how to find "your sound" as an artist

Summary

In this video, the speaker addresses the struggles of music creators who feel lost in choosing a genre, sharing personal experiences and advice. Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs' calligraphy interest, the speaker encourages beginners to follow their passions and experiment with different genres. Over time, these explorations lead to a unique sound, blending elements from various genres such as EDM, metal, and trap. The speaker emphasizes that developing a personal sound is a journey, not a destination, and encourages creators to embrace this process without overthinking it.

Takeaways

• 😀 Follow your passions and chase your interests, even if they don't immediately seem to fit together. It's about discovering what excites you.
• 😀 As a beginner, focus on experimenting with different genres and styles of music to find what resonates with you.
• 😀 Steve Jobs' story about calligraphy shows how seemingly unrelated interests can contribute to breakthroughs and innovation later on.
• 😀 Don't worry about picking a genre early on. Instead, explore and create freely as you learn new skills and techniques.
• 😀 Over time, your musical style will naturally evolve by blending the genres you're most passionate about.
• 😀 It's essential to gain skills in various areas, such as sound design, melody writing, and effects, to shape your unique sound.
• 😀 Genres often overlap in the music industry, and combining elements from different styles can help you create something fresh and unique.
• 😀 Don't fear experimenting with different musical elements (like synths, 808s, and guitar) even if they seem unrelated.
• 😀 The process of learning and evolving your music is a journey, not a destination. Allow yourself to grow with time.
• 😀 Your sound will continue to evolve as you explore new genres and elements, just like how iconic bands evolve their style over time.
• 😀 Ultimately, the more you create, the better you become, and your unique sound will start to emerge from your diverse experiences.

Q & A

Why is it common for musicians to struggle with picking a genre?

Many musicians struggle with picking a genre because they are interested in multiple styles of music and fear their music will suffer if they focus on just one. This often leads to confusion or frustration as they try to define their sound.

How does the speaker relate to the struggle of picking a genre?

The speaker shares that they faced the same issue over a decade ago, feeling uncertain about which genre to focus on. Now, they coach students globally who face this exact challenge.

What advice does the speaker give to beginners trying to find their genre?

The speaker advises beginners to follow their passions and interests, exploring different genres without worrying about the final outcome. This process helps in discovering what they truly enjoy and where their skills develop.

What is the story of Steve Jobs and how does it relate to music creation?

Steve Jobs had a passion for calligraphy, and though it seemed unrelated to his future work at Apple, it influenced the creation of beautiful fonts that gave Apple a unique advantage. The story illustrates the importance of following one's passions and exploring interests, even if their purpose isn't clear at the time.

What does the speaker mean by 'chasing the rabbit holes'?

Chasing the rabbit holes refers to exploring different musical styles and genres based on curiosity and passion, even if you’re not sure where it will lead. It’s about embracing the process of discovery in music production.

How does the speaker suggest a musician can develop their own sound?

The speaker suggests that by exploring various genres and following one’s passions, a musician can blend elements from different styles, eventually finding a unique sound. This involves both experimentation and refinement over time.

Why is it important for musicians to follow their passions, even if it leads to seemingly unrelated genres?

Following passions leads to skill development in multiple areas, like sound design, melody creation, and experimenting with different effects, which can ultimately enrich a musician’s overall sound. Even seemingly unrelated genres offer valuable lessons.

What does the speaker mean by the 'Venn diagram' in relation to finding a sound?

The Venn diagram represents the overlap of genres the speaker is passionate about, such as EDM, metal, and trap. By blending elements from each genre, the speaker developed a unique sound that draws from different musical influences.

What is the significance of the speaker's track as an example of blending genres?

The track serves as a practical example of how the speaker has fused different genres like trap, EDM, and metal. It demonstrates how knowledge from various styles can be combined to create a unique and original piece of music.

How does the speaker view the concept of a 'forever sound'?

The speaker believes that a musician's sound is not fixed; it evolves over time, much like the evolution of famous bands like The Beatles and Bring Me The Horizon. The idea is to continuously explore and grow while still maintaining a unique, recognizable style.

What is the main takeaway for aspiring musicians from the speaker's message?

The main takeaway is to not overthink the process of picking a genre. Instead, musicians should follow their passions, keep experimenting, and trust that their sound will naturally develop over time. Consistency and creativity are key to finding one's unique voice in music.