In today’s overly-saturated music market, where artists compete for our attention, authenticity is more valuable than ever.
With the rise of streaming, it has become easier for artists to distribute their music to a global audience. While this has led to more opportunities for artists to reach new fans, it has also created an increasingly crowded and competitive landscape where it can be difficult for artists to differentiate themselves from their peers.
In this environment, authenticity is vital in helping artists cut through the noise and connect with an audience. Authenticity can take many forms, including a unique sound, a distinctive visual style, or a compelling personal story. Whatever the form, authenticity helps an artist to stand out from the crowd and build a loyal fan base that connects with their music on a deeper level.
Think of Kendrick Lamar, whose authenticity is reflected in his music, which often explores race, identity, and social justice issues. Lamar has been praised for his ability to connect with his audience personally, and his music has been credited with inspiring social change. J. Cole’s authenticity has helped him build a dedicated fan base — read: very, very dedicated — and his music has been praised for its honesty and vulnerability. Similarly, there’s Tyler, The Creator, whose authenticity is reflected in his music, often exploring themes related to identity, mental health, and personal growth. Tyler’s willingness to be vulnerable and honest in his music has helped him achieve long-term success.
One of the reasons why authenticity is so important in today’s music market is that it helps to create a sense of trust and credibility with fans. In an era where consumers are bombarded with endless content and advertising, authenticity can signal to fans that an artist is genuine, honest, and transparent. When fans feel that an artist is authentic, they are more likely to invest their time, money, and emotional energy into that artist’s music.
Authenticity also helps to create a sense of community around an artist’s music. When fans connect with an artist personally, they are more likely to share that artist’s music with their friends and social networks, helping to spread the word and build momentum for the artist’s career. In this way, authenticity can help an artist to grow their fan base and reach new audiences.
While a hit single or viral video may provide a short-term boost to an artist’s career, it is often the artists who have built a strong and authentic brand that can achieve long-term success. By staying true to their vision and values and creating music that resonates with their audience, artists like the aforementioned Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Tyler, The Creator, managed to build loyal fan bases and sustainable careers.
Need a post-streaming boom example? Look no further than Lizzo. Lizzo’s music is known for its self-love, body positivity, and empowering messages. The multi-GRAMMY award winner has been praised for her authenticity and ability to inspire her fans to embrace their unique qualities. Authenticity — and plenty of catchy bops — has undeniably helped Lizzo build a loyal following of paying fans.
In contrast, artists who lack authenticity may struggle to connect with their audience. This can lead to a lack of support from fans or the ability to grow a fan base, to begin with. For example, some artists may be tempted to follow the latest trends in the music industry in an attempt to gain popularity. However, this can backfire if their music is perceived as inauthentic or unoriginal. See also: many examples.
Another factor that can affect an artist’s authenticity is the music industry’s influence. The music industry is a business, and record labels and producers may try to manipulate an artist’s image and sound to fit into a particular mold that they believe will sell. This can result in artists losing their unique sound and style in favor of something more marketable.
One recent example of an artist who struggled with authenticity due to the influence of the music industry is Billie Eilish. In a 2021 interview with British Vogue, Eilish opened up about feeling pressured to present a certain image and conform to industry standards early in her career.
Eilish, who broke into music at 13, became known for her unique and unconventional style, both in terms of her music and fashion sense. However, as her career began to take off, she found herself being pushed in a more conventional and sexualized direction, which didn’t align with her true self and personal values.
In the interview, Eilish spoke candidly about the struggle to maintain her authenticity in the face of industry pressures, stating: “I feel like I’ve grown so much and gotten better in my voice, but it’s difficult when you’re constantly being told what to do and how to be.”
Despite these challenges, Eilish, who is not alone in her experience, has continued to prioritize her authenticity and unique voice in her music, as evidenced by her critically acclaimed second album, Happier Than Ever, which was released in 2021. Eilish explores personal growth, mental health, and self-acceptance on the album while showcasing her signature blend of haunting melodies and introspective lyrics.
While the music industry can sometimes push artists to conform to certain standards or images, artists like Billie Eilish serve as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s own vision and values, even in the face of external pressures. By prioritizing their authenticity and unique voice, artists can connect with their audience on a deeper level and build a loyal fan base that will support them throughout their careers.
