Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooks Herring.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a small town in South Carolina, where music found me early. I started on trumpet in 6th grade, picked up drums in 7th, and started learning guitar at 14. At the time, I had no idea that music would eventually become my life’s work – my purpose. It was simply something that helped me make sense of the world. No one in my family knew much about the music industry or was musically inclined.
At 17, I enlisted in the United States Navy. Over the next 6 years on active duty, followed by 2 years working for the U.S. Army, I deployed multiple times to Iraq, Africa, and Afghanistan. Wherever I went, one thing that I always mailed myself was a guitar. I’d spend my free time leaning chords and songs, writing lyrics, and playing for other service members on base. Long before I understood the meaning behind it, music was helping me process experiences that words alone couldn’t explain.
When I got home, I pursued a Doctorate in Physical Therapy because I wanted to help people heal. I believed my purpose was to fix what was broken and improve lives – it was a was to continue serving. Then, in March of 2020, everything changed.
Through a program called CreatiVets, I was able to come to Nashville for the first time. I was surrounded by professional songwriters, veterans, and stories that sounded like my own. For the first time, I realized that songwriting wasn’t just something I enjoyed, it was something that had been helping me heal for years. More importantly, I saw its power to help others heal as well.
That experience gave me a new sense of purpose and changed the direction of my life.
I returned to South Carolina to complete my Doctorate, but my heart was already in Nashville. I knew I could continue helping people, just in a different way. In January of 2023, I packed almost everything I owned and moved to Nashville with no back up plan.
Since then, I’ve become a full time musician, touring throughout the United States and the UK, while also becoming a mentor and songwriter with CreatiVets. I also went back to college, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Songwriting with a minor in Music Business from Belmont University. Today, my original music has accumulated more than 1.6 million streams, but music only tells part of the story.
What matters most to me is the impact.
I’ve seen firsthand how music can create connection, spark hope, and help people navigate some of life’s darkest moments. Whether I’m performing for a huge crowd, sitting in a songwriting session, or mentoring an emerging artist, my mission remains the same: to serve others through music. Knowing the healing power of music is one thing, sharing it, is another.
Everything I’ve done – from military service, to physical therapy, to songwriting, has been driven by a desire to help people and live a life of servant leadership. Music just happens to be the vehicle that allows me to do that every day and I feel so fortunate that I get to do what I love and help people for my job.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road – about as smooth as some of the streets in downtown Nashville! But honestly, I’m very grateful for every challenge because each one has taught me something and pushed me to become better.
Early on, some of the biggest struggles were simply finding people willing to take a chance on me, finding places to play, and building relationships with other writers and musicians. Those opportunities don’t just appear overnight, and earning trust in a city filled with incredible talent takes time.
When I moved to Nashville, there was no back up plan. I didn’t come here to test the waters, I jumped in head first. Financial struggles were, and still can be, a reality at times. But instead of letting that discourage me, it motivated me to work harder, learn more, and create multiple streams of income through music and the opportunities the industry provides.
Since moving here, I’ve been surrounded by musicians who are incredibly talented, many of whom were better than me in different ways. But one thing I can control is my work ethic. I may not be able to control every opportunity, but I can control how prepared I am when they come. I’ve made it a point to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep improving every day. I will not be outworked. After being in Nashville for about a year, I made the decision to fully invest myself in my music and my performance. As of today, I’ve been sober for 542 days, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s not always easy, especially in an industry where alcohol is everywhere. It’s more common for someone to try buy a musician a drink than leave a tip. But I’ve made the commitment to being the best version of myself, both on and off stage.
For me sobriety isn’t about what I’m giving up – it’s about what I’m gaining. It allows me to show up focused, healthy, and fully present for my fans, my career, and the people who support me. Like any challenge, it’s something I take one day at a time, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. It’s strengthened my discipline, sharpened my focus, and reinforced my commitment to the goals I’m working toward every day.
The struggles haven’t disappeared, but I’ve learned to use them as fuel. Every obstacle has made me stronger, more focused, and more appreciative of the journey. My life has been full of challenges, even before becoming part of the industry, but looking back, I’m thankful for the road not being easy because those challenges have played a huge role in shaping who I am today, and who I’m still becoming.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Nashville based country artist, songwriter, and entertainer whose music blends country, southern rock, and blues with stories rooted in real life experience. I’ve released more than 35 original songs, earned over 1.6 million streams, and perform nearly 300 shows a year across the U.S. and internationally.
My career has taken me from stages like The Bluebird Cafe, The Listening Room, Grand Ole Opry Plaza, Williams-Brice Stadium to providing support for artists such as Jamey Johnson, Chris Janson and Blanco Brown. Along the way, I’ve been honored as the 2025 Josie Music Awards Southern | Country Rock Artist of the Year, a USA Songwriting Competition Finalist, and a 2026 South Carolina Military Veterans Hall of Fame inductee.
What sets me apart is the road I’ve traveled to get here. Before music, I served six years on active duty in the U.S. Navy followed by work with the U.S. Army. I also earned Bachelors in Exercise Science, Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of South Carolina, followed by a Bachelors in Songwriting from Belmont University. Those experiences taught me resilience, discipline, and the value of serving others – lessons that shape every song I write and every stage I step on.
Of all of my accomplishments, I’m most proud of my sobriety and the opportunity to use music to help people heal, connect, and feel understood. Awards and streams are meaningful, but knowing a song has made a difference in someone’s life is what drives me. My goal has never been to been to just build a music career – it’s to leave people better than when they found me.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The biggest thing I’ve learned about finding a mentor and networking is to focus on building genuine relationships rather than trying to get something from someone. Most people can tell the difference between someone looking for a shortcut and someone who truly wants to learn.
For me, networking has been about showing up consistently. I played every show I could, attended songwriter rounds, introduced myself to people, and stayed in touch. A lot of opportunities didn’t come from the first conversation – they came months later because people remembered that I was reliable, worked hard, and followed through.
When it comes to mentors, don’t just look for the most successful person in the room. Look for someone whose character, work ethic, and career align with where you want to go. Then be willing to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and most importantly, apply the advice they give you.
One thing that has worked well for me is approaching every interaction with the mindset of, “how can I provide value?” instead of “what can I get” whether that’s helping someone load hear, making an introduction, supporting their projects, or simply being someone they enjoy being around, relationships are built on trust and reciprocity.
Most of my best opportunities have come from relationships, not transactions. Be authentic, be dependable, stay humble, and keep showing up. Talent might open a door, but character and consistency are what keep it open.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brooksherringmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooksherringmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brooksherringmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brooksherringmusic
