On Growth, Change, and Staying True

Sometimes, the artist you start out as isn't the artist you become. Creativity isn't static—it moves, shifts, and grows. As artists, we go through different seasons, exploring new mediums and discovering new ways of expressing ourselves. But that evolution doesn’t always sit comfortably with others.

When you’ve established yourself in one style or medium, pivoting to something new can feel risky. Followers and customers might not stick around. People often connect with a version of your work—and sometimes, they’re not ready when that version begins to change.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how musicians navigate this. Imagine releasing a hit album—something that defines a moment—and realizing that people just want to hear those songs forever. I used to be that fan: clinging to a certain sound, wanting my favorite artists to stay exactly as I remembered them. But artists evolve. They grow. They push themselves.

Take André 3000, for example. He could have given us more of the same, but instead, he followed a creative urge that surprised many. And what must it be like for a group like New Edition to still sing songs from the '80s? Those songs bring joy, nostalgia, and a living—but how does it feel to perform them again and again? And if they release something new, would listeners even be open to it?

I think about all of this as I shift in my own practice—moving between materials, trusting new ideas, and allowing space for change. Not everyone will follow me on that path, and that’s okay. Growth is part of the process, and honoring that journey is more important than staying where it’s safe.