Fall In Love With Why You Are Different

by Cari Cole

Why be just like everyone else when you can be you? Especially when it could be your ticket to your career.

Too many artists hold back because they are terrified to be that vulnerable – but it is by being vulnerable that you will be more authentic and perhaps tap into some of the greatest artistic gifts you have to bring to the table.

I just came back from the Uplevel Your Purpose Event in Charlotte, N.C. with 200 female entrepreneurs. During the week I kept returning to this idea:

“Fall in love with why you are different.”

It not only resonated for me, it’s a great phrase for my artists because it’s a critical piece in finding your I.D. This is particularly true when you are launching your music in the world. It takes more than just good music to make an impression.

In my Step Up to the Spotlight program, Module 3 is all about Stepping up Your Image and Brand, and it’s exactly where most artists get stuck. Truth is, it requires a good deal of attention and focus. And sometimes, it’s bigger than you; there are external forces that don’t exactly help. For the past 15 years, our trends in music, fashion and lifestyle have become more uniform than individual. Everybody wears the same frigging clothes, basically has the same-ish hair – so much so that sometimes, in some areas of the U.S. (and even the world), it looks like everyone is wearing a uniform. That doesn’t help when you’re trying to stand out. And god forbid any new artist should be too different and risk sales; better to go with what’s proven and repeat the formula for success (sigh). But now is the time for breaking molds – to stand out and be different – in a good way. It’s time to “fall in love with why you’re different.” Thank g’ness.

If you struggle with this, it’s not your fault. First of all, it takes a lot of time and attention and experimentation (like getting a sewing machine, getting some help from a fashion forward friend and/or routinely scouring through one-of-a-kind boutiques), because the truth is you won’t just pull it out of a hat overnight.

The solution? Roll up your sleeves, put on a pot of Chai (or coffee, if that rocks your boat) and put up a vision board. I say inventory first and mindset next. So here it is — what if you were to “fall in love with why you are different?” Just the idea makes me jump up from the table.

When an artist finds their Unique I.D., their signature image and sound, it is a huge piece. To truly dive in, you’ll want to spend a good deal of time and energy improving both areas, as well as getting super clear on your “why” (more on that coming up).

Here’s my Quick List for Falling in Love with Why You are Different:

Your Image (the visual impression you make):

1. Make a vision board (a corkboard mounted on your wall with thumbtacks) and post images, cool clothes and photos of artists whose style you like. Hair styles, clothes, shoes, album covers etc. For girls, include makeup, too. Make it a mission.
2. What is your favorite piece of clothing you would wear to a hip music party? Start here and build your closet.
3. Whose image is similar to yours? What can you learn from them?
4. Spend time each week planning out your clothes (and/or shopping at your local vintage boutique) and step it up.

Your Music (your sound / the musical impression you make) :

1. Who are your Top 3 favorite music artists, musically speaking? (You love the sound of their music.) Pick one that is similar to you. What are they doing that you aren’t? Listen and learn. What is one piece of it that you can add to yours?
2. What musical period are you most influenced by and what can you take away? 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s? Jazz? Standards? Soul? Blues? Rock n’ roll? Folk? Singer-songwriter? Disco? Power-ballads? Appalachian country (Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash)? Zydeco? New Orleans? Get specific and write a song using those influences and chord structures. It isn’t about writing exactly in that genre. It’s allowing the influence to be a thread through your sound. Too generic won’t get the attention you need; you need to have your own sound.

Your Purpose (your “Why”):

Your Purpose is your “Why.” Why do you do music? What drives you? What makes you go to band practice and keep doing it? Knowing your “why” helps you connect more deeply to your music and your audience. It is your Purpose and your message. It is where you will find the keys to your true north and the road to your authentic path, artistically and professionally.

Journal your “Why”. Keep working it daily until it feels just right. Read your “Why” once a week to connect with your Purpose and deepen your intention. Intention is where we create from. If you don’t know your “Why,” how can you put your Intention out there in the world?

You’ll know you’ve fallen in love with why you are different when:

• You smile at yourself when you look in the mirror.
• People smile at you more (you get more winks).
• People comment favorably on what you are wearing.
• You feel better in your super cool threads.
• People comment on your music – a lot more.
• You can’t wait to perform and show your latest song.
• People start sharing your music with their friends. 🙂
• People tell you how much they love your authenticity and that you are not afraid to be yourself.
• You stop having to convince people you are any good; people start convincing you that you’re good.

Fall in love with why you are different. Start now.

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For more information about my Step Up to the Spotlight Program (you can join anytime) click here.

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New* Artist Development Success Circle (in person group program NYC only): Starting Sept 14th, 2011. Registration now through August 20th. Limited number of students accepted. Inquire ASAP at info@caricole.com.