I think this is one of the hardest things to answer as an artist. I personally have asked myself this question every day. What makes me unique and how do I make sure I use it appropriately in my music and in my image.
When you start to find who you are as an artist, you start defining yourself by your influences musically, lyrically, and with your image. And many times we will hear, “you sound just like Sara Bareilles” or “you remind me of Fiona Apple.” (That was the one I got!) Which is a great observation from your fans and friends but how do you differentiate yourself from your influences? How do you make sure you stay authentic? Sara Bareilles is already a brand and you can’t be the runner up Sara Bareilles. Your brand and music has to be different to make it into the market. If you look at companies that are successful each one has a unique image. There aren’t two Tiffany’s out there. Each one has its image and place in their particular market. Look at the diva’s that are big in music Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Adele. Each one is unique. Just because Beyonce could cover a song from Whitney Houston and sing it well doesn’t mean she is going to do it. She stays true to her image and music.
Finding my identity is something as an artist I have struggled with. I am influenced by Fleetwood Mac, Carol King, Pat Benetar, Bonnie Raitt and many more. When I start writing I am not trying to sound like them or rewrite what they have done, but I can’t help following a writing structure they have used or when I am in the studio wanting to go toward a production that gives hints of the artists I love to listen to and learn from. I am constantly trying to define my music and myself. The funny thing is that I feel it is consistently changing. How do I create a congruent sound? That might be a whole other blog. But how can I thread my influences with my music and stay authentic to myself and not sound like the artist that admire?
The first question to answer is, “how do I pinpoint what makes me unique?” Over the years I have learned more how to clearly see my voice as a writer and a singer. I have figured out that my stubbornness is considered strength, my emotions are considered depth, my laid back phrasing is considered soulful. I tend to write about relationships, yet 95% of music is about love. How do I make that unique? My perspective and experiences are uniquely mine and if I am specific then it’s unique. Your writing with your expression is uniquely yours. As long as you stay true to who you are and what sound and expression comes from you then you will find your identity. You have to know how you want to connect with your audience and who you are speaking for to perfect that identity.
This is one of the hardest tasks an artist goes through. Artists don’t like to be put in a box, but when you are forming that unique identity you will start to form your “box” which is that identity. Unfortunately, people need to know what they are getting when they go to listen to you or follow your trend. Joni Mitchell’s identity is very different from Pharrell’s identity but they both have a specific identity that helps people identify them with.
So start exploring how you express yourself, how people see you, how you see yourself, what kind of show are you going to create, the experience that people walk away with after your show, or listening to your album. Write about whom you are and what you are creating and that will help you define your “identity.”
What I have learned on my path is that the more I write, the more I perform, record and work on my image and/or brand, I am finding what make me unique. I can’t try to be someone else because it worked for him or her; I have to be honest about who I am and what my voice is. I have been defining and redefining myself as I learn more and more about whom I am and how I connect with people. I believe the first step to finding your identity is to first be able to see yourself and find how you connect with people.