There are two types of artists that irk me:
1. Artists that are too afraid of being themselves because they are afraid of what everyone thinks; and
2. Artists that are too engulfed into what everyone else is doing that they can never create anything authentic.
Just Blaze on Competition with Kanye
For all artists that fall into either category, realize that “There is no Competition.” You are only competing with yourself, your bad habits, your work ethic, and your fear of embarrassment and being inadequate.
For those in the first category “Who cares what we think about you?”
For those in the second category, if you didn’t care what we thought about you, you would be able to create something authentic.
Realize that there is enough room in the music industry for you to be yourself. I might be a huge Common fan, but don’t expect me to listen to Common on the way to the club. I might love a new single by the New Boyz, but don’t expect me to buy their entire album or listen to them when I’m not on my way to the club.
Common and the New Boys are two different type of artists with two different types of markets. While I would personally prefer to listen to Common 95% of the time, a 16-year-old girl will likely be the opposite.
Common is not better than the New Boyz, the New Boyz are not better than Common. It’s all in the eye of the beholder. Common is better at substance and the New Boyz are better at making singles. It depends on what you prefer to listen to: societal problems or high school girlfriend/boyfriend issues.
Don’t let one person’s opinion discourage you; we all have different tastes. Don’t be afraid to disappoint someone with a new sound. Don’t be afraid to venture into a different genre. If your going to go there, go all the way.
There is no competition. Your music should reflect you, not what you think everyone wants you to be!
“Ask not what music can do for you, but what you can do for your music!”
DefendSound.com
