Check Out Tommy Burrell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tommy Burrell.

Hi Tommy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
was born in Los Angeles, California, in the Crenshaw District, to be exact. Growing up in South Central, it was easy for me to feel trapped in a bubble. I grew up skateboarding so that was my first time building and understanding community. My cousin Dechel Mckillian was my gateway to the creative world. She was a stylist and brand owner that would mentor me. She is the reason I am who I am and will forever be my inspiration. I was always seeking more, more creativity, more diversity, more community. I would travel all over LA, going to art shows, fashion shows, pop-ups, trying to find my tribe. I ended up getting cast for a shoot at 17 for (at the time) one of my favorite brands, Illegal Civ. Around this time is when I met Tobey from Crenshaw Skate Club as well. This opened a door to a path that would forever change my life. After now being surrounded by so many creative individuals, I wanted to start something of my own. So in 2017, I started my clothing brand Drama Club Kids. Later that year, I produced my first art show on Melrose. Maybe about 50 people came, but it was the start of my creative career. In 2020, I did another art show, this time collaborating with my best friend and lifetime creative partner Pluto Kenny. This one I had a fashion show, live performances, DJ sets, and food. This was definitely a milestone for me and Pluto, but we didn’t stop there. Covid forced us to take a break from being socially creative, but it did stop us from working. We sharpened our skills for the next couple years. Then in 2022, we would throw another art show. This one would be the biggest one I would ever do (till this day). Converse sponsored me and gave me and Pluto $12,000 to do this one. We had artists like Amanda, Killam, and Elias the Infinite. I even performed a few songs I recorded that summer. Since we had an actual budget, We were about to really produce the shoot in a way that was not only fulfilling for us, but for Converse and the community. It was a beautiful night, and one of my biggest accomplishments. Then I took some time off. I think the pressure of being a creative (A real one) was becoming too much. But then I would go on to take another extremely huge leap. In May of 2023, I moved away from everything I knew, to chase my dreams in NYC. It took me a while, but I eventually found my way and managed to make some really good friends on the way. Shoutout to Liim, Opraah, Sham, and the whole Katalogue. In NYC, I discovered my obsession for music and started DJing and making music of my own again. I would stay in NYC for 2 years before returning back home to LA. Now, I’m working with Jordan, still DJing and making music. Very excited to see where God takes me next.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Feeling isolated creatively — Growing up in South Central, I felt like I was in a bubble and had to travel around LA to find creativity, diversity, and community.
Finding my place in the creative world — I was actively searching for my “tribe” and trying to figure out where I belonged.
Building something from scratch — Starting Drama Club Kids and producing my first art show meant creating opportunities for myself without knowing where they would lead.
Limited resources — My early shows were much smaller, and I had to work with what I had before eventually receiving major support from Converse.
The impact of COVID — The pandemic forced me and Pluto to step away from being socially creative, interrupting the momentum we had built.
Pressure as a creative — I felt the pressure of being “a real” creative becoming overwhelming, which led me to take time off.
Taking a major risk — Moving from LA to NYC in 2023 meant leaving behind everything familiar to pursue my dreams.
Starting over in a new city — It took time to find my way in NYC and build a new community and friendships.
Finding my artistic direction — My journey shifted from fashion and art shows toward music, DJing, and making music.
Uncertainty about the future — Even after everything I’ve accomplished, I’m still figuring out where my creativity and career will take me next.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Founded clothing brand Drama Club Kids in 2017
Produced first art show on Melrose in 2017
Produced a second art show in 2020 with Pluto Kenny
Organized fashion shows, live performances, DJ sets, and food experiences
Collaborated with Converse on a 2022 art show
Produced a large-scale creative event with a $12,000 Converse budget
Worked with artists including Amanda, Killam, and Elias the Infinite
Performed original music at creative events
Moved to NYC in 2023 to pursue creative opportunities
Built a creative community and collaborated with Liim, Opraah, Sham, and Katalogue
Started DJing and making music again
Currently working with Jordan as an ambassador
Currently DJing and making music

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is being in my cousin Dechel’s Office downtown. We were organizing polaroids from a casting we just had earlier that day. The sun is falling casting a golden beam across the entire studio. Baby Blue by King Krule is playing, and the day feels infinite.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tommyychill.myportfolio.com