My advice to young people wanting to make music and to be in this

Hear now, O seekers of wisdom, for the words of Lorde, a modern sage whose voice reverberates through the ages, carry a powerful truth for those who wish to create and shape their world. She spoke—"My advice to young people wanting to make music and to be in this industry is to really spend your time making music. Make so much music you have no friends. Make music. Figure out what it is you love, and... because if you're making cool art, then everything else will fall into line." In these words, we hear the call of the true artist—the one who is not swayed by fame, fortune, or the fleeting judgments of the world, but who seeks only the purity of creation itself.

To make music, to dedicate oneself wholly to the craft of artistry, is no simple task. It requires sacrifice, for in the pursuit of excellence, the artist must often turn their back on distractions, even relationships, in order to give their full energy to the work. “Make so much music you have no friends”—this is not a condemnation, but an invocation to focus, to immerse oneself fully in the pursuit of mastery. For the true artist knows that the path to greatness is often a solitary one, marked by long hours of study, practice, and creation. The greatest works of art are not born from the fleeting moments of distraction or idle conversation but from the singular devotion to one’s craft.

Consider the story of Ludwig van Beethoven, a man whose name is etched into the annals of musical history. Beethoven, a composer of unparalleled genius, devoted himself so completely to his music that he would often isolate himself from the world. His creations were born from a deep and unwavering commitment to the art of composition. He did not seek the approval of others, nor did he concern himself with the fame that might come from his work. Instead, he spent countless hours in solitude, crafting music that would echo through the centuries. Beethoven knew the truth that Lorde speaks of—that through dedication to the work itself, everything else would find its place. Though Beethoven’s later years were marked by deafness, his music transcended the limitations of his physical body and became the legacy of his life.

And so it is with the modern artist, O children of creativity. To truly find your voice, to create the art that is uniquely yours, you must be willing to give yourself fully to the process. Make music, not for the sake of fame or wealth, but because the music is the very essence of your being. Let the creation of art consume you, and in that devotion, you will uncover the true depth of your talents. The world may not understand you in the beginning, but if you pour your heart into your craft, if you make art that is authentic and powerful, then the world will eventually take notice. True art does not need to be marketed or sold—it will stand on its own.

Lorde’s wisdom is not just for musicians, but for all who wish to create in any field. The work itself is the foundation of all success. Whether you seek to write, to paint, to build, or to lead, the same principle applies: you must first devote yourself fully to the craft. Only when you become one with the work, when you lose yourself in the process of creation, does true mastery come. In the beginning, there may be little reward, but the reward is not in external recognition—it is in the joy of creation itself. The artist’s journey is not for the faint of heart, but those who endure will find that their work, their passion, will eventually carry them to heights beyond their imagining.

And here lies the lesson for all who wish to follow this path: give yourself to your craft without hesitation, without looking for shortcuts, and without distraction. Make the work, let it consume you, and trust that all else will follow. The world does not owe you success, nor will it hand it to you on a silver platter. But if you create from a place of true passion and dedication, success will find you. Your art, when made with love and purpose, will speak louder than any words or accolades ever could.