Are you struggling with establishing and developing your musical and artistic identity? Do you want to create your own cohesive signature sound?
Introduction
This was originally going to be one big article. I wrote about 7000 words on it.
It started to get pretty heavy and I decided to go for a different format instead. I’ll publish several compact posts, each focusing on a certain angle. It should make the topic easier to digest and approach. I’m hoping it will also facilitate more discussion. In addition to wanting to share my views, I’m also writing to learn and to clarify things to myself. Everything I say is open to debate and discussion.
Feel free to leave your comments below. You may also want to join my email list to be notified when the next posts in the series are published.
Briefly, some background. I’ve been making and releasing electronic music (mainly drum&bass) since 1996. My substantial solo projects include Krii (1996-2001), Resound (2001-) and Rhytual (2018-). Additionally, I’ve worked on many large collaborative projects. The most noteworthy of these are Loxy & Resound, The Levels, Module Eight and I.L.R. Studios. Bottom line: I’ve seen many different musical identities grow and develop throughout my career.
This topic was selected for me to write about by a vote in my Patreon community. Patreon is a platform that allows you to support your favorite creators and take part in their process. In return, you get different benefits. Having your support on Patreon allows me to focus more of my time on this blog. You can check out the many benefits I’m offering to my patrons on my Patreon page here.
The premise: Don’t Despair
Due to developments in technology in the past decades, there are now more people making and releasing music than ever before. This means an unprecedented flow of music of all kinds competing for our attention. It’s the most difficult time in history to stand out. Wait, is it really?
Think about the number of copycats and generic music out there. It’s obvious that many people either simply don’t care about sounding original or are having difficulties in finding their own voice.
Here’s the thing. The struggle to find your own voice and develop it has always been there. It is a natural part of being an artist. You have to accept that challenge and embrace the struggle. There is no other way.
There’s no reason to despair though.
Why do I think so?
First of all, because what you’re looking for is already inside you. All people are naturally unique and creative. You just need to nurture those aspects of yourself by studying and working on your craft. Do that consistently and you’ll see your creativity grow and bloom into something special. Become a craftsman. Let me reiterate: It is only a matter of consistent work.
Second, there is always room for more good things in this world. As long as what you’re creating is worth other people’s attention, you have nothing to worry about. Talking in business terms, if a market is saturated then it means there is a proven audience. That’s a good thing. There are people out there waiting to hear and experience your own unique approach.
In the next post, we’ll talk more about the concept of originality. Meanwhile, feel free to leave your comments below.
Book recommendation: So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport (affiliate link).
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