27th March 2025
My Way
Written by Alia Leena
Maktoub- “it is, or has been written”, the first time I heard this saying was in 2017.
I was sitting in my best friends living room and we were contemplating about life, our dreams and aspirations, all that might happen once we just finish school. My sister (best friend) Kauthar, who is of Moroccan descent, was brought up with this saying by her Berber parents.
When I first heard it, I had no clue of its depth and how it was going to follow and influence me 8 years later.
Maktoub refers to our destiny, our path in life but not just one, all those which we could possibly choose, still concluding to one ‘fin’(Spanish for end) that has already been written for us.
Maktoub seemed scary to me when I first heard it. “I don't want to believe in that” I said, mistakenly taking the saying as a threat to my own control and influence over my destiny.
Now, years later I finally understand why it gave Kauthar a sense of security, of trust in her own purpose and the consequent unfolding of her life.
A Song Unfinished
Yes, my destiny is already written but I can still influence its course in a 1 000 000 different ways, with every decision I make. Only God knows where I’ll end up, but my path toward it lies in my hands.
Being of Arab descent but unable to speak the language nor know of its people, Maktoub strikes a chord of belonging uncertainty in me. I have always felt a strong sense of who I want to become in life. Early on I knew I had to pursue a career in music, “become a Singer”, God whispered in my ears, but over the years after relentless pursuit certain hardships in life made me stop, give up, question what I had once known to be true. This blog serves as an expression of something anew.
Who am I now and who do I want to become? What will it take me to get there?
I want to be someone, keep part of who I already am and add on to that with a plan. One I had feared for so long, cause what if I fall? But for sure I will fall if I do not try at all. Its time. I’m done questioning.
During my research for this uni project, I also committed to the 12-week journey of ‘The Artist’s Way’ a book supposed to help you unfold your most creatively productive self.
You never know when your time is going to come but I just have to keep on believing it will. I will keep on trusting the sense I have felt my entire life—the sense telling me that I am meant for something higher, that I have to tell and share my story.
Whispers of the Universe
When travelling to London this week, I encountered many people - I was having a session with a guitarist whom I’ve met 2 years ago in London . While passing by the rehearsal space, a guy stopped and asked if he could sit in and listen, because he liked what he had heard. No 50 seconds later, another guy joined him. Having just talked to Rose(guitarist) about the pressure of superficial networking I was surprised to see the Universe had already woven its net. I met two Producers, a Rapper and a Pianist that day. The older I get the more I believe, life does spin for me, I don’t have to fight it, but let it.
On the same day a Homeless man told me, he sees light in my future, I had been unable to give him any cash but little chocolates and a conversation from eye to eye. I thank God, or the Universe or whatever Higher there is that I know of for sure. ” I see light in your future”
Lessons From the Masters
In his book, ‘The Scottish Himalayan Expedition’, W.H. Murray shared:
“Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative or creation, there is one elementary truth...that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves. too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise never have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in ones's favour all manner of incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man would have believed would have come his way.
Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace, and power in it.”
If I am being honest with myself, this statement scares me due to the truth, I can feel it holding. I believe in it, which means there are no more excuses and I am ready to explore becoming myself, even though I do not feel like it. But I recognise I never will if I wont act.
During my interview with singer-songwriter Kauta, she expressed a couple of advises that I would like to share with you.
First and foremost, your believe in yourself is the only guarantee and not a void to be filled by outside validation. Once successful your self assurance has to serve as a shield for hate comments, bad reviews/ articles and misogynistic industry people. As a woman in particular you will be tested and questioned over and over again- nobody will believe in you until they have no other chance to, as evidenced by your work. This can also result in crippling self-doubt and a constant need to prove yourself in order to be accepted but as Kauta put it: “Being underestimated is always a big chance!” She was able to transform those feelings and use them as fuel.
Secondly, be patient with your journey, growing up in a generation where everyone appears to feel like they are ‘too late’ in their early twenties at achieving success, the believe in ‘Maktoub’ can serve as a security blanket. Everything is already written, but there are 1000 destinies to choose from and you could end up with either.
Thirdly, being an artist is not as rosy as it might seem. Yes, most of the time you either make close to no money or a load of it. But with that career comes responsibility. Your passion has become your job and there are no days off. Kauta describes it as a constant 24/7 engagement that limits her life experiences as a young woman. She thought, once she had money, she would be able to spend it on travels, but almost all of it gets reinvested into her career, and there is no free time. “I think living off of something means that it choses you”.
But you must keep on going; you have to live for what you love. It appears, a life of an artist is a constant test of resilience, discomfort and believe. Belief, that if one song flops it was not supposed to be the one that makes you ‘big’. Believe, that even when you feel close to giving up and are at your absolute lowest, there is a place for you. There is a way for you to reach it.
