Podcast Summary
From busking to stardom: Andy Grammer's journey: Stay true to your art, continue creating despite adversity, and find balance for long-term success.
Persistence and dedication to one's craft, even in the face of adversity and financial struggles, can lead to great success. Andy Grammer, a multi-platinum recording artist, shared his journey from busking on the streets of Santa Monica for four years to achieving mainstream recognition. He emphasized the importance of staying true to one's art and continuing to create, even when it seems like the world is telling you no. Grammy also discussed the role pain plays in creating success and the importance of balance in life, even for the super successful. Ultimately, his message was one of resilience and the power of following one's dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Shift focus from self to providing value and service to others: Effective communication and connection require focusing on providing value and service to others, rather than manipulating them, to create positive emotional responses and build meaningful connections.
Effective communication and connection with others requires a shift from focusing on oneself to providing value and service to others. This was a valuable lesson learned by a street performer who spent years perfecting his craft and observing people's reactions. He discovered that by playing popular songs and being attuned to the cues of his audience, he could draw them in and create a positive emotional response. This skill of connecting with people and providing them with something they need or want is a valuable asset in any business or interpersonal interaction. By focusing on the intent of providing value and genuinely trying to move people, rather than manipulating them, one can create a positive impact and build meaningful connections. The performer's journey involved experimenting with different approaches and learning to write songs that resonated with his audience. This mindset of service and intent can lead to greater success and fulfillment in various aspects of life.
Using entertainment to connect and make a difference: Personalized entertainment and relentless dedication can leave a lasting impact, even saving lives through powerful messages and intentions.
The power of connection and entertainment can lead to making a difference in people's lives. The speaker shared his experience of using various forms of entertainment, from magic to songwriting, to connect with people and leave a lasting impact. He emphasized the importance of personalization and relentless dedication to one's craft. One of his most notable achievements was writing the song "Keep Your Head Up," which helped save a woman's life by keeping her going during a moment of crisis. The speaker believes that the intention and energy behind the words, music, and performance are just as important as the message itself.
Staying true to purpose and passion leads to unexpected success: Believe in your intentions and dedication, even when faced with adversity and rejection, as it can lead to authentic and resonating art that eventually finds its audience.
Even in the face of adversity and rejection, staying true to one's purpose and passion can lead to unexpected success. The artist shared a personal story of how he was inspired to write a song after being rejected and ignored while busking on the streets. Despite receiving no acknowledgement or financial support, he persisted in sharing his music, believing that his intentions and dedication would eventually be recognized. The experience of being ignored and struggling financially added depth and authenticity to his art, making it resonate with people when they finally discovered it. The artist emphasized the importance of staying committed to one's goals, even when it feels like the world is against you, and trusting that the universe will eventually respond to your intentions.
The combination of talent and relentlessness leads to greatness.: Stay true to yourself and keep pushing forward to achieve success, even if it takes time and involves many failures.
Talent alone is not enough to achieve success. The artist in this conversation emphasizes the importance of being relentless in pursuing one's craft. He shares his personal experience of writing over 100 songs before finding success with "Honey, I'm Good," which was song 101. He explains that he wrote numerous songs that sounded like what was popular at the time but ultimately discarded them because they didn't feel authentic. The artist believes that the combination of talent and relentlessness is what leads to greatness. He encourages anyone who feels doubt or uncertainty to keep pushing forward and not give up on their dreams. The artist's journey took four years and involved countless rejected songs, but he ultimately found success by staying true to himself and refusing to give up.
Finding joy in acts of service and growth: Acts of service and personal growth bring immense joy, regardless of audience size or success.
Sharing wisdom and connecting with people through acts of service brings immense joy and fulfillment, regardless of the size of an audience. Whether it's on the street or in a living room, the act of helping others and growing as a person is what truly makes us happy. The recognition and success that come later are just bonuses. The speaker, who started busking around age 20 and continued until 27, found joy in both the experience of performing and the connections made along the way. He believes that everyone, no matter their age or current level of success, can find happiness in the process of growth and service to others.
Art transforms lives: Artists have the power to shift perspectives, lift spirits, and make a difference in people's lives through their creations
Art, whether it's music or any other form, holds immense power to transform our lives. It's not just about having a good time, but it can shift our perspective, lift our spirits, and even help us get through tough times. The artist's role is not just to create a great single, but to provide meaningful experiences for their audience. Even waiting in line for hours to get into a concert or reading an inspiring speech can have a profound impact. It's important to remember this and stay motivated in our creative pursuits. Just as a lawyer or doctor invests in their craft to help those in need, artists should also put in the effort to create art that can make a difference in people's lives. And when performing, it's essential to remember that each audience member comes with unique stories and expectations, and it's a privilege to be able to connect with them through our art.
Staying Passionate and Committed to Your Goals: Passion and dedication can lead to remarkable experiences and achievements, even when faced with obstacles. Never give up on your dreams, and let inspiration from others fuel your persistence.
Passion and dedication to one's craft can lead to remarkable experiences and achievements. The speaker shares her desire to deliver a magical experience to her audience, drawing parallels to great art and the unity it brings. She encourages not giving up, even when faced with obstacles, and shares how her upbringing around music influenced her own career. Despite not making the college a cappella group, she persevered and found success in her unique talent as a kid singer. Her father, a successful children's singer, served as an inspiration to never give up on one's dreams. Overall, the importance of staying passionate and committed to one's goals, even when faced with setbacks, is a powerful reminder.
