Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke O’Donnell.
Brooke, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
To give you an idea of how quickly all of this has unfolded for me, I typed out a brief timeline of all the colorful accomplishments I’ve been fortunate enough to now call memories!
I began to pursue my interests in audio engineering at the age of 15 & instantly fell in love with the production process of all genres, but especially Electronic music.
At 19, I dropped out of ACC (Austin Community College) (mind you, it only took me five weeks to realize it wasn’t for me), I decided to give my entirety to production. I am not suggesting that dropping out to pursue music production is what anyone should do, it is just what made sense for me to do considering my circumstances! STAY IN SCHOOL! Haha… but really!
After finding myself surrounded by likeminded creators (that I am lucky enough to call friends), I discovered how much the music I was teaching myself how to produce had gone hand-in-hand with the idea of DJing live shows. So, at the age of 19, I bought my first Traktor S2 & since then, it’s been effortless to find my flow in spinning what I love – to create & to just jam out to!
My first gig was in December of 2017 (LAN Pre-Party) to now (July of 2019) & here are some of my highlights! (Still surreal to me! All of this! I feel as if I am speaking about another person!)
I have played in Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, & Alexander, AR!
I have landed my first headlining show/event, booked my first festival -as of now, I’ve gotten to play four total: SXSW, Ubbi Dubbi, iLLFest, & RedWhite&Boom!
Earlier in the year I was stoked to have locked in my first SXSW showcases (I ended up spinning at 7 events in 5 days (2 official SXSW events & 5 underground/”homie-fest” type events!) but as the momentum caught speed, it’s been surreal to fathom all of the magical opportunities I’ve found myself seizing!
I have been local support for artists such as PhaseOne, Delta Heavy, Reid Speed, Jantsen, SweetTooth, Yookie, Havoc Roth, Blaize, Mystic Grizzly, Pixel Terror, OG Nixin, Dani Deahl, Hi I’m Ghost, Hairitage!
I have also had the pleasure of opening the “DeadBeats” stage at Ubbi Dubbi which legends (as perceived by us fellow bassheads,) like Zeds Dead, Space Jesus, Keys N Krates, & Jaenga played on that same night!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh man, what a question. Let’s just say this chapter of mine has been a total (pardon) sh*t show! Ha!
The best way I can put it is: life always seemed to come in the biggest waves that never seemed to come with any warning. I always felt like these seemingly never-ending waves sucked me under & I could never catch a break. Once I chose to embrace the pursuits that truly felt fulfilling, I finally felt like I was flowing effortlessly through life. I then realized I was finally RIDING a wave that I would’ve normally been intimidated by.
On a deeper level…
I have learned that there is nothing graceful about self-discovery, & that’s what gives life a child-like sort of “playful” notion to me. To be perfectly composed 24/7 is a delusion that I wish I had been taught much sooner, ESPECIALLY as a creator!
Any creator who has been able to connect with masses of people can justify that our lows are just as crucial as our highs. I enjoy magnifying all of my focuses but one role as a creator I feel most fulfilled pursuing is conveying to others that the lows are not placed in our paths to “tolerate” nor intended to be filled with negativity.
Dark times don’t beckon negative energies. Our misunderstandings of darkness tend to manifest negative motions. In other words, we tend to kick ourselves in the bum with this in particular.
I used to struggle with tuning into my optimistic ways when I hadn’t yet realized the purpose of why we all endure lows. I would pretend like they never happened, which became exhausting. I am sure we can all vouch on that! Ha.
I am here speaking as a creator that is also very human, I am not ashamed of my scars by any means, as I would gladly discuss on a personable level face to face with someone, but I do think it is important to use these chances to speak publically & highlight one of my duties as an artist: to offer an alternative perception to anyone who is in dire need of some light in the midst of life’s inevitable depths.
It is natural to bring fear into our lows, it’s seemingly involuntary, rather; although I believe we all reach a point in our lives (some much later in life, others very early on) that we refer to as “rock bottom.”
I feel like our world tends to compare one another’s battles to see who is deserving of more sympathy. I believe to compare is to miss the point of our conscious gift to feel & empathize.
It is not my duty, nor is it any of mankind’s duty, to say who is more worthy of grace simply because they’ve endured “more” (i.e. violence or poverty) than others.
A role that many creators might not always see value in, but for those like myself the value lies in a feeling of fulfillment (rather than a grand gesture/public validation) in influencing anyone in the world who stumbles across our art/craft so that those who resonate with it can use it to spark a fire that will then light their way out of the darkness.
We are here on earth together, the struggle is inevitable so why not make that the foundation of a platform that I have been given as an artist (in this instance: a DJ/Producer) to give others a source of release. A place to let go. A place to add some color in our minds that can be carried as memories once over. Validation of higher vibrations. Unity. Acceptance. I could go on & on!
