On Broadway - Brandi Shae & Pop's Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits
On Broadway is a bi-monthly web series that delves into the food memories of the talented musicians of Broadway in downtown Nashville. Every other week, we’ll pair those memories with a relevant recipe and information on how to listen to each musician’s material. Our aim is to connect the passion of food to the passion of music—two mediums that evoke instant reactions and memories, and remind us of the incredible people that pour their heart out every day to make their living in our backyard.
When you meet Brandi Shae you’ll immediately know three things: she’s inexplicably talented, she has a big heart, and she’s from Arkansas. Her 5’2” frame packs a whollop – in personality, warmth, and pipes. Walking down Broadway, her voice rings out for multiple blocks, luring you in for more of her crystal-clear tone and rock and roll vibe.
Brandi grew up in a small community of Arkansas named Dewey, where family, church, and comfort food are central to life. “I had this family that loved on me and encouraged me and fed me. Not just with food, but with music. They FED me.” As for the food, Brandi recalls, “We would have [chocolate gravy and biscuits] every Sunday morning before church and it was my thing I couldn’t wait for.” A long-standing, cozy, family tradition packed with love and southern charm, chocolate gravy and biscuits were made one of two ways – pudding style (with a creamy gravy of milk, butter, and cocoa), or candied style (with a syrupy gravy of butter, sugar, and cocoa). “It gave me the energy to sit in church and pay attention.” And we’re glad it did; church is where Brandi started to sing.
All it took was one talent show outside of the church walls and she was hooked. Toting around Christian and gospel music along with her signature sass, Brandi branched out into the pageant circuit, nabbing multiple crowns and a good amount of notoriety to boot. By the age of 12, Brandi had visited Nashville for the first time and a cousin had played her “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner – two things that changed her path forever. By the time she reached 15, she had a live audition for star search, was talking to a record label, and was singing every weekend.
Brandi moved to Nashville 5 years ago and she’s still dreaming of her grandma’s fried chicken, tamales, spicy corn, and fried apple pies. As for her other dreams—she’s living them. “People say, ‘oh you’ll make it one day’ and I’m like, ‘make it where?’ My level of impact is okay with me. I’m not Miranda Lambert or anything, but I’m not tied down to other people’s ideal of what I should be.” For Brandi, it’s about the connections that you are blessed to make by doing what you love each and every day. “I want people to be honest with me, because I’m honest with what I’m doing. I’m honest with singing and the songs that I’ve written, and I want them to feel that genuineness. I feel like they do- that’s why people come back from France or East Tennessee… they know I’m real.”
Brandi Shae is currently in the process of recording an EP of all original country, rock, and blues songs. In the meantime, follow her on instagram at @brandishae and you can catch her every night from Thursday – Sunday at Nudies Honky Tonk as well as Swingin’ Doors Saloon on 4th Avenue on Friday nights. You don’t have to worry about showin’ up hungry- her dad’s recipe for chocolate gravy is below. Fill up your bellies and head on down to let Brandi fill up your heart.
Pop's Chocolate Gravy
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/3 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Your favorite homemade biscuits (already made)
1. Whisk together sugar, cocoa, and flour until well blended.
2. Add milk.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring consistantly until thick.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Add butter and vanilla.
6. Pour over biscuits and enjoy!
