Rule 3: Authenticity

AUTHENTICITY

The music industry is filled with a plethora of artists who come from diverse backgrounds and have unique styles. In this competitive environment, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd and try to emulate others to gain popularity. However, it’s essential to remember that being authentic is what sets you apart from the rest and makes you stand out. When an artist maintains an authentic image, they build a genuine connection with their audience.

This connection is based on trust and honesty, and it helps to establish a loyal fan base. An artist who is true to themselves and their style is more likely to be respected and appreciated by their fans, and their music is more likely to resonate with them on a deeper level.

On the other hand, an artist who tries to mimic others or adopt a false image will eventually be exposed and their lack of authenticity will be apparent. This can result in a loss of credibility and damage to their reputation, which is difficult to repair.

CASE STUDIES

Let’s learn from some case studies:

Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is a legendary musician and songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He was born in Duluth, Minnesota in 1941 and began his musical career in the early 1960s as a folk musician in New York City. Over the course of his career, Dylan has created a unique musical identity that is characterized by his powerful, emotionally charged lyrics and his distinctive, often idiosyncratic singing style.

One of the things that sets Dylan apart as an authentic musician is his refusal to be limited by any one genre or musical style. Throughout his career, he has experimented with a variety of musical forms, incorporating elements of blues, rock, and country music into his work. This has allowed him to evolve and grow as an artist, while always staying true to his roots and his own unique musical vision.

Another key aspect of Dylan’s authenticity is his independence from the music industry and its expectations. He has never been one to follow trends or commercial demands, instead choosing to pursue his own creative vision and to stay true to his own musical instincts. This has allowed him to create a body of work that is highly personal, deeply emotional, and truly original.

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar is widely regarded as one of the most authentic and innovative artists in modern hip-hop, and his journey to establishing his musical identity is a testament to his dedication and commitment to his craft.

Here are a few real-life examples of how Lamar was true to himself and his roots in establishing his musical identity:

• Staying true to his Compton roots: Lamar was born and raised in Compton, California, and his experiences growing up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in America have shaped his music and his perspective on life. Rather than trying to hide his background or sugarcoat the realities of life in Compton, Lamar embraced his roots and used his music as a platform to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of his community. Through his lyrics and his storytelling, Lamar gives a voice to the voiceless and provides an authentic representation of life in Compton.
• Embracing his influences: Lamar has cited a wide range of musical influences, including hip-hop legends like Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z, as well as jazz, blues, and R&B legends like Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Erykah Badu. Rather than trying to fit into a particular genre or sound, Lamar blends these influences into his own unique style, creating music that is both fresh and authentic. By embracing his musical roots and influences, Lamar is able to establish his own unique sound and create music that is both innovative and true to himself.
• Staying true to his message: Lamar is known for his socially conscious lyrics, which tackle issues such as police brutality, poverty, and systemic racism. Rather than shying away from controversial topics, Lamar tackles these issues head-on, using his music as a platform to bring attention to important social issues and inspire change. By staying true to his message, Lamar has established himself

Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash was a legendary country musician who was known for his deep, soulful voice and his raw, honest lyrics. Born in Arkansas in 1932, Cash began his musical career in the 1950s and quickly became one of the most influential and respected musicians in the country music genre. One of the things that sets Cash apart as an authentic musician is his unflinching honesty and vulnerability in his lyrics.

He tackled difficult topics such as poverty, addiction, and personal tragedy in his music, and his songs often had a raw, emotional power that spoke to the struggles of ordinary people.

In addition to his powerful lyrics, Cash was also known for his distinctive, rugged appearance and his rebellious spirit. He never conformed to the expectations of the music industry or the norms of society, and he was always true to his own unique style and artistic vision.

These qualities, along with his powerful voice and haunting melodies, have made him a beloved and enduring figure in the world of music.

Some key takeaways from the life and career of Johnny Cash include:

• Authenticity is key: Cash was never afraid to be himself and to share his true thoughts and feelings through his music. He was not afraid to take risks and to tackle difficult subjects in his lyrics, which helped to establish his reputation as a singer who spoke from the heart.
• Embrace your roots: Cash was proud of his southern heritage, and he often drew inspiration from his upbringing in Arkansas and his experiences working in the cotton fields as a young man. This connection to his roots helped to give his music a strong sense of place and a powerful emotional depth.
• Know your audience: Cash understood the needs and desires of his fans, and he always worked to connect with them on a personal level. He would often interact with them during his live shows, sharing stories and jokes, and he was always willing to engage with them on a deeper level.
• Focus on the music: Despite his many personal struggles and setbacks, Cash always remained focused on his music, and he never let his personal issues interfere with his ability to create and perform. He was a true artist, who was dedicated to his craft and to sharing his gifts with the world.

Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen is another highly regarded musician who is known for his authenticity and his commitment to his artistic vision. Born in New Jersey in 1949, Springsteen began his career as a musician in the late 1960s and has since become one of the most influential rock and roll performers of all time.

What sets Springsteen apart as an authentic musician is his deep connection to his working-class roots and his commitment to social and political issues. He has never shied away from tackling difficult or controversial topics in his lyrics, and his music is often infused with a sense of longing, hope, and the struggle for a better life.

In addition to his powerful lyrics and musical style, Springsteen is also known for his dynamic and energetic live performances, which often last for hours and feature extended solos and improvisational sections. These performances are a testament to his authenticity as a musician, as they showcase his passion, energy, and commitment to his craft.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF?

