4 Lessons from 40 Years: A Musician's Advice for New Artists
Notes from a Lifetime in Music
I’ve been fortunate to have a career in music that has spanned two very different eras: the 80s world of vinyl and radio, and the modern world of streaming and digital connection. Looking back on that journey—the successes, the failures, and the long 40-year break in between—I’ve learned a few hard-won lessons about what it means to be an artist.
If I could go back and give my younger self a few pieces of advice, these are the four things I would say.
1. Trust Your Listener (Even When You Doubt Yourself)
When we were choosing the first single for my debut album in 1980, my producer and manager both insisted on a song called "Fairy Tale." I disagreed. I thought the song was just okay and didn't really showcase my vocal range. But as a new artist, I was outvoted.
To my complete surprise, they were right. The song became a popular local hit in Hawaii. Today, over 40 years later, it is my #2 most-streamed song worldwide.
The Lesson: The audience decides what they love. You can't predict what will connect. Your job is to make honest music, but you must also be humble enough to trust your listeners. They are the ones who give your music life.
2. Master Your Craft (The Work is the Reward)
Today's technology makes it easy to make a song sound big and polished with a few clicks. In the 80s, we had to build that sound manually, and it taught me the value of craft.
When I was recording my New Dimensions album, producer Bob Wilson had me sing every single harmony on tracks like "True Love." It was a grueling, precise process of stacking my own voice over and over to build that massive chorus.
The Lesson: There is no substitute for doing the work. Technology changes, but a deep knowledge of your craft—whether it's vocal technique, songwriting, or understanding harmony—is what gives your music its soul. That mastery is the one thing that will never become obsolete.
3. Embrace Joyful Collaboration
As a young artist, I was very focused on my own "sound" and "style." But some of the most rewarding work comes not from a solitary struggle, but from a joyful collaboration.
After finishing my My Continuum EP, my producer Lance Jyo suggested we record a Christmas song. It was a project born not out of a strategic plan, but out of a shared love for holiday music and a desire to create a "gift" for our friends and family. We brought in my longtime friend Rachel Gonzales, and the three of us created the rich, three-part harmonies for "Christmas In Our Hearts."
The Lesson: Say "yes" to projects that bring you joy. Music, at its best, is a team sport. Collaborating with people you trust and admire can push you to new places and, as it did for me, can even fulfill a lifelong "bucket list" dream.
4. It Is Never, Ever Too Late
I walked away from my music career in the late 80s. I built a new life, a successful career in the business world, and for nearly 40 years, my music was just a memory. I carried the "what ifs" and the regret of not giving it a proper farewell.
This year, I returned to the studio and released my new EP, My Continuum.
The Lesson: Creativity doesn't have an expiration date. Your journey is yours alone, and it's never too late to go back to what you love, to tell your story, or to create the art you were meant to create. Don't let anyone—especially yourself—tell you that your time has passed.
A Songwriter's Q&A
1. What is the hardest part of being a musician? For many, it's the lack of stability and the pressure to stay relevant. But the true challenge is staying authentic—to keep making the music you believe in, even when it's not what's currently popular.
2. How do you find your "sound" as a new artist? Your "sound" is just a combination of all your influences and your unique perspective. Don't try to "find" it. Just be honest. Listen to everything, learn your craft, and then write what you feel. The "sound" will find you.
3. Is it important to know music theory? You don't need a degree, but yes, it's incredibly important. Understanding the language of music—why certain chords create certain emotions, how a harmony works—is the difference between being a passenger and being the driver. It gives you the tools to truly express your vision.
I hope these reflections are helpful. The music industry has changed, but the artist's journey remains the same.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received as a creative person? I'd love to hear it in the comments.