The Evolution of a Successful Artist
In order for an artist to enjoy a lengthy career, they must learn how to evolve. Successful artists not only evolve their sonic palette, but they also continue to explore different styles of clothing, ways to fix their hair, and topics to sing about.
Artistry requires having a “pulse” on current events and a uniquely innovative perspective on what it means to be human.
Where We Begin
Before thinking about the evolution of our artistry, we must find a place to start. The BEST place to start is where you are now!
If you’re struggling finding a purpose for your music, I suggest looking at it from the perspective of being a consumer of music. What are the things that you already enjoy about music? How does music make you feel? Do you connect with the lyrics? What are some things that you are passionate about?
Use this process to discover at least one important message that you would like to convey. Then, figure out who needs to hear this message.
Where Passion Meets the World’s Needs
We can’t avoid the fact that this is the Music Business. So, it’s important to figure out where your passion fits the world’s needs in order to make sure your work is commercially viable.
Are you passionate about mental health? Have you been writing about becoming the best version of yourself? How can you use these themes to connect with? You might find it useful to approach your music as the antidote to your listener’s struggles.
This is an important phase in an artist’s career, so don’t rush it! Chances are you have already gone through NUMEROUS changes throughout your music making. And, many evolutions have taken place that you may not even be aware of!
Here are some ways you may have already evolved:
Performing live for the first time
Writing your own song
Co-writing
Maneuvering between Genres
Enhancing your clothing style
Altering your hairstyle
Begin performing with/without instrument
Getting into better shape
Eating healthier
Connecting with your fans on a higher level
Performing outside of your hometown
Sharing your music with a new audience
Things Are Going Well!
There are varying levels of success ( and, if you’re struggling with your version of success, I highly suggest you take a look at one of my previous blog posts, “Is Fame Really Worth It?” ). So, let’s assume you have chosen a musical path and attached a “brand” to it. You have gone ALL in and things are going well. Congratulations! So, what’s next? Well, like every successful artist that maintains a lengthy career, you must still continue to evolve.
What you were doing previously worked for numerous reasons. Ideally, because it was an extension of YOU. Your next step is to explore more elements of who you are and what you believe in.
Let’s use Taylor Swift as an example…
Take a look at the masterful progression that Taylor Swift has gone through. Remember the days when Taylor swift was singing pop country? She made numerous evolutions throughout her career and came out on the “other side” as one of the most successful artists of all time! Not to mention her current tour is slated to make over $1 billion. I’d say she’s doing something right!
Here is *some* of Taylor Swift’s timeline:
(Info quoted from L’Officiel)
2006
Swift's debut album was simply titled Taylor Swift. Fully country and written while she was in high school, the innocence and youthfulness were reflected in her tight curls, sundresses, and cowboy boots.
2012
Despite the album being a mix of country and pop, Swift's Red album has one of the most consistent aesthetics among her albums. Besides the obvious color threading it together, the singer's love for all things vintage was evident throughout all of her looks. High-waisted shorts, '50s dresses, and her iconic red lip and bangs combo were all essentials of the Red era.
2017
After the drama with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Swift disappeared from the public eye for a year. When she came back with Reputation, she gave us an aesthetic we'd never seen from her before. The moody style of this album was emphasized by dark lipstick, black bodysuits, and snake motifs.”
2022
At the 2022 VMAs, Swift announced her recently released 10th original studio album, Midnights. The 13-song soundtrack maintains her pop vibes yet she has also found a soft edge to include in the sound. Swift has officially returned and has clearly come back with a new confidence and a lot to say.
Taylor Swift used her brand and reputation (see what I did there) to be able to seamlessly maneuver between looks, styles, genres of music, all while maintaining a similar brand. How is this possible? Because the core elements of her artistry remained the same. She is notorious for going above and beyond with her fans and she creates endless puzzles and easter eggs for everyone to follow. She keeps her music INTERESTING.
The evolution of Taylor’s brand is a great example of a symbiotic relationship between who she is and what the world needs.
Evolution Comes In All Forms
Know that your fans will fall in love with who you are, what you stand for, and how you provide for them.
Most artists do not have the team or the funds to be able to recreate what Taylor Swift has done in her career. However, an artist can still evolve in numerous different ways. You can evolve musically, stylistically, vocally, visually, etc.
If you are still looking for ways to evolve, consider doing some of these things:
Become a lover of learning
Study your craft
Borrow things that are working with other artists
Collaborate with other creatives in your current genre and tangent to your genre
Align yourself with people that share your vision
Create in spaces that have not been created before
Amplify who you are as a person and continuously water your soul
Benefits Of Evolving As An Artist
Evolving means you are growing. Therefore, evolution and growth go hand in hand. In order to evolve, you must continuously feed into who you are. And remember, this can change at any time– and that is okay! Because we are all becoming.
Lastly…
Trends, interests, and political climates continuously shift. It’s important for you to find your way around them as they do. Another good example: We’ve been singing about love since the dawn of time. Yet, we still do it! Why? Because it is something we all experience. So, how do you make another love song relevant? You attach it to a fresh, new meaning.
An artist must be in touch with what is going on in the world and respond in a way that provides a solution for the world’s needs. It is our duty to use our artistry as the tool to positively impact as many lives as possible.
There’s just nothing like being a part of a supportive community. We’re here to help! If you are a female artist and would love to participate in one of our weekends, please be sure to apply for our next event! Applications are free :)
Click the link below to apply…
Warmly,
Mark
