Santa Clarita artist Mykel Brooks turns personal struggles into music

For Santa Clarita artist Mykel Brooks, music comes as naturally as breathing. It also gives him a way to express emotions he can’t always put into words.

Brooks describes his lyrics as honest and blunt, reflecting how he feels and what he thinks. His motivation to create is personal: He says he spent much of his life experiencing depression without recognizing it. Now, he hopes his music can help others feel understood and inspire them to move forward.

Earlier this year, Brooks organized “The SoulFood Experience,” a free concert aimed at bringing the community together. For him, the experience was about both performing and giving the audience a chance to be part of the music.

Brooks says success means connecting with people and knowing his work has made a difference, even if that connection comes years from now. He wants listeners to understand that they aren’t alone and that their current struggles don’t define their entire story.

Reporter Leah Pastorio shares how Brooks uses music to express himself and connect with his community.