Her forth advice for upcoming artist was to become comfortable sharing on Social Media. Many artists seem to be afraid of it and I myself am a victim of this misconception that Social Media might take from my artistry. I do not know where this believe stems from but I feel it. Kauta says I have to figure out a way to use it to my advantage- and I know she is right. It is my platform I can use it how I please and portray what I want and yes it might seem as if my musics ‘magic’ gets lost, but in reality it does the opposite. It gives me influence over the brand I am trying to create. The business I am aiming to develop and even converse with the people that might be interested in it. It helps to connect on a human level and serves as an opportunity former artists never had before.
Why are we as musicians so set on doing it the old way? The raw way of being discovered by a label, an important industry person - it almost seems as if we would rather rely on anyone but ourselves.
As Doechii put it in an interview with ‘nolabelsnecessary society’- as an independent artist you have to know exactly what you want and be the main advocate for your musical output. “Learn how to be a leader and also serve others”, she further recommends a strategic 10 year plan.
And even if it feels like charts have figured this industry out, there is always something new to learn- your feelings and your love for what you do have to guide you at all times. There are plenty of stories of artists who stopped listening to their label and dropped a non supported project that marked a historical moment in their legacy- take, for example Frank Ocean- “Blonde", Rayes’- “My 21rst century blues” or Doechiis’- “alligator bites never heal”.
I have to allow myself to be heard, to be seen, to be felt first, and believe that people will follow. While interviewing singer-songwriter SOLOMON, his main advice was to not get lost in anybody else’s conception but your own. What you love is most important- from sharing that love appreciation will follow. Nobody knows better what will work for you but you. Listening to constructive criticism is important but do not internalise it. You know best, even if you feel like an amateur .
At this point in my blog, I would like to share Andre De Shields’ three cardinal rules of his ability and longevity : first, “surround yourself with people who’s eyes light up when they see you coming”, secondly, “slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be.” And third,”the top of one mountain is the bottom of the next so keep on climbing”.
All of these rules stuck with me but the second and third in particular are sentiments I was able to gather from my interviewees. Even though to me, all of them are established in their area of artistry, either one of them repeatedly talks about viewing themselves as a beginner, as a constant student whose dreams ones reached just transform into something bigger. We surrender to this purpose we feel deep inside and whatever hurdle we occur helps us become who we are supposed to be, strengthens our direction even if it may distract us for a while.
A Cup of Tea
The other day I saw an instagram post about Don Ritchie, - the so called ‘cliff angel’- a man,
who had built his house by a popular suicide spot at the coast of Australia known as “the gap”.
After noticing the cliffs deadly pull for mentally ill people, he started inviting strangers into his
home for a cup of tea, whenever somebody got to close to the edge. Over the course of his 50 years living there, he single handedly saved around 160 lives. I couldn’t help but wonder how many cups of tea I may be able to share in live? With strangers, friends and lovers who need it. I hope for my music to serve as the cups of tea that I was unable to share in physical presence.
What does it take?
While interviewing Paul Lorton, the Recording and Mixing Engineer for COLORSxSTUDIOS, as well as Falconi, gold producer for artists such as Ayliva and $oho Bani, I noticed a few of their statements overlapping.
Paul Lorton puts a special emphasis on creating a comfortable environment for the artists he’s working with. “To help set this tone, I focus on adapting the ambiance to their personality.” Wether that goes as far as colour coordinating the room fitting to the artists aesthetic, or burning candles and Palo Santo at their arrival, he believes creating a safe atmosphere is the first stepping stone for a successful performance. It’s an in-between space that demands adaptability. A comfortable artist always delivers a better performance.” This approach shows the artist that Paul is interested in them and willing to connect on a human level by creating a space just for them.
In February 2024 Solomon performed his song “fool” at COLORS. I had the pleasure of being in the mixing booth while Paul was recording. That’s why I found it fitting to share their two perspectives on the performance with you guys. As I asked Paul what qualities an artist should possess to deliver a resonating performance, he pointed at honesty, stage presence, strong vocal skills and foremost a deep believe in their art. “ When artists bring authenticity to their performance, it resonates with everyone in the room and translates beautifully on screen.” When I spoke to SOLOMON about his thought-process in preparation for COLORS, he told me that avoiding over-practicing was the key to deliver on the day of the performance. In order to dive into the songs emotion authentically, he had to keep from overthinking. He also pointed at the teams sympathy and general positive environment which made him feel welcome and safe. But foremost, I believe that through his experience of performing, Solomon had established enough self-trust, enabling him to let go in the moment.
