band made me even more excited!

Rods band are a special group of people , what were your first impressions of them?

They are SO special! Everyone couldn’t have been more welcoming and I feel very lucky to be able to take advice from his band who have worked with him for so many years and know him and his music so well. I have to mention Becca and Amanda have been so unbelievably supportive and helpful and I couldn’t wish to perform backing vocals with lovelier girls!

What kind of music did you listen to growing up in Milton Keynes?

I would say I was always inspired by the female divas and found myself trying to belt like Whitney, Mariah and Celine Dion from a very young age. I definitely couldn’t sing anything like them but I liked to think I could!

Did you listen to any of Rod’s music?

Absolutely! I know Rod’s hits, but also couldn’t believe how many other songs I knew when I started going through his repertoire.

Do you have a favourite song of Rod’s that you will be performing in the set?

I LOVE Baby Jane, Killing Of Georgie and Some Guys.

Had you ever seen Rod live before joining the band?

I haven’t no, so to hear the band live in our first rehearsal together was extremely special! The energy and talent was SO exciting!!

What was the reaction from friends and family when you told them you were joining Rod’s band?

They couldn’t believe it! The support from my friends and family melts my heart, I feel so lucky!

You said you have been working on the new album with Rod do you have a favourite track?

I have a couple of favourite tracks! We had the most fun recording and I think you can definitely hear that on the album. You will have to wait and see…

You guys seemed to be having a fun day filming the new video ..Did you enjoy that shoot?

The shoot was amazing!!! It was so surreal being in poignant places in London with Sir Rod and seeing the publics reaction. I can’t wait to see the video!

You are a very talented artist joining an already super talented band, we have heard you are an accomplished pianist?

Aww thank you so much! I haven’t played piano in quite a while and wouldn’t say I’m amazing but can play well enough to accompany myself. I used to perform a lot of solo gigs so would accompany myself then.

So will you be hoping Kevin let you play some keyboards?

Absolutely not! Hahaha I think I will definitely leave the expert that is Kevin to play the keyboard.

You also toured with John Newman. He is fantastic, in fact a perfect singer for Rod to do a duet with!..What was that tour like?

The tour was amazing and SO much fun! John is such a talented artist and I love the band and music.

Ok , Thank you so much for taking time out of your hectic schedule, good luck with next Vegas residency and the new Rod album..Do you have a message for Rod’s fans?

Thank you so so much, I have loved answering these questions and I hope you can all welcome me with open arms! I cannot WAIT to get properly started!! Sending lots of love to you all and see you soon!

For more information on Holly go to http://hollybrewer.co.uk/

Holly was interviewed by Mike Walton on 31st August 2021

Video shoot photo by Steven Thomson

Other photos thanks to Holly