Like most careers that require individuals to be in the public eye, the job of a musician, too, isn’t easy. Although fulfilling, creating music from the heart and then having others constantly judge, break down and criticize every aspect of your work can be truly heartbreaking.
Even the most well-established musicians have to deal with this on a constant basis, so it’s no surprise that newbies or those who are just starting out often crumble under pressure.
It’s no wonder then that so many artists struggle with self-doubt and constantly seek validation from others in order to feel good about their music. But what most of them don’t realize is that this way of thinking is not only harmful to their creative process but also severely limits their potential as artists.
If you’re a musician who often finds themselves second-guessing their work or worrying about what others will think, here’s why you shouldn’t care what others think about your music
1) You’re the only one who knows your vision for the song
No one knows your vision for the song better than you do – not even the producer or the engineer who’s helping you bring it to life. So when you’re in the studio or working on a new track, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts and go with what feels right for the song, even if you find others doubting your choice. Remember, real music comes from the heart and not from the head.
2) What others think shouldn’t determine how you feel about your music
Your music is a reflection of who you are as an artist and a person. The reason why it is different is because it reflects your energy and your vibe. The minute you start following the route taken by others, you lose the sense of self and uniqueness that makes your music stand out.
Whether it’s positive or negative, take all the feedback you receive with a grain of salt and use it constructively to improve your craft rather than letting it get to you.
3) There will always be haters
No matter how good your music is, there will always be people who just don’t like it. The harsh reality of life is that no matter what you do, you cannot please everyone, and that’s okay! Different types of music speak to different kinds of people – a melody that may sound just average to one person can become the tune another person jams to daily. It is precisely this difference that makes the world of music so beautiful. So don’t let the haters get to you, and just focus on making the best music that you can.
4) Your music is for you, not for others
At the end of the day, your music should be for you and no one else. It’s a form of self-expression and should be created from a place of authenticity and passion. If you’re constantly worrying about what others will think or say about your music, you’re not going to be able to create anything genuine or original. Your craft will rely on others’ opinions, and in doing so, you’ll create music that represents someone else’s vision rather than yours.
5) Comparison is the thief of joy
One of the quickest ways to kill your creative mojo is by comparing your music to that of other artists. Not only is it pointless, but it’s also detrimental to your growth. It is vital to remember that everyone has their own unique journey and timeline. Celebrate your own progress and your little wins, and appreciate yourself for how far you’ve come.
Bottom Line
At the end of the day, remember that the destination is the journey itself. Enjoy the process and learn to find joy in your music without worrying about what others think. Trust yourself and your instincts, and let your heart lead the way!
Eric Dalius is The Executive Chairman of MuzicSwipe, a music and content discovery platform designed to maximize artist discovery and optimize fan relationships. Along with his work at MuzicSwipe, he also interviews groundbreaking entrepreneurs on his weekly podcast, “FULLSPEED.” Eric also founded the “Eric Dalius Foundation” to support US students with four scholarships. Follow his journey on Twitter, Facebook,YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Entrepreneur.com.