Never mind your experience and expertise, Paul Lorton and Falconi both expressed to me how important it is to stay curious and open-minded. To experiment with different disciplines and continuously broadening skillsets: “Don’t pigeonhole yourself into one specific area. Experiment with different roles, even those outside your main interest.”
Both pride themselves as being a constant student, continuously facing the possibility to step up their game. The possibility for growth is what motivates Falconi on a daily basis. You have to be willing to try over and over again even though you don’t know what you are doing yet. As Paul puts it “most essential skills are taste and the ability to truly listen. “ these skills cannot be taught but only broadened.
Both of them use prep-work in order to release stress from the actual session and engage with the artists needs on set efficiently. Their willingness to go beyond their daily hours in order to ensure a smooth session and best possible outcome is inspiring to me. Falconi still takes courses for music theory and specific guitar lessons even though he has been playing since 6 years old and Paul mentions to view himself as upcoming Engineer even though he has been working a prestigious job for years.
When starting all over again Paul would search for a mentor as he believes that:”Having someone with years of experience to guide me would have saved time and provided valuable insights.” And maybe then his career wouldn’t have been “largely shaped by trial and error”, which of course is self-rewarding but exhausting.
I thank these men for sharing their views on the industry. In particular I am thankful for these three advises:
“No two paths are the same”, reminding us of the traps of comparison, “the most essential skills are taste and the ability to truly listen” , portraying that you already possess what’s most important to succeed in an audio profession and “You don't have to be good at everything” further encouraging self trust, not to get lost in the advertisement of skillsets rather than the actual deepening of a few specific ones.
Everyone always talks about the absolute necessity for networking and social connections in the music industry. Your ability to “build relationships, communicate effectively, and present yourself genuinely often plays an equally important role. Be kind, be genuine, and invest in-nurturing your connections.”
Paul also encouraged me to build a community of peers. “Surround yourself with
like-minded individuals at a similar level of experience. Share knowledge, exchange
ideas, and support each other.” Sometimes, this feels close to impossible, though, because there appears to be much competition between females in this industry. I have mostly encountered this as an artist and not so much as a producer or sound engineer yet, but it still made me become more cautious of people’s intentions.
Furthermore I have previously experienced many damming interactions with male producers who have not taken me serious for my art but used sessions for vocals on their projects as well as a quiet space to harass without being caught. So, I do feel like building that community is way easier for men in the music industry ( referring to my rap friends who seem to be close as mud with all their producer and artist friends, never having had their talent questioned once).
Nevertheless I do of course see the value in being a kind person who people want around in order to get invited into the rooms and connect with the people I aim to connect with.
Especially for a tour environment and generally performances but also sessions, a safe space is is important so that creativity can unfold without judgement.
Final Words
To conclude pursuing a career in the music industry takes a lot of self-dedication, discipline and determination.
You have to persevere especially in times of hopelessness, be willing to adapt to artists and your teams needs and be willing to be a constant student in life, continuously searching for new information and inspiration.
Finally from what I gathered the most important thing to succeed in the music industry is being a kind and pleasant person. (Taken with caution for women: as women, you have to know what you want and communicate clearly and directly without being perceived as ‘difficult’ or a ‘diva’) this difference in treatment is unfortunate but on the other hand I’d like to share one last statement by Kauta for myself and all the girls out there: “The reason why people would wanna hold you down is because they are afraid of what you might become”—don’t let anyone make you small. You’ve got this.
—Alia <3333
References:
Andre De Shields. (n.d.). Quotes/ Tony Award Acceptance speech 2019. andre. https://www.andredeshields.com/quotes
Cameron, J. (1992). The artist's way: A spiritual path to higher creativity. Tarcher.
IZotope,Inc. (2025, March 6). How to become an audio engineer in 2025 | iZotope. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz5NHkUVBQA
Kwek, G. (2012, May 14). Death of the angel of the gap: The man who saved the suicidal from themselves. The Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/death-of-the-angel-of-the-gap-the-man-who-saved-the-suicidal-from-themselves-20120514-1ymle.html
MixedByEI. (2024, January 27). 3 Ways To Make Your First $100,000 As A Audio Engineer Online. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIIBZMwyGKE
Nolabelsnecessary. (2025, February 11). No labels necessary auf Instagram: "@doechii gives you 3 tips for any artist getting into the music industry. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/nolabelsnecessary/reel/DF8K0A-u4Ds/?locale=de_DE
TapeNotesPodcast. (2022, July 27). FINNEAS Advice For Musicians. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PJ2-5Qh1JNs
W.H.Murray. (n.d.). A quote by W.H. Murray. Goodreads | Meet your next favorite book. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/722289-until-one-is-committed-there-is-hesitancy-the-chance-to
