The Importance of Growing As An Artist: Lessons From Pop Music Icons
I recently read a commentary article in the local news about the Taylor Swift concert in Singapore. The journalist commented on how, even after listening to all of Taylor Swift’s albums, she still preferred her earliest work. To this journalist, Swift had strayed too far from her original sound and should have stayed with her guitar and country music. This made me wonder about the idea of change and evolution as an artist.
WHEN YOU DON’T EVOLVE, YOU STAGNATE.
When it comes to creativity, stagnation is the enemy of progress. Regardless of your artistic medium, the journey is not to only create but to continually evolve and grow. It’s not just honing your craft, it’s also about staying relevant, finding your voice and pushing the boundaries of your own creativity. The exploration of ideas and techniques is simply peeling back the layers to convey your authentic self through your work. It is the best path to creating work that resonates with both yourself and your audience.
Let’s take Taylor Swift as an example. Starting out as a country-pop artist debuting in 2006, she has spent the last two decades experimenting with genres such as synth-pop and indie-folk. Her lyrics went from high school love to matters of self-discovery, social issues and the complexity of life. One can look at the Taylor Swift of 2024 and still see elements of Taylor Swift from 2006. But the way she has grown and diversified herself is immense.
And she isn’t the only one. Coldplay emerged in the early 2000s with their signature blend of alternative rock and melodic pop. As they gained popularity, they embarked on a journey of musical exploration, incorporating electronic elements, experimental sounds and collaborations with a diverse range of artists. While their earlier songs focused on idealism and romance, later albums evolved to encompass more mature themes of loss, spirituality and existentialism. In both cases, we see that artists stay relevant by being willing to constantly push their boundaries and take creative risks.
HOW DO WE GROW AS AN ARTIST
Just to be clear, evolution isn’t about abandoning your style to chase trends. It’s about finding different ways to express your authentic voice, integrating new experiences, influences and perspectives into your practice. This path isn’t always smooth or linear. It’s fraught with challenges, setbacks and moments of self-doubt. But if you endure and are willing to undergo the change, you will be rewarded with growth and a repertoire of skills you may not have imagined were possible a year or even six months ago.
As artists, we are not just creators; we are also catalysts for change and inspiration. By embracing evolution in our own work, we inspire others to do the same. When we share our journey of growth and transformation with the world, we create a ripple effect that motivates fellow artists to explore their own potential and embark on their own creative journeys. If there is anything we can learn from the best, it’s that going all in and embracing the process of continuous, purposeful growth is the only way to succeed as an artist.