“To thyself, be true!’ As an artist, it’s important to stay true to your authentic self because it sets you apart from everyone else. When you embrace your unique style, appearance, and behavior, you create a distinct image that cannot be replicated by anyone else. This individuality is what makes you memorable and helps you stand out in a crowded industry.

Additionally, being authentic allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. When you are true to yourself, your music and image reflect your personal experiences and emotions, which can be relatable to others. This authenticity creates a deeper connection with your audience and helps build a loyal fan base.

Furthermore, staying true to yourself as an artist can also help you maintain your creative integrity. By not trying to conform to current trends or mimic other artists, you can maintain control over your artistic vision and ensure that your work reflects your unique perspective.

This can lead to greater artistic fulfillment and satisfaction, and helps you grow and develop as an artist over time. In short, staying true to your authentic self as an artist is essential for building a memorable image, connecting with your audience, and maintaining your creative integrity.

By embracing your individuality and being true to yourself, you can achieve greater success and fulfillment in your artistic career.

TREND VS. AUTHENTICITY

As a songwriter, embracing authenticity is more important than following trends. Here are a few reasons why:

• Authenticity connects with listeners: When you write music that is true to yourself and your experiences, it is more likely to resonate with listeners. People can relate to songs that are real and honest, and they are more likely to connect with your music on an emotional level.
• Trends come and go: Trends in music are constantly changing, and what is popular today may not be popular tomorrow. By embracing authenticity, you are creating music that is timeless and that will continue to be relevant, even as trends come and go.
• Authenticity sets you apart: With so many musicians and songs in the world, it can be hard to stand out. By embracing your authentic voice and writing music that is truly your own, you will differentiate yourself from the crowd and establish a unique and memorable sound.
• It allows for creative fulfillment: When you write music that is true to yourself and your experiences, it can be a fulfilling and cathartic experience. This can lead to greater creative satisfaction, and it can help you to grow as a songwriter.
• Authenticity can inspire others: By sharing your personal experiences and perspectives through your music, you can inspire others and make a positive impact. People appreciate honesty and vulnerability in music, and your authenticity can inspire and connect with others in a powerful way.

Now, let’s explore how you can balance your artistic expression with commercial success.

BALANCING ARTISTIC EXPRESSION WITH COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

Davido, a talented musician from Nigeria, is a great example of someone who has successfully balanced artistic expression with commercial success. Davido’s journey to success started when he was just a young man with a passion for music. He had a unique sound and an unwavering dedication to his craft, and he was determined to make a name for himself in the music industry.

Despite facing many challenges along the way, Davido never lost sight of his artistic vision. He remained true to his roots and continued to create music that was authentic to his culture and spoke to the hearts of his fans.

At the same time, Davido was also strategic in his approach to his music. He worked hard to build a strong following, collaborating with other musicians and industry professionals who shared his values and vision. He also embraced new opportunities, such as tours and collaborations, that allowed him to reach a wider audience and further develop his musical skills.

Davido’s hard work and dedication paid off, and he quickly became one of the most successful musicians in Africa. His music was well-received by fans and critics alike, and he was soon recognized as one of the leading voices in the African music scene. Despite his commercial success, Davido never lost touch with his artistic roots. He continued to create music that was true to himself and his cultural heritage, and his fans appreciated his dedication to his craft.
Today, Davido is a true inspiration to musicians around the world.

He has shown that it is possible to balance artistic expression with commercial success, and that by staying true to your vision and being open to new opportunities, you can achieve both creative fulfillment and financial success in the music industry.

As a musician, you know the importance of both artistic expression and commercial success. On one hand, you want to create music that is true to your vision and speaks to your soul. On the other hand, you also want to make a living from your music and reach a wider audience. The music industry can be competitive and challenging, but many successful musicians have found a way to balance their artistic vision with commercial viability.

Here are some tips that can help you do the same:

• Know your audience: It’s important to have a clear understanding of your target audience and what they are looking for in your music. This can help you make informed decisions about the direction of your sound, and ensure that your music appeals to a wider audience.
• Be flexible: It’s essential to be open to making changes to your music to make it more marketable, while still maintaining your artistic vision. For example, you may need to make slight modifications to the instrumentation, production, or lyrics of your music to make it more appealing to a wider audience.
• Stay true to yourself: Despite the pressures of commercial success, it’s crucial to stay true to yourself and your artistic vision. Your unique voice and perspective are what set you apart from other musicians and make your music special.
• Embrace new opportunities: Commercial success can often lead to new opportunities, such as tours, collaborations, and record deals. Embrace these opportunities and use them to further develop your musical skills and reach a wider audience.
• Collaborate with like-minded individuals: Collaborating with other musicians or industry professionals who share your values and artistic vision can help you maintain your creative integrity while still achieving commercial success.
• Be strategic: Successful musicians are often strategic in their approach to their music. This may involve creating a business plan, setting goals, and developing a marketing strategy that will help you reach your target audience.
• Continuously evolve: The music industry is constantly evolving, and it’s important to continuously evolve and grow as a musician. This may involve experimenting with new genres, exploring new sounds, and challenging yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.

Balancing artistic expression with commercial success can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. By staying true to yourself, embracing new opportunities, and being strategic in your approach, you can achieve both creative fulfillment and commercial success.

Remember, your journey as a musician will be unique, and there is no one right way to balance artistic expression with commercial success. The key is to stay true to your vision and values, and always be open to new experiences and opportunities.