Art shouldn’t be a competition

Comparison is a curse…even for the best of us.

In every part of life, we catch ourselves sizing up our efforts against others. It’s human. But when it comes to making music, this habit can become a creative trap we need to be actively aware of.

I’m not talking about referencing or drawing inspiration. Those are essential tools. I’m talking about the kind of comparison that erodes confidence and leaves us feeling like we’re not good enough to create anything worthwhile.

You can see how absurd that mindset is when you shift your perspective to visual art. Who would seriously try to crown a winner between Renoir and Warhol? Art doesn’t work like that, and neither does music.

As composers and producers, we need to remind ourselves of this constantly. The critical voices in our heads (or sometimes in our lives) can easily throw us off track. It’s one thing to strive for growth. That’s healthy. But it’s something else entirely when we let someone else’s success diminish our own path. Your journey will never look like theirs, and it’s not supposed to. Art is personal. The things that make your music different are often the very things that make it special.

Yes, there are competitions, eisteddfods, and talent quests. But very few enduring careers are built on trophies. In fact, many of the most iconic artists we admire would likely bomb in a competitive setting.

So here’s my take:

Instead of comparing yourself to others, make yourself incomparable.

Don’t search for a lane, build your own.

Be the artist others reference.

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Knowing What They Mean: Producing Through References and Vibes

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Make Music with What You’ve Got