We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelsey O’Sullivan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kelsey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

My journey in this industry was an intentional decision that took me to places I never could have expected…. A girl in search of the path that resonated with her soul- took a leap with faith, uncertain but sure that staying safe was the only wrong way.
No experience. Zero education.
Lacking connections or any concept of how to get “there”.
A ♡ of hope and every ounce of determination was packed into boxes.
The only thing certain was the immense excitement that blanketed my being.
I chose me. I chose the blindfold.
I chose to create a path of my own, despite the world not understanding.
This is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. I’ve had to wrestle and reconcile with problems I never could have imagined… Questioned, grieved, Let go, accepted, made peace, messed up, moved on, celebrated, cried, prayed…
Like Nipsey said “.. I went through every emotion..” and still, held onto the knowledge of the gift I was blessed to carry.
My life is beyond anything I could have ever hoped for.

Kelsey , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Kelsey O’Sullivan. I am a hopeful wanderer who has lived many lives along the way. I got into this industry on a wing and prayer. Itchy feet… a restless soul… a motor without an off switch…
Gifts and Curses that brought me here.
It took years… 6 rounds around the sun…
I took every opportunity. Each internship.
Any and every chance to prove myself. Countless hours were spent soaking up the knowledge and connections that elevated the dreams I was striving to make real. I worked full-time to make ends meet… Stretched thin, overwhelmed, and exhausted beyond belief… I never had a day where giving up was an option.
Over the years I came face to face with great heartache… the kind you never expect, but every dreamer will inevitably meet. Pouring time, energy, and hope into projects and people you believe in. This industry educates quickly in the art of half attempts at incredible ideas. I was burnt-out. My ♡ ached, feeling defeated and lost… Ambition rose from the empty space.
I am a curator. I am a visionary and a renegade. I am a rebel determined to disrupt, challenge, and elevate the spaces I step into.
The Knock gave me my foundation. It opened my world to understand how it felt to implement MY ideas. I had countless examples of what I never wanted to do.
It was my mission to right the wrongs of our industry.
Simple, intentional steps.
Prioritizing the artists and attendees.
Unwavering pursuit to evolving and meeting the needs of our community.
It went against the status quo our community had grown used to.
Our company creates connection, reciprocation, and collaboration that extends beyond our reach.
We help develop and provide education that contribute to the elevation or our industry.
We are invested in – bringing positive change, elevating expectations, cultivating connection, increasing mental health, and providing and platform that empowers our community.
It is difficult for me to look at my journey and feel pride…
I feel like my story is so much more than ME. I attribute all my successes to the people that supported me along the way. So I am most proud of the community I have today. I am forever grateful for every person that became a part of my world.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and an thriving creative ecosystem?
This is a question that has many answers, but I’ll do my best to articulate my view. Obviously, every person has a different role or connection to the creative ecosystem. If someone is a listener, admirer, or consumer of art – they are a huge part of the artistic process. No artist can survive without people who love what they do.
Whether you use Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music, or Tidal –
Liking songs and albums
Following artists
Adding songs to playlists.
Go to shows – buy tickets from artists you love. Selling tickets is a recurring obstacle for artists. Hearing fans say that they can’t afford a $10, $15, $20 ticket is an excuse that sounds silly when they post videos from Red Rocks the next day. Even if you can’t make it to the show, buying a ticket or two for them to give away means a lot. Setting aside a little cash to invest in an artist’s career – from tickets to merch is an investment that aids in their ability to continue creating.
And most importantly… Sharing with friends! Playing tracks not only benefits the artists’ numbers, it expands their fanbase.
Side Note: Avoid referring to them as “local artists”, talk about them like you would talk about any mainstream artist. They are just as much of an artist as any other one on your playlist. IG: Follow, comment, share, and save posts! Add their tracks to stories and posts!
If you are an artist or professional – Stay connected to the artist in your community. Staying stuck in one circle, one studio, one producer, etc. It stalls your progression and eliminates the connection that could lead to vital connections. Give back, pay attention, acknowledge, and interact with artists. Reciprocation and genuine interactions are required to find success.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

This is a question that has many answers, but I’ll do my best to articulate my view. Obviously, every person has a different role or connection to the creative ecosystem. If someone is a listener, admirer, or consumer of art – they are a huge part of the artistic process. No artist can survive without people who love what they do. Whether you use Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music, or Tidal –
Liking songs and albums
Following artists
Adding songs to playlists.
Go to shows – buy tickets from artists you love. Selling tickets is a recurring obstacle for artists. Hearing fans say that they can’t afford a $10, $15, $20 ticket is an excuse that sounds silly when they post videos from Red Rocks the next day. Even if you can’t make it to the show, buying a ticket or two for them to give away means a lot. Setting aside a little cash to invest in an artist’s career – from tickets to merch is an investment that aids in their ability to continue creating.
And most importantly… Sharing with friends! Playing tracks not only benefits the artists’ numbers, it expands their fanbase.
Side Note: Avoid referring to them as “local artists”, talk about them like you would talk about any mainstream artist. They are just as much of an artist as any other one on your playlist. IG: Follow, comment, share, and save posts! Add their tracks to stories and posts!
If you are an artist or professional – Stay connected to the artist in your community. Staying stuck in one circle, one studio, one producer, etc. It stalls your progression and eliminates the connection that could lead to vital connections. Give back, pay attention, acknowledge, and interact with artists. Reciprocation and genuine interactions are required to find success.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The mission that has been my guiding light since I was very young, was to help people. Even when I wasn’t sure of my direction, that was my constant.
“Empower people to pursue their passions and motivate them to find a life they never believed was possible.”
My goal in this industry began as a desire to do something I loved. To stay true to the part of me that was always searching.
It evolved into the dream of providing the tools that could enable creatives to thrive in a life they are passionate about.
The Knock inspired one of my biggest goals:
I am relentless in my pursuit of being a part of the movement that will help Denver be recognized as a hub for Hip Hop.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/theknock303
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknock303/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happymessproductions
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theknock303

Image Credits
All Images Sent were taken by me.