Teen battles 70 throat surgeries and mental health issues to become an award-winning singer

In life’s quest, people often face obstacles that feel like the end of everything. It is only people’s persistence and optimism that help them break through and rewrite their stories. For teen Brodie Brown, he too was faced with a heart-shattering illness but today stands as a popular singer and songwriter, per The Scotsman. A rare disease called lymphangioma or cystic hygroma, creating a lump in the throat, caused Brown to undergo over 70 surgeries on his throat, per The Courier. It adversely affected his breathing, let alone his speaking abilities. To add to this, the young boy suffered from psychotic breaks for several years owing to his traumatic childhood.

Having spent most of his life in and out of hospitals and mental facilities, Brown was nearing the end of hope. Brown’s mental condition got worse by the age of 14, with frequent psychotic episodes. He saw his 15th birthday in the walls of a mental hospital. Brown’s dad had contacts in the music industry and after he shared his son’s story, bass player Barry from the iconic band “The Fratellis” sent Brown a guitar. “They decided they wanted to give me an instrument to try, so there was something new to focus on when things weren’t so good. It’s all gone from there,” Brown recalled.

“I taught myself how to play, started learning when I was in the hospital. And I also started writing poetry, which I then turned into songs,” Brown explained. Ever since the young teen began making music, he never looked back. He would often meet the band at their gigs backstage, which served as a massive support. “They told me to just keep doing it. And I have,” Brown remarked. Recently, the young man debuted a single, “Monsters,” which was shortlisted for the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Brown has described part of his journey and the trials of having psychosis in his single.

“It’s not a particularly pleasant thing. When it’s bad, it’s like seeing and hearing people that aren’t physically in the room or feeling very crowded even in a large open space because there’s so much going on that’s just created by my brain,” he explained. “It can be hard to differentiate between what is and isn’t reality if I’m left alone. And it’s quite hard to describe with words,” Brown exclaimed, which is why he took the support of music.

As for the vocals, Brown recalls his persistent struggle to make the best out of his vocals and calls on other artists and groups for backing vocals. Though not as perfect or melodious as he’d want, the artist uses pipes and his commitment to deliver remarkable vocals for his music. “I’ve had 70 operations, they never thought I’d talk again, so the fact that I’ve had a tracheotomy twice and can use my voice to help other people and myself is incredible,” he exclaimed. Brown continues to enjoy his gigs with his bass guitar, as seen in a series of his posts. While crediting his life to music, he said, “Most of my friends didn’t make it. If I hadn’t found it, I don’t think I would be here – which is upsetting, but I’m glad I’ve found something that works.” 

You can follow Brodie Brown (@brodiebrownofficial) on Instagram for content on music, art and lifestyle.