An Art Form for the Artist!

By: Ruud Smith

As a musician, you often face the challenge of making choices about which songs you want to record and release. Sometimes, you receive offered music tracks from others, such as songwriters, producers, or fellow artists. While it may be tempting to accept every song offered to you, it’s important to learn how to decline an offered music track. In this blog, we will discuss the art of saying ‘no’ and why it is crucial for the artistic growth of a musician. Let’s dive in!

Authenticity and Artistic Vision:
One of the key reasons for declining an offered music track is that it may not align with your artistic vision and style. As an artist, it is vital to stay true to your own authenticity and create music that resonates with who you are as a person and performer. It’s important to choose songs that truly inspire you and with which you have an emotional connection.

Quality and Consistency:
Another aspect to consider when declining an offered track is the quality and consistency of your music. It’s important to maintain a certain level of craftsmanship and consistency in your repertoire. If an offered track does not meet the quality standards you have set for yourself, it’s wise to kindly decline it. In the long run, this will help build a stronger and more cohesive discography.

Creative Freedom and Artistic Growth:
Declining an offered music track allows you to retain your creative freedom and stimulate your artistic growth. By giving yourself space to create and develop your own music, you can explore new styles, experiment with different sounds, and challenge yourself as an artist. It’s important to continually push yourself and evolve, and rejecting tracks that do not contribute to this growth is a crucial step in that process.

Communication and Professionalism:
When declining an offered music track, it’s important to do so in a respectful and professional manner. Always provide clear and honest feedback to the person who offered the track, explaining why you choose not to record it. Remain open and constructive in your communication, emphasizing that declining the track is not personal but rather an artistic decision.

Declining an offered music track is an important part of the artistic process for a musician. By staying true to your authenticity, maintaining quality and consistency, preserving creative freedom, and communicating respectfully, you give yourself the space to grow and develop your own unique sound. It can be challenging at times to say ‘no’, especially when there is external pressure, but it is a necessary step in remaining true to your artistic vision and building a consistent and genuine discography. So, don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ and trust your intuition when it comes to choosing the music that best aligns with you.

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