A unique upbringing shaped by a mother's fearlessness and a father's sweetness: Embracing individuality, empowering others, learning, and growth can stem from unique parental influences
Growing up with both a mother and father who influenced us in unique ways can shape our values, morals, and perspective on life. The speaker's mother, a spiritual titan with a fearless approach to her purpose, taught her the importance of embracing individuality and empowering others. Meanwhile, her father, a natural vessel for children, instilled in her a lighthearted and sweet disposition, while also encouraging learning and growth. The speaker's fascination with pain and difficulties, as seen in her upcoming album, is a testament to the growth and success that can emerge from challenging experiences. Ultimately, the speaker's upbringing, shaped by both her mother's fearlessness and her father's sweetness, has given her a unique perspective and depth that she cherishes.
The Importance of Balance and Empathy: Successful people face hardships and need empathy, balance in life is essential for overall well-being, and taking breaks is crucial for continued growth.
Everyone goes through hardships and adversity, no matter how successful or privileged they may seem. The speaker shares his experience of growing up as a popular athlete, but even he encountered challenges and moments of deep sadness. He learned the importance of empathy and understanding towards others, especially those who appear different or upset. This realization was a turning point in his personal growth. As he entered his 30s, he recognized the need for balance in all areas of life, not just relentless pursuit of success. He emphasized the importance of considering food, sleep, relationships, and conversations, and making time for rest and relaxation. The speaker also acknowledged the unique challenges of the entertainment industry, where working often coincides with others' days off. Despite the pressures to keep going and the societal expectations to never give up, the speaker encourages taking breaks and prioritizing overall well-being. This perspective shift is crucial for continued growth and success.
The importance of self-care and rest for personal growth: Prioritize self-care and rest to avoid burnout, understand personal needs, and focus on what's truly valuable.
Prioritizing self-care and rest is crucial for personal growth and avoiding burnout, even when pursuing dreams or career goals. The speaker shares his personal experience of pushing himself too hard, leading to a collapse, and the importance of understanding individual needs and setting boundaries. He also highlights the importance of recognizing what is truly valuable and separating it from external validation or distractions. The street performers' ability to captivate crowds serves as a metaphor for focusing on the moment of magic and not getting lost in the noise of external pressures.
Seeing failure as an opportunity for growth: Embrace failure as a friend, learn from it, and use it as motivation to improve and create memorable experiences.
Failure and discomfort are inevitable parts of the journey to success. The speaker shares his experience of consistently facing failure in various aspects of his life, but instead of being discouraged, he sees it as an opportunity to grow and improve. He compares this mindset to the discomfort one experiences during a workout, where pushing through the pain leads to progress. The speaker also shares how he adapts to his audience during performances and adjusts the setlist to keep the crowd engaged. In essence, he views failure as a friend that pushes him to keep pushing and to create memorable experiences for his audience.
The Power of Perseverance and Adaptability: Persevering through challenges and adapting to unexpected situations can lead to memorable experiences and success.
Perseverance and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges and finding success. The speaker shares a story of his brother, a renowned jazz violinist, who relentlessly promoted himself and his music to audiences, inspiring the speaker to respect and appreciate the hustle. The speaker also recounts an experience at a free concert where a power outage led him to perform an acapella version of his song, "Keep Your Head Up," which became a memorable moment for his fans. These experiences illustrate the importance of seeing setbacks as opportunities and finding creativity in unexpected situations. Additionally, the speaker expresses pride in his dedication to spirituality as a guiding force in his life.
Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. inspired artist beyond music: Artist finds moral character of figures like Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. inspiring, values being a good person, sees mother as a guiding force in life and career.
Influences extend beyond music for this artist. While discussing his album, he shared how he's been inspired by figures like Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr., not just for their achievements, but for their moral character. He values being a good person and considers it a priority, even if it doesn't come with the same accolades as artistic success. When reflecting on his mother's influence, he spoke about her honest feedback and the role she played in his development as a musician. He believes that she continues to inspire him, even after her passing. The artist also expressed the mysterious nature of inspiration, acknowledging that some of his best work came to him seemingly out of nowhere. Ultimately, he views his mother as a guiding force in his life and career.
Serve, Embrace, and Express: Andy's Three Fundamental Truths: Small acts of kindness towards those in need can have a profound impact, inspiring joy, positivity, and dignity.
Artist Andy inspires us to serve each other, embrace our pain, and express love as the three fundamental truths. He has used his gift of music to spread joy and positivity, and his latest single, "Fresh Eyes," embodies this message. In the video for this song, he made a difference in the lives of homeless people by giving them makeovers and helping them regain their dignity. This experience added a deeper meaning to the love song, reminding us that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Despite the prevalence of homelessness and suffering in the world, Andy encourages us not to turn a blind eye but to find ways to make a difference.
Recognizing and honoring individual dignity: Small acts of kindness and attention can lead to profound feelings of purpose and value. Focus on realizing potential and standing up for inner voice. Pursue dreams and stay true to self to define greatness.
Recognizing and honoring the dignity of individuals, no matter their circumstances, can make a significant impact on their lives. Small acts of kindness and attention can lead to profound feelings of purpose and value. Andy Grammer encourages us to see past labels and fear, and instead, focus on realizing our potential and standing up for the quiet voice within. By consistently pursuing our dreams and staying true to ourselves, we can define greatness for ourselves. Connect with Andy on social media and check out his music to be inspired by his message and journey.
