Don’t make music for others, make music for yourself!
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This gem came from music legend, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Member and GRAMMY Award winner, Billy Joel.
Very insightful!
Some of you may view Joel’s statement as somewhat idealistic given all that he’s accomplished as a musician.
In addition, looking at his financial status as he is reportedly worth over $150 million, but look at the statement for it’s raw value…..and not its source.
Joel dropped a gem with this quote in my view.
As an artist, there is a constant mental tug of war of what music feels good to you and whether it will be widely accepted or commercially viable.
The roller coaster of emotions and shift in focus can stifle creativity and keep an artist from being their best self.
Now to play devil’s advocate, it is a survival game out there!
Let’s role play for a bit. Say I’m an artist that has a passion for certain social causes or may have particular political views that I enjoy putting into my music.
It fulfills me.
It really makes me feel good to put these thoughts and views out there. I love the music I’m creating but……
Reality is these songs won’t appeal to the masses, radio station programmers, streaming music curators, talent buyers etc.
So how do I earn money from my music?
I have to eat and maintain a roof over my head. Sure, I can carve out a niche market but will that sustain me?!?
Hmmm, you know what? I can do a party song, or do a track about romance, sex, money, cars.
Yeah, it’s not my passion or what I truly enjoy, but it’s surely more appealing to a wider audience than my social causes.
As an artist or songwriter, tell me if this type of mental tug of war has happened during the course of your career?
The impact on artists’ music
History has shown us in many cases that even artists who have achieved phenomenal commercial success, will admit that some of their earlier material was not necessarily their best.
They went with the flow and created what would catch on at the time.
Once they established their career and reputation, then they began to make the music that they actually wanted.
Whether it’s the natural evolution of maturation in their life or just being allowed more creative liberties, the battle exists for many artists.
For some hilarious anecdotes about artists with big hits that hate those big hits, check this People article from last year. https://people.com/music/artists-who-hate-their-hit-song/
Kevin James has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry in various facets. He has worked as a recording artist, songwriter, producer, on-air radio personality, background actor and film director. Kevin is a Member of the National Writer's Union.
I couldn’t agree more! With so many highly commercial tunes coming up every single day it’s tough to stay true to yourself. However, if we want to make it in the long run and have a great career this is great advice; create some commercial tunes that you somehow identify with and then do your own thing #alwaysgrinding