As mentioned in the previous article, I began writing songs at a young age and producing my own records as a teenager. While I was honing my skills throughout my youth and early adulthood, I didn’t overcome one significant hurdle until my mid-twenties: discovering who I truly was as an artist.
If you listen to the records I produced as a teenager, you can hear that I was unsure of my own identity. Instead of being myself, I tried to imitate whoever was at the top of the charts at the time—like Lil Wayne. Eventually, I found my own voice, which led me to become the artist I am today. This article is for anyone who wants to make music but feels they still haven’t found their true selves. Hopefully, these insights will help guide you, just as they would have helped me during my early days of making music.
Find Out Who You Are
The first step toward being your authentic self is to dive deep into who you are as an individual: What are your favorite hobbies outside of music? What is your belief system? Who do you look up to, and what inspires you? These are all questions you need to explore if you want to express your true self, but doing so requires time and courage. Some people might find these answers quickly, while others may need days—or even longer—to figure them out. My best advice is to embark on a personal journey alone, where you can ask yourself these questions without distraction.
This personal journey should involve a place or activity that brings you peace while allowing for deep reflection. For me, that was hiking. When I lived in Washington State, I hiked frequently, and the combination of exercise, nature, and solitude helped me discover what truly mattered to me. If you have a similar hobby or activity, embrace it, and use that time to reflect on who you are and what you stand for.
Embrace Influences Without Losing Yourself
It’s natural to be influenced by the artists you admire, but there’s a fine line between drawing inspiration and losing yourself. While you may love someone’s flow, production style, or stage presence, strive to incorporate their techniques in a way that complements your individuality. The key is to take the elements that resonate with you and adapt them to your unique style and story. This approach keeps you from merely copying trends and helps you grow as an artist with a distinct voice.
Additionally, be mindful of why you’re drawn to certain influences. Is it their storytelling ability? Their energy on stage? Their genre-blending approach? Understanding the “why” behind your admiration can guide you in refining the traits that reflect your personality, allowing you to deliver music that’s both genuine and compelling.
Overcoming the Fear of Standing Out
One major barrier to embracing your authentic self is the fear of standing out or being judged. It can be daunting to present your true emotions and creative ideas to an audience that may not fully understand your background or experiences. However, remember that genuine connection often comes from vulnerability. When listeners sense that your music stems from your real emotions, they’re more likely to relate to it on a deeper level.
Take small steps to build confidence. Share snippets of your work with trusted friends or mentors before a wider release. Seek constructive feedback, but remain unwavering in your core identity. As you become more comfortable in your own skin, the right audience will gravitate toward your music, appreciating the honesty and authenticity you bring to the table.
Conclusion
Finding your true self in music is a journey that involves self-reflection, embracing the right influences, and overcoming the fear of standing out. By taking the time to understand your beliefs, values, and inspirations, you’ll be able to create music that genuinely represents who you are. Remember, listeners are drawn to sincerity—it’s what separates timeless artists from fleeting trends. Stay patient, keep exploring, and never lose sight of the fact that your unique voice matters. With courage and perseverance, you can cultivate an authentic sound that not only resonates with your audience but also propels you forward on your creative path.
Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and explore the importance of authenticity in music. If you enjoyed this and want to stay connected, please visit my Gravatar page and Linktree to follow me on social media, purchase my music, and get notified about new releases by JamezyTee. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share more of my journey with you!