Before diving into the topic of authenticity, let’s first define what it means in the context of being an artist.
Authenticity is the state of being genuine, true to oneself, and transparent in one’s actions, values, and expressions. It means aligning your actions with your inner beliefs without pretending to be something you’re not. In the realm of art, music, or any creative work, authenticity involves creating from a place of personal truth, free from external pressures to conform to trends, expectations, or the need for validation. It’s about staying connected to your unique voice, vision, and perspective, allowing your work to reflect your true self.
Great! Now that we’ve defined authenticity, let’s talk about it!
My Journey with Authenticity
The concept of authenticity entered my life at an early age. I started my music career in my teens, but my journey toward discovering my authentic self began years later, halfway through my twenties, after I made the decision to quit my career as an artist.
Looking back, I now realize that authenticity was the primary reason I decided to quit. I wasn’t living my authentic life, I was living someone else’s. The moment I realized that, everything changed.
I started delving deeper into myself, uncovering layers I hadn’t explored before. The more I discovered, the more curious and intrigued I became. At 25, I was just beginning to figure out who I was. That felt both crazy and exciting.
Now, in my thirties, I can reflect on that time and better understand how my decisions back then shaped the life I live today.
The Cost of Living an Inauthentic Life
As I mentioned earlier, the biggest mistake I made in my younger years was not considering my authentic self. I lived on autopilot, allowing others to dictate my direction.
Don’t get me wrong—it’s normal at that age to live like this because you’re still figuring out who you are. But sadly, many people remain stuck in this phase, living an autopilot life driven by fear.
As an artist, this lack of authenticity proved detrimental.
- I wasn’t consistent in the genres I released because I didn’t know what I truly liked. Jumping between tech house, house, and EDM didn’t help me build a dedicated fanbase, as consistency is crucial.
- On social media, I played a character rather than being myself. I feared judgment, worried I might look strange, sound odd, or post low-quality content.
- The only place I felt authentic was on stage, but as an artist, that’s where you spend the least time.
As my career grew, it took over my life. I found myself trapped in a life I had inadvertently designed through poor decisions. I lived like this for over five years, but eventually, it broke me. I burned out.
Why This Matters to You
You might wonder: Why should I care about your story, Joey?
Here’s why: After ten years of coaching artists, I’ve seen many make the same mistakes I did. And you might be making them too.
Are you expressing your unique style without compromise, even in the face of trends, market demands, or societal pressures?
If your answer is yes, mazzeltov! You can stop reading here.
If not, let’s continue.
The Temptation of Trends
One of the hardest things for artists to resist is following trends. It’s tough to watch others succeed, especially when they’re newer to the scene than you. The problem? Jumping on trends often leads to inconsistency in your work, preventing you from becoming the go-to artist in your genre.
Another common pitfall is comparison. Social media amplifies this struggle, acting like gasoline on a fire.
Many artists also seek approval by making music that blends in with what’s already popular. Creating something fresh, new, and different? That’s scary but it’s also where authenticity lives.
On top of these external pressures, artists face internal struggles such as:
- Self-doubt
- Fear of rejection
- Anxiety
Practical Tips for Living Authentically
Here are some actionable steps to help you embrace authenticity:
- Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome
Create for the sake of creation. Don’t limit your creativity by worrying about which label might release your music. Such thoughts create barriers. Instead, let your creativity flow freely and explore what you’re capable of without restrictions. - Reflect on Your Personal Values
Take time to understand what drives you as an artist. Consider working with a coach to uncover your core values and motivations. Knowing what’s most important to you provides a foundation for your creative work and helps you decide what you’re willing to sacrifice or fight for. - Break the Rules
Don’t let industry “standards” box you in. Remember, these standards are often arbitrary. The best way to stand out is to be different. Embrace your uniqueness. - Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Build a network of like-minded individuals who respect your sound and support your journey. Avoid those who discourage you or undermine your confidence with negative feedback. - Be Vulnerable and Transparent
Embrace imperfections, share personal stories, and connect openly with your audience. By showing your humanity, you’ll build deeper relationships with fans who resonate with your values and vision.
Building a Community Around Your Authenticity
Strong connections with your fans are vital for a sustainable music career. Fans want to feel part of something, a community where they belong. By sharing more about your personality and life, you invite them into your world.
Take Dua Lipa as an example. Her Instagram showcases not only her performances but also her personal life, friends, trips, food, and more. This creates a sense of familiarity, making fans feel part of her inner circle. That’s what builds unshakable fanbases.
Think about Beliebers or Little Monsters. These communities thrive on shared values and deep connections with the artist.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you feel inspired to live more authentically… not just as an artist but as a person. Living authentically is transformative. I know this from experience.
Regards, Joey
P.S. If you want help discovering your authentic self, check out our personal coaching services. We’d love to guide you on this journey.