Universal Emotions Connect People

Mike Posner shares his perspective on authenticity in art and music, emphasizing that while specific experiences might be unique, the underlying emotions are universal. He believes true connection comes from honest expression rather than trying to be relatable.

Key Points:

• Authenticity in Art:

  • "Nobody else took a pill in Ibiza to show Avici they were cool, but everybody's done something that wasn't true to themselves to try to gain attention"
  • The specific lyric might be unrelatable, but the emotion underneath is universal
  • Being told in recording studios that lyrics aren't relatable enough misses the point

• Creating True Connection:

  • Don't try to write a good song, write a true song and it'll be good automatically
  • Art is about connecting one human's experience to another's
  • "Does this part of my humanity speak to that part of your humanity?"

• Personal Evolution:

  • Music isn't about hitting perfect notes or doing runs
  • It's about being vulnerable and showing what it's like to be human
  • "I'm raising my hand, taking my clothes off out here in this vulnerable way"

• Growth Through Authenticity:

  • True happiness comes from growth, not from getting everyone to like you
  • Success isn't about followers or money
  • "Playing a part in the evolution of your own soul"

• Writing Process:

  • A huge barometer for meaningful writing is when it's painful or uncomfortable to address
  • The things you don't want to write about are often what you should be writing about
  • The converse isn't always true - not everything painful needs to be written about

• On Being an Artist:

  • Art deepens your whole life
  • Unlike sports, art isn't something you peak at - you can always get deeper
  • Your relationship with any art form deepens your whole life