May 18th 2024.
Brodie Brown may only be 17 years old, but he is far from ordinary. His journey has been filled with challenges and struggles that most teenagers could not even imagine. At the young age of two, Brodie was diagnosed with a rare condition called cystic hygroma, also known as lymphangioma. This condition caused him to endure over 70 operations on his throat, making it difficult for him to breathe. While most children were attending school, Brodie was spending his days in Great Ormond Street Hospital, fighting for his life.
But what sets Brodie apart is not his health struggles; rather, it is his determination and resilience in the face of adversity. At the age of 14, Brodie was sectioned, and at 15, he suffered a traumatic mental breakdown. These experiences landed him in a psychiatric hospital, where he spent his 15th birthday. It was during this dark time that Brodie received a gift that would change his life forever – a bass guitar from his favorite band, The Fratellis.
The simple act of receiving this gift gave Brodie a reason to keep fighting. Despite his struggles, he refused to let them define him. Instead, he turned to music as a way to cope and express his emotions. And it worked. Brodie's talent and passion for songwriting caught the attention of many, including the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest. He has already won awards for best break up song and best rock song and is now hoping to take home the coveted best song prize. His talent has even caught the eye of Yoko Ono and renowned musicians such as Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sean Paul, and Natasha Bedingfield.
Despite not having traditional school qualifications, Brodie has been offered a place at WaterBear College of Music in Brighton, starting in September. It is a testament to his undeniable talent and dedication to his craft. In an interview, Brodie shared how music has been a cathartic outlet for him, helping him process his emotions in a positive way. He has even commissioned a gospel choir from Nigeria to feature in his songs, creating a unique and catchy blend of punk, gospel, and rock.
Brodie's journey has not been an easy one, and he still battles with mental illness to this day. He has spent time in a psychiatric hospital just a year ago and continues to face challenges with psychosis. But through it all, he remains an inspiration, using his platform to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for serious conditions like psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
When asked about his advice for others who may be going through similar struggles, Brodie's response is simple – find something you love and put all your effort into it. And that is exactly what he has done with music. His ultimate dream is to one day perform at Glastonbury, and with his talent and determination, it may very well become a reality. As voting for the John Lennon Songwriting Contest is open, Brodie hopes to receive support from others who believe in his music and his message.
Brodie's story is a testament to the power of music and the human spirit. Despite all the challenges he has faced, he remains determined to follow his dreams and make a positive impact in the world. Emily Eavis, if you're reading this, keep an eye out for this incredible young talent. And to anyone else going through a difficult time, remember Brodie's words – find something you love and put all your effort into it. It may just save your life.
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