Life & Work with Bree Williams of Silverlake, Ca

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bree Williams

Hi Bree, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I woke up one morning and decided to explore other genres of music besides the types I was listening to. I wanted something different—something that felt deeper, more immersive. That’s when I found instrumental music. The more I listened, the more I became fascinated by the layers of sound, the emotions each instrument could evoke without a single word.

As I dove further into this world, I found myself watching festival performances on YouTube, mesmerized by the energy, the transitions, and, most of all, the DJs. I wasn’t just watching the artists—I was studying them, paying close attention to how they controlled the crowd, built anticipation, and seamlessly blended tracks. There was something so captivating about the way they crafted an experience purely through sound.

I didn’t just want to be an observer—I wanted to be the one behind the decks, shaping the vibe, making people move. So, I reached out to a friend who was a DJ, hoping to get some insight. She gave me a quick five-minute lesson, just enough to get me started, and then told me to figure out the rest on my own. It wasn’t much, but it was all the motivation I needed.

From that moment on, I practiced relentlessly. I spent hours at home experimenting with transitions, studying different genres, and fine-tuning my ear. I challenged myself to create seamless blends that not only sounded good but felt good. It became an obsession, a passion that I poured myself into every day.

Eventually, my dedication led to my first opportunity to play publicly. I landed a gig at Fixins Soul Kitchen, a restaurant in LA Live, where I got to put everything I had learned into action. That moment was the turning point—the first time I saw people reacting to the music I was playing, moving to the beats I carefully selected. It was then that I knew: this was only the beginning.

In February 2022, I secured my first residency at Fixins Soul Kitchen in Los Angeles, a milestone that marks my three-year anniversary this February 2025. This residency has allowed me to blend my passion for music with my commitment to community, creating an atmosphere where guests can enjoy soulful tunes alongside their meals.

Beyond music, I have spent over a decade in the mental health field, a journey that has deeply influenced my approach to sound. Inspired by meditative and binaural music, I discovered DJing as a way to bridge rhythm and emotion—crafting sets that don’t just make people dance but make them feel.

My sets are more than just music; they are curated experiences designed to move both body and soul. Whether you’re lost in deep grooves or caught in an unexpected beat switch, I ensures every transition is intentional, every sound is felt, and every moment is one to remember. So whether you’re vibing out or hitting the dance floor, prepare to be carried away—consciously and subconsciously—by the music.

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?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a DJ is setting up my equipment at different venues. Many venues prefer that DJs use their in-house controller rather than their own, which can create unexpected hurdles. If this information isn’t communicated ahead of time, it can be time-consuming to ensure compatibility between the controller and my computer. I often have to check that I have the correct software and drivers installed to avoid any last-minute issues and ensure everything runs smoothly when it’s time to play my set.

I also experience initial nervousness when playing at a new venue or closing out a set. I put a lot of pressure on myself to deliver a great performance, ensuring that everything flows seamlessly. My ultimate goal after every set is simple—I want them to ask me to come back again.

Lastly, I’ve experienced technical difficulties, like my speakers going out in the middle of a set—one of the first sets I ever booked. I had to adapt quickly, continuing my performance with just one speaker while staying calm and focused. At the end of the day, the show must go on. Fortunately, the faulty speaker was replaced within an hour or two, but that initial moment of panic when your equipment fails mid-gig was definitely a scary experience.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I started a home-based candle business called Soul-Fully Shifted that caters to your mental health and overall wellbeing back in 2019. As I am often busy, I have been running this business as needed. It’s a low-key operation where I take orders through word-of-mouth, Instagram, email, or direct contact from those who have my information. For me, candle-making is not just a creative outlet but also a form of therapy and an additional source of income. I believe in staying connected to hobbies you love—especially when they can also turn into a paycheck.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My parents have definitely played a huge role in my journey to becoming a DJ, as well as a few close friends who would come over, hang out, and listen to me practice while also enjoying some girl time. There were also other DJs who would invite me over to spend time with them when they were hosting gatherings, whether it was a game night or just a casual get-together at their home.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @butterrsbaby
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djbutterbaby