Connection Trumps Skills

Mike Posner shares his perspective on artistic success, emphasizing that true artistry isn't about technical perfection but rather about creating genuine human connections. Through his journey as a musician, he discovered that authenticity and emotional resonance matter more than technical prowess.

• Technical Skills vs. Connection:

  • "I'm definitely not the best singer, definitely can't dance or do any cool runs"
  • "If I did American Idol, I'd lose"
  • "I'm a damn good writer"

• Art is About Human Connection:

  • "Music is not about hitting the perfect note or doing the run"
  • "It's about does this part of my humanity speak to that part of your humanity"
  • "I'm raising my hand, taking my clothes off out here in this vulnerable way"

• Universal Emotions in Specific Stories:

  • Even if experiences are unique (like "taking a pill in Ibiza"), the underlying emotions are universal
  • "Nobody else took a pill in Ibiza at a show to show Avicii they were cool... but everybody's done something that wasn't true to themselves to try to gain the attention of someone else"

• Growth Over Perfection:

  • "Being an artist is about growing, about being a better artist than you were a year ago"
  • "Art is not like the NBA... it's not like you peak at 30"
  • "Your relationship to music deepens your whole life"

• Success Through Authenticity:

  • Even with lesser technical skills, you can be a great artist if you can connect with others
  • "At the end of the day, even if you got no skills and you can do that, you're a great artist"
  • The ability to make others feel less alone through your art is what matters most