How to make truly authentic music [and why it matters]

What makes for a truly incredible piece of music?

For me, it's hearing something that’s unique, captivating and touches my soul in a mystical way that can’t be explained.

From the very beginning, since I started making music, I was fascinated by those artists that create music that directly connects with my soul.

I kept asking myself, what allows them to do that?

Can I do that?

Beyond learning the essential technical knowledge that allows us to express ourselves, the biggest thing that distracted me and creatively pulled me in the opposite direction was … myself.

I got in my own way. I kept trying to make music that sounded like this artist, that genre or something I naively thought this or that label would like. I allowed trends and others’ opinions to influence what music I was making. Sometimes intentionally and sometimes I was completely oblivious to the fact I was doing it.

It took me over half a decade to actually realise this simple idea that making exceptional music requires … being exceptional.

By definition: unusual; not typical. 

And the way I managed to do that was to deeply embrace being myself. To understand what makes me unique, what I like and what I’m good at and deliberately and methodologically implement it into my music; making it truly authentic to me.

This is important because the only way to stand out from the crowd … is (once again) to stand out!

And this is so ironic that we all try to be exceptional, unique and make our music stand out from the rest simultaneously trying to sound like others, being afraid to push boundaries and expectations and focus too much trying to make music that we think people will like.

It’s a dissonant and counter intuitive idea that we hold as artists.

We try to be the best we can with conflicting pressure to please others but also be true to ourselves. And this conflicting pressure is not beneficial to our creativity, ability to have fun or the main goal we have of trying to be the best we can artistically.

My solution to this, that allowed me to completely enjoy the process of making music and create the most compelling and successful music, was to deeply understand this:

True musical greatness isn't found in mimicking others, chasing trends or trying to appeal to the audience. It’s about embracing your own unique voice, being unapologetically authentic, and daring to stand out.

When you create from a place of genuine self-expression, your music will resonate with others (like you) on a profound level, connecting with listeners in a way that transcends explanation.

Letting myself get completely led by this idea allowed me to make the best music I’ve ever made. This was music I’m genuinely proud of that got released on my dream labels.

Now, what does that mean in practice? How do you actually do that?

Self-discover & reflection: Spend time understanding yourself: your preferences, strengths, what makes you unique. Reflect on your inspirations, emotions that guide you, and creative influences. Journaling, meditation, and deep introspection can help uncover what makes you distinct as an artist. The technical knowledge is the essential tool to express it, but the soul and magic comes from within you.

Try ask yourself these questions (write the answers down or take some time aside to genuinely think about them):

• What inspires me in life, that I can use to inspire my music? (e.g. art, philosophy, science or goblin sharks)

• What do I really love about music generally and how can I implement it in my own music?

• What gives me the most fun when making music?

  
  

Experimentation and innovation: Tune in to your inner compass of creative decision making. Get in the flow of trusting your instincts. Experiment with different sounds, workflows, and techniques and embrace those that you find most fun and creative. 

Practice and calibration: If you want to do this right, there are no shortcuts. It takes thousands of hours and years of regular practice to refine your ability to fluently express yourself.

Set aside dedicated time for focused practice sessions and show up to do it. Making music is a skill that can be improved with deliberate and intentional practice. Constantly calibrate your creative process by figuring out what is and isn’t working.

Embrace mistakes and failures as part of the learning process, as they can lead to unexpected magical moments.

Now, I hope you find the time to consider this idea when you sit down in your studio next time. Go make some music <3 Big love

Eryk

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PS I help artists make more creative, captivating and authentic music through mixing, mastering and teaching.