Finding Your Voice: Developing as a Music Artist
In an age where music is more accessible than ever, and anyone can upload a track from their bedroom to the world, standing out isn't about being the loudest — it’s about being authentic. But what does that really mean?
Finding your voice as a music artist isn’t just about singing or rapping well — it’s about discovering who you are creatively, what you have to say, and how you uniquely express it. It’s a process, not a moment. One filled with growth, experimentation, failure, and ultimately — transformation.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to sharpen your artistic identity, this article will walk you through the essential steps of developing as a music artist and finding the voice only you can offer the world.
1. Understand What "Voice" Really Means
In music, "voice" goes beyond vocals. It’s the sum of your identity as an artist. Your voice includes:
Your tone and style
Your perspective and message
Your sound — genre, instrumentation, production
Your personality and visual presence
The stories you choose to tell
Artists like Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, or The Weeknd have distinctive voices — not just because of how they sound, but because of what they express and how they do it.
Your voice = Your unique artistic fingerprint.
2. Start with Honesty: Who Are You?
Finding your voice starts with self-discovery. You can’t express something meaningful if you don’t know what you stand for. Ask yourself:
What inspires me?
What experiences have shaped me?
What do I care about?
What emotions do I want to explore?
What kind of stories do I want to tell?
Journaling, talking with trusted friends, or revisiting your favorite songs can help you start connecting with your core as an artist.
Tip: Think about how your background, culture, or life journey influences your perspective. That’s where originality lives.
3. Embrace Experimentation
Many artists feel pressure to find their voice quickly. But the truth is, voice often emerges through exploration, not instant clarity.
Try different:
Genres (rock, hip-hop, folk, electronic)
Songwriting approaches (autobiographical, fictional, poetic)
Production styles (minimalist, cinematic, lo-fi)
Record rough ideas, even if they sound messy. The more you create, the more you’ll start to notice patterns — themes, sounds, and phrases that feel like you.
4. Study the Artists You Love — Then Go Beyond
Your favorite artists are a great place to start. Study:
What emotions do their songs evoke?
How do they craft lyrics?
What production techniques do they use?
What makes their sound theirs?
Now flip the lens:
What don’t you like?
What’s missing in their music that you might add?
Use inspiration as a launchpad, not a blueprint.
5. Develop Consistency Without Getting Boxed In
As your sound develops, listeners start to associate you with a certain vibe. That’s good — consistency builds trust. But don’t let that limit you.
Find the through-line. Even if you switch genres or aesthetics, your voice — the way you express ideas — can stay consistent.
Example: Childish Gambino went from rap to funk to psychedelic soul, but his vision and storytelling remain core to everything he does.
6. Strengthen Your Technical Skills
Artistic voice is also about execution. Once you know what you want to say, you need the skills to say it well.
Vocals: Work on tone, delivery, phrasing. Even an "unconventional" voice (like Bob Dylan or Florence Welch) can be powerful when it’s expressive.
Songwriting: Study structure, rhyme, tension, metaphor. Writing often makes your voice clearer.
Production: Learn the basics or collaborate with producers who understand your vision.
7. Get Feedback, But Stay Grounded
Feedback is vital — but it’s easy to lose your voice trying to please everyone. Seek feedback from:
Other artists
Trusted mentors
Real fans
But remember, not all feedback is equal. Ask:
Does this person understand my vision?
Are they offering constructive insights or projecting their tastes?
Use feedback to refine, not redefine yourself.
8. Share Imperfectly and Often
Don’t wait until you’ve “found your voice” to share music. Finding your voice happens through sharing.
Post demos
Perform live
Share works-in-progress
Even if it's rough, real reactions can show you what resonates — and what feels real to others. Over time, this shapes your identity more than waiting ever will.
Authenticity over perfection. Progress over polish.
9. Create a Visual & Brand Identity
Your voice doesn’t end with sound. The way you present yourself visually reinforces your artistic identity.
Album art
Fashion style
Social media presence
Logos and fonts
Think of artists like Tyler, The Creator or FKA twigs — their aesthetic is part of their voice.
Ask yourself:
What visuals match your sound?
What story does your presence tell before someone even hits play?
10. Stay Open to Growth
Your voice will evolve. And that’s beautiful.
Your influences will shift
Your life will change
Your tools and skills will grow
What matters most is staying connected to your truth as it changes. Every album, every phase is a snapshot of your artistic journey.
Let go of the pressure to be complete — and focus on being real.
Final Thoughts: Your Voice Is Your Power
In a crowded digital world, the artists who stand out aren’t the loudest or most polished — they’re the ones who are authentically themselves.
Finding your voice is not a formula. It’s a relationship between your heart, your craft, and your audience.
So keep writing. Keep singing. Keep experimenting. Your voice is there — waiting to be heard.
And when you find it?
The world will listen.
Bonus Exercise: Finding Your Artistic Voice Journal Prompts
List 5 artists you admire and why.
Describe a moment that shaped your passion for music.
Write about what you wish people understood about you.
What sounds, visuals, and moods feel most you?
Write a mission statement for yourself as an artist.
