Inspiration and Wisdom at the “We Create Music” Panel
ASCAP.com: Our final Friday panel did not disappoint! The esteemed guests again treated us to personal reflections and entertaining anecdotes.
Songwriter/producer Antonina Armato (“Love You Like a Love Song”) offered, “There was nothing logical about the way I got here. Songs would come into my head and I started cutting demos. I couldn’t stop doing it…it was like breathing.” Her path to success wasn’t linear, but rather a series of “breadcrumbs,” she described.
Composer Michael Brook (Into the Wild, The Fighter) said that “When good things happen, often you don’t feel like you caused it. Luck is a big factor, but perseverance buys you a lottery ticket so luck can hit.”
Prolific artist Mike Posner shared “I don’t really feel like I write any of my songs…they just kind of come through.” He continued, “You have to show up to the studio every day…90 percent of the days I make really bad music..but you have to keep showing up.” Posner encouraged the audience to take every opportunity you possibly can. He explained how a semi-spontaneous road trip to meet Scooter Braun eventually led to his hit song with Justin Bieber five years later.
Reflecting on his success, Posner said he has learned how to balance criticism: “It’s not my work to worry about my reputation. I can’t control that. What I can control is my work…how much love I put into it. And am I using my music to gain more money, more fame…or to do good?” Posner even quoted Oprah: “You can’t move forward unless you give back!”
Antonina encouraged the audience to jump on the new opportunities in the industry to get our music heard. “There are way fewer gate keepers now, it’s sort of a level playing field. You have no real limitation other than your ability to go do the work, and to feel inspired every day.”