I can only hope that my creations can hush the minds of those who have been invaded by negativity & open their souls to the “flow” that life can possess.
I have a saying I try to tell everyone I speak to at shows, which is “Groove On!” and it means just keep grooving. Now that I think about it, I guess you could say it’s similar to Dori’s “Just keep swimming!” motto! Haha.
Since pursuing this complex passion of mine, I have had my eyes opened to an abundance of positive perspectives. I am so blessed to find myself around some of the kindest, most enlightening, patient & wise souls! Most of which I am lucky enough to call my friends; for the rest of those who have impacted me positively but happen to seldom cross paths with me, I will always consider them kindred spirits until the next time life allows us to be acquainted!
Every journey, path, road, & obstacle is unique to our own stories. I have been handed the toughest cards that a girl can be dealt with, but I will never perceive those obstacles as setbacks.
I will end with: perception is key; if we can embrace our God-given right to groove it out, I can confirm that it makes “riding out” those lows WAY more fun!!
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am proud to bring light, color, grooves, good vibrations, joyous jam sessions, & most of all ACCEPTANCE to others.
If anyone finds themselves in the same room as me, no matter how crowded it is, I promise you that someone within reach accepts you as you are.
I don’t yet feel as if I have experienced enough of this world to claim that I have something that sets me apart from others… there are countless likeminded people who share similar pursuits & goals as mine & I see them as my peers, not competition. I suppose many lose sight of the fact that this isn’t a race nor is it about who can outshine who. I know there are more artists nowadays who are in it for the sole fact that they enjoy what music does to them, so they create to give that same sensation to others, even if it is for themselves.
I believe there’s always a plentiful amount of room in the limelight for all of us. If you want to race me to the top, I will always be there holding the door open for you to get a head start & beat me to it because I got a ways to go! Haha
Also, my long term goal is not to be the world’s biggest EDM producer/DJ. It just so happens to be an epic chapter in my life that has given me so much joy & appreciation for the EDM scene as a whole. My entire thought process since stepping on a stage for the first time was “Woah, wait, WHAT… that was so much freakin’ fun… what a lucky girl I am, this just made life so much more exciting! SO… when is the next one?!” Haha.
But, my end goal is to eventually establish my own non-profit which will raise awareness of how crucial art is in child development. I have The Boys & Girls Club to thank for bringing this discovery of my life’s purpose to my awareness. I hope to have more ground covered & news on this particular pursuit for you guys within the next couple of years!
All in all… the more I can connect with others through my music & build relationships with my listeners, the better I am doing as a creator that carries a purpose consisting of uniting souls of all backgrounds to do one thing: GROOVE.
What a righteous platform/gift from above!!! Right??? I still chuckle to myself in disbelief when I think about how much fun this journey is.
Right after the epiphany of what I TRULY am meant to do for this planet & humankind, I happened to find my flow in DJing/Producing.
It’s almost like this whole “Zinnia Project” where I get to go out & throw down a jam session with others/travel/& all of the perks in general of being a DJ/Producer is a blatant gift or reward from the Universe, or God, or whoever hears my prayers, for discovering my purpose in life by listening to those at the BGClub who have never had a voice. I am very fortunate to be in the position I am in with the tools I am given, and the support of the greatest individual’s that life could grant me. I do not know what I did to deserve all this goodness in my life, but I can promise you that every ounce of it is cherished & celebrated when given the chance!!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I am an Irish girl who comes from a line of the utmost superstitious sons of guns you will ever meet! Haha.
Although, I am going to give much kudos to the infamous lady, Karma. I feel as if Karma has taught me one thing: she acts based on what one’s intentions stem from!
For example:
If you’re doing good because you need good back, you’re going to wind up angry and asking yourself “WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?” & thus, follows the downward spiral… BUT if you do good, treat others with love, & so forth simply because you acknowledge that they genuinely need a helping hand, then Karma takes note in “our favor”, … usually hahahaha.
Mannnn, it took me so long to grasp that one!!
I wish everyone could understand that life could actually be SO much fun to live & so breezy if you are consistent with one thing: being kind. Period. Kindness is a power move for anyone and everyone wondering “what do I do next? How can I not screw up my progress?”. Be kind. Speak kindly. Remember that everything is circumstantial & act accordingly… with love. Exercise kindness with the mentality that Earth needs warmer spirits walking its grounds & your heart will grow as well as your “luck.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zinniamusic.com
- Email: 44zinnia@gmail.com
- Instagram: Zinnia.Music
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZinniaOfficial/
- Twitter: Zinnia_Music
- Other: www.soundcloud.com/zinniamusic44
Image Credit:
OhDagYo – Jason Fenmore, Kin Yau Photo – Mike Holtberg, BrivnMedia – Brian Carroll, No Sleep – Nelson Mak, Mvisionz – Mario Garza
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