When you're starting in music, it's kind of like learning to walk. You look up to the musicians you love and try to play or sing like them. Like an apprenticeship, you learn the tricks and styles that make your favourite artists awesome.
But here's the thing, you don't want to be a copycat forever. If you copy your idols too much, it's like being stuck in a musical rut. Your creativity might get stuck, and you won't find your unique sound.
Take Greta Van Fleet, for example. While they've been likened to Led Zeppelin because of their classic rock vibes and the powerful vocals reminiscent of Robert Plant, they've managed to carve out their distinct sound. It's like hearing echoes of the past, but in a way that's uniquely Greta Van Fleet.
Finding your sound is a slow process. It means looking inside yourself – your feelings, experiences, and what makes you, well, you. You need to try new things, mix up different styles, and maybe even team up with other musicians who bring something fresh.
Don't be afraid to try new stuff. Play with different instruments, mix up styles, or work with people who have a different musical background. The more you let your own personality shine through, the more your music becomes a true reflection of who you are.
Although you can immerse yourself in the art of imitation, let it be a stepping stone towards the exploration of your creative landscape.
Another example is Arctic Monkeys. Their earlier work often drew comparisons to bands like The Strokes due to their garage rock influences and energetic guitar riffs. However, as they evolved, Arctic Monkeys developed a sound uniquely theirs, incorporating diverse elements from different genres.
Today, musicians have unprecedented opportunities to reinterpret existing sounds in novel ways through sampling, remixing, and electronic manipulation, leveraging cutting-edge tools and production techniques to redefine what it means to imitate and be original.
The internet also plays a big role. Musicians from different parts of the world can easily connect and share their music. This means artists can use influences from all over, making their sound a mix of cultures and ideas.
Be influenced but stay original!