Rule 2: Musical Identity

Taylor Swift began her music career as a country singer-songwriter, and over the years has evolved into one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Growing up in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, Swift showed a talent for music at a young age, learning to play the guitar and writing her own songs. She moved to Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 14 to pursue a career in music, and was signed by Big Machine Records at the age of 16.

Her 2006 debut album, “Taylor Swift,” was well-received, and its lead single, “Tim McGraw,” became a top-ten hit on the country charts. In her early years as a musician, Swift was often seen as a “young and innocent” country singer, with a wholesome image that matched her music. However, as she continued to grow and develop as an artist, her musical identity began to evolve.

With her follow-up albums, “Fearless” (2008) and “Speak Now” (2010), Swift began incorporating pop and rock elements into her music, and her sound became more mature and confident. By the time she released her fourth studio album, “Red” (2012), Swift had fully transitioned into the pop genre, with the album showcasing a more upbeat, danceable sound than her previous work.

The album was a commercial success, and its lead single, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” became her first number-one hit on the pop charts.

Over the years, Swift has continued to evolve and refine her musical identity. With each album she has released, she has explored different styles and sounds, while also staying true to her roots as a singer-songwriter. This ability to constantly adapt and change while still maintaining her signature sound has helped her to build a formidable musical identity. In addition to her musical identity, Swift has also built a strong personal brand and image. She has been known for her clever lyrics, relatable storytelling, and powerful stage presence.

She has also been a strong advocate for various causes, such as education and mental health, and has used her platform to speak out on issues that are important to her. Taylor Swift’s musical identity has been built through a combination of her unique musical style, her personal brand and image, and her ability to constantly evolve and grow as an artist. She is a prime example of how a musician can build a formidable musical identity through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to their craft.

As a musician, it is crucial to choose a musical identity, which often takes the form of a specific genre of music that the artist wants to be associated with. While some musicians might have a clear idea of what genre they want to pursue from the outset, others might still be exploring and experimenting with different styles. However, it is important to eventually focus on one specific genre so that the music can be easily categorized and marketed, especially if it is going to be played on the radio.

CHOOSING GENRE

Choosing a specific genre to stick to in your music career can be a difficult decision, but it’s important to have focus in order to build a strong musical identity and stand out from the competition. Here are some tips to help you make this decision:

• Explore your musical interests: Before committing to a specific genre, take the time to experiment with different types of music. Try playing different instruments, attending live shows and concerts, and listening to a variety of music genres.
• Identify your strengths: What type of music do you enjoy playing the most? What comes naturally to you? Take inventory of your musical strengths and consider what genre aligns with them.
• Study the market: Research the music industry and find out what genres are popular and in demand. Look at the current market trends and what type of music is being played on the radio, in clubs, and at concerts.
• Consider your audience: Who do you want to reach with your music? What type of music do they enjoy? Consider your target audience and what type of music they are most likely to listen to.
• Be authentic: Choose a genre that represents who you are as an artist. Don’t try to fit into a mold or conform to what is popular. Your music should reflect your personal experiences, emotions, and unique perspective.
• Get feedback: Consult with other musicians, industry professionals, and music lovers for their opinions. Take their feedback into consideration as you make your decision.
• Take your time: Don’t feel pressured to choose a genre immediately. Take the time you need to explore different options and make an informed decision.
• Remember, your choice of genre is not set in stone. You can always evolve and change your style as you grow as an artist. The most important thing is to be true to yourself and choose a genre that allows you to express your musical talents and creativity.

DEVELOP A DISTINCT ‘SOUND’

The next step in establishing a musical identity is to develop a distinct “sound”. This can be a combination of various elements, such as the songwriting, vocals, lyrics, performance, location, socioeconomic background, production, and A&R, among others. A good example of this is when an A&R discovers a country singer and pairs them with a rap producer, creating a unique “country rap” sound, as seen with the duo Florida Georgia Line.

First, let’s define what we mean by “sound.” In music, the term refers to the way an artist or band sounds, including their musical style, instrumentation, production, and vocal delivery. Sound is what makes one artist distinguishable from another and can evoke strong emotions in listeners. It’s the combination of all these elements that gives a musician their signature sound. Once you’ve chosen a genre, you need to start experimenting with different elements of sound production to find what works best for you.

For example, you may start with a basic guitar and vocal setup and gradually add different instruments or effects to create your unique sound. It’s also important to listen to other musicians within your genre and take note of what works for them, but avoid imitating their sound too closely. Instead, use their music as inspiration to develop your own style.
Vocal delivery is another critical component of sound. Your vocal style can convey a range of emotions and help to distinguish you from other musicians in your genre.

It’s essential to work on developing your vocal range and finding the right tone and delivery style that best represents you and your music. Working with a producer or recording engineer can also be a valuable part of developing your sound. They can help you to refine your sound and bring it to life through recording and mixing. Collaborating with a producer can also help you to develop new ideas and try out new techniques.

In addition to your musical style, your lyrics and songwriting can also contribute to your sound. The lyrics you choose to write and the stories you tell can help to define your musical identity and set you apart from other musicians. Take the time to work on your songwriting and find your unique voice.

BUILD YOUR PERSONAL IDENTITY AND IMAGE

Once a musical identity has been established, the artist must also work on their personal identity and image. This involves delving deeper into the motivations behind their music-making, such as their love for music, storytelling, or performance, and their goals, whether it be wealth, fame, or connection with others. The artist must also consider their “why”, or the reasons behind their music-making, and their “how”, or the ways in which they will achieve their goals. A good example of this is Jay-Z, who used his streetwise business savvy from his past to pivot from drug dealing to a successful rap career.

Building a personal identity and image as a musician is a critical aspect of your success in the industry. Whether you are just starting out or are an established artist, it is essential to know who you are, what you stand for, and how you want to be perceived by your audience. This process involves self-reflection, understanding your values, and projecting your personality through your music and image.

Before you begin to build your personal identity and image, it is important to have a clear understanding of yourself and what makes you unique. This requires you to take a step back and reflect on your life experiences, values, beliefs, and passions. Ask yourself questions like, “What are my values? What are my biggest passions in life? What makes me unique?”

It is essential to be honest with yourself and not try to emulate someone else’s image or identity. Once you have a clear understanding of who you are, it’s time to start building your personal identity and image. This involves creating a narrative that tells your story and conveys your values, beliefs, and passions. This narrative should be consistent across all of your music and marketing materials, such as your website, social media, and other promotional materials.
It’s important for you, as an artist, to consider your style and image.

This includes your behavior, appearance, and speech, which can be influenced by things like your socio-economic background, cultural heritage, and current trends. However, it’s equally important to maintain a level of authenticity in your style and image, instead of just copying others. Your style will help dictate the image you present to the public, so it’s crucial to develop and control it carefully over time to achieve success.

The difference between style and authenticity is that anyone can adopt a style, but true authenticity is about staying true to yourself and your unique style. This idea is explored by Sarah Touslee in “Swag Studies: Identity as Performance in Hip-hop Culture and Portraiture in History.”