The Architect of Sound: How Susie Otto Spins Her Story

Before the sun dips below the horizon of the Bahamas, a silent disco pulses to life—headphones on, crowds swaying. Hard-edged techno and deep, liquid house fill the air and take command of the sound. At the helm is Susie Otto, who sculpts sound like an architect of rhythm.

It’s a culmination of years spent grinding through DFW, live streaming on Twitch, and forging genuine connections in the heart of Texas’ ever-evolving dance music scene. Now, Susie is bringing that energy to Breakaway Dallas, the state’s newest festival, this weekend! From cello strings to club lights, digital chats to festival stages, this is the story of an artist who’s creatively carved her lane in the scene - one beat at a time.

The first time Susie Otto felt music in her bones came from the warm crackle of a vinyl spinning on her Dad’s record player - disco grooves pulsing through the speakers, basslines thick with funk, the kind of sound that makes people move. “My Dad was always playing disco and classic rock around the house,” she says. “That shaped my ear for rhythm and groove.” Music wasn’t just something she listened to - it was something she lived. Hours spent with a cello taught her more than just technique; they gave her a deep appreciation for melody. But nothing could have prepared her for the moment she stepped into an underground rave in El Paso.

The air was thick with anticipation, the low thump of bass vibrating through her body, neon strobes cutting through the dark - this was a different kind of symphony. “Trance, happy hardcore, deep progressive house - it was magnetic,” she recalls. Something clicked when watching a DJ work the decks, seamlessly weaving one track into the next, controlling the crowd’s energy. She knew she had to get behind those decks. 

Photo Credit: Tony's Photography Life

It all started with a glowing screen, a chatbox flying at lightning speed, and a digital audience of 3,800+ tuning in worldwide - this was Susie Otto’s foundation. Twitch streaming wasn’t just about mixing tracks; it was about curating a vibe and reading the energy of a faceless crowd through emotes and reactions. But stepping from the safety of a webcam into the heat of a live stage? That called for a whole new kind of presence. 

“Transitioning from streaming to live gigs came with challenges,” she says. “Just because you have a good following online doesn’t always mean you’ll pack a dance floor in person - it’s a different kind of connection.” The intimacy with Twitch - fans typing inside jokes, dropping requests, vibing in their own spaces - gave way to a live crowd’s raw, unfiltered energy. There is no chat box safety net - just bodies in motion and bass rattling the floor. “But once I got a few shows, I realized how much the two worlds overlap. Both require more than just playing music - creating an experience, reading the crowd virtual or in-person, and building relationships.” 

Networking turned digital followers into real-world supporters. Then came the breakout moments: Groove Cruise, supporting Mike Saint-Jules in Las Vegas, and now, Breakaway Dallas - a festival in her own backyard. “Playing a festival in my city, surrounded by friends and the local music community - it’s a full-circle moment,” Susie says. Each stage, set, and crowd taught her something new - how to adapt, command a room, and, most importantly, stay true to her sound.

Photo Credit: Faith Thompson

By day, she crafts bold visuals; by night, she blends beats. For Susie Otto, the bridge design and DJing lie in one shared goal: crafting an experience. “Both design and music are all about vibe and connection,” she says. “In design, I’m thinking about how visuals can evoke emotion and tell a story. With DJing, it’s the same concept - only with sound.” A clean, minimal logo carries the weight of an entire brand, just like a single bass drop can shift the mood of a crowd.  Beyond music, she’s building a creative universe through visuals, mixes, and posts. Whether she’s curating a set or mapping out a campaign, the same question lingers: How will people feel when they experience this? 

In Dallas, the EDM scene moves like an intricate dance - fluid, interconnected, and driven by mutual energy. DJs, producers, and promoters share an unspoken understanding: show up, support, and put yourself out there. “I’ve been part of a few tight-knit collectives over the past few years, and the amount of talent in DFW is truly inspiring,” Susie Otto says. “The scene is full of creative minds pushing boundaries, and collaborating with other artists has helped me grow - not just musically, but also in understanding the business side.”

Photo Credit: Faith Thompson

Beyond just sharing lineups, DJs and producers in Dallas swap knowledge, elevate one another’s projects and show up - physically and digitally - to build something bigger than themselves. “It’s not just about networking; it’s about building relationships with people with the same passion. We learn from each other, support each other, and push the scene forward together. That’s what makes it feel like a family.”

For artists trying to break through, Twitch is a digital stage, feedback loop, and a branding powerhouse rolled into one. “Streaming on Twitch isn’t just about building an audience - it’s an incredible way to practice, experiment, and refine your sound,” she explains. Susie has helped DJs transform their streams from casual jam sessions into immersive experiences, guiding them on everything from technical setup to engagement strategies. “I help DJs use streaming to test new tracks, get real-time feedback, and develop their performance skills in a low-pressure environment.”

Curating sets shaped her artistry, but now Susie craves complete creative control. “I’m so excited to dive into production - it’s the ultimate expression of my musical identity,” she says. “I’ve spent years curating and blending artists’ tracks, and now it’s time to bring my vision to life. That classic Chicago deep house sound especially inspires me. Still, I also love the emotional depth of melodic house and techno. Expect lots of groovy basslines, soulful samples, and atmospheric textures. It’s all about crafting a feeling - and I can’t wait to share that.”

From digital stages to real-world dance floors, Susie Otto has built more than a brand - she’s built a movement rooted in authenticity, community, and fearless creativity. As she steps into music production, she plans to blend tracks while composing her truth. And when her set drops at Breakaway Dallas this weekend, DFW will feel every step of her journey, grind, and growth.