From nearly 10 years of experience in music industry I’ve worked with hundreds of producers and artists in all kinds of niches and genres – and here’s what I learned.

First of all, to get down to the fundamental basics, I can assure you there are only 2 main types of music producers – which will be Creators and Followers. Ones create genres, others fill them in. Ones' works become instantly recognizable while others have a sound like everybody else. Ones transcend their authenticity through music and it lasts decades while others go desperate to copy somebody else’s path but eventually get lost as the time goes on.

It’s not an easy pill to swallow but let’s be objective – we only have 5% of people who can actually make things and the rest 95% who are somewhat good in remaking existing genres. That’s tough to realize but hang on with me for a while. The real question here is - are you the one who’s talented?

See The Difference

Apparently, a person could easily say that if you’re feeling a doubt at this very moment you’re asking yourself this question it’s already too late – you’re just not that guy, pal. That’s what they love to tell us. People are always quick to tell you you’re not special, you’re not talented, you’re not blessed for anything. They are too foolish on themselves to be able to see potential on the rise. I’ve witnessed a plenty of stories where young artists obtained a phenomenal set of talents but lacked confidence to fully shine and object against aggressive social environment.

It is never easy to reveal your inner spirit to society and probably never will be, but, since your blessing becomes your destiny, it’s better not to bury it six feet under – on the contrary, such power should be set free from your own disbeliefs and anxieties and ride with its’ most potential forevermore.

To say the truth, we probably could have twice as much geniuses, innovators, and profoundly interesting creators that would enrich the shared culture and make this place times more exciting to live in. If more producers decided to stand out for themselves, we would have more Kanyes, more Zaytovens, more Metro Boomins, more Pharells – an enormous amount of hits would’ve been made. So what do you think separates such superstars from the rest? There were a lot of different upcoming folks back in their days but they were the ones who were not afraid to be themselves, to be non-conformative, to take risk and oppose the current trends.

You can love or hate a person like Ye these days, but throughout all his career he’s been consistent in putting his vision against others. That’s how we got incredible production of 808s & Heartbreaks, MBDTF, Yeezus and other projects. Despite all the controversy, you’ve got to admit the man's genius is trusting his own feelings and following them through art.

Phenomenon

Regarding the wild rebellious nature of authenticity and talent, it's worth to mention a huge gap between technique and innovation. Undoubtly, there are such great academic things as notes, scales, tempos, tones and overall theory in music and it always will be useful to learn such nonetheless. However, learning as a process only gets you a copy of somebody else’s past experience, a glimpse of thoughts and skills they obtain, which is merely a practical tool to have in your arsenal. A professional may have the best equipment and skillset and yet not be capable to form and compose a new form on his own. One who lacks imagination can only fullfil the social demand thus becoming a slave for everchanging trends.

The concept of a genius - which is the ability to create something unique out what seems to be an empty space, can’t be taught nowhere – it can only be awakened in one who has it by predisposition. It is discovered when a person fully connects with their inner world – mix of ongoing train of thoughts, imagination, deep desires and inescapable strive to push beyond the existing limits. Most people get too afraid to deal with their own mental space and instead they rush fearfully to become somebody else – somebody more confident, more wealthy, more handsome and so on and so on. How much creativity really can you extract from the appeal of a different figure?

 Let’s see it from this perspective – would you respect or favor the person who is mainly known for following and recreating somebody else’s career path? Does it give an admirable look for such person? To be a blatant imitator of an already successful original? No? Then why do you think it would be good for you to put yourself down while trying to be like everybody else? You’ve got your own battles to fight. They won’t be easy, most likely things will turn as tough as they can possibly get, but nevertheless it’s an honor to have such challenges because it will be your unique path of living which can be passed down and translated to the world through your new works and art.

Final Words

The only working formula to becoming a mastermind in any field is to gain trust in your own sense of intuition and become self-sufficient enough to stop relying on the outside world for providing answers how to live your life. Become brave enough to discover your true self and gain power from your inner source of energy. Complying with social norms will only make you up to average.

"The world is our oyster and we're a pearl within it"
  - Pharell