Keith Urban, one of the world's most celebrated musicians, discusses his unique journey from Australia to Nashville, facing cultural challenges while staying true to his roots. He shares insights on balancing technical skill with instinct in performances and the therapeutic value of storytelling in press. Urban also explores the flow of creativity, highlighting humorous production quirks. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as he reflects on beliefs about life and death, and addresses the pressures of ego in today’s clickbait society.
Keith Urban highlights the importance of authenticity in music, emphasizing that adapting to audience energy enhances live performance experiences.
Reflecting on his career, Urban notes the challenges faced as a non-traditional artist in Nashville, stressing persistence and mindset in achieving success.
Deep dives
The Importance of Authenticity in Performance
Keith Urban emphasizes the significance of authenticity in musical performances. He believes that while having a structured setlist is important, being able to adapt and read the audience is crucial to creating memorable experiences. This instinctive ability to gauge the crowd's energy allows him to make spontaneous decisions during a show, enhancing the overall performance. Urban reflects that this skill comes from a combination of practice and life experiences, underscoring that the hours spent performing help in honing this instinct.
Navigating the Music Industry as an Outsider
Urban discusses his journey as an Australian artist finding his footing in the American music scene. He initially faced skepticism because he didn't fit the typical Nashville mold, lacking the traditional country music appearance and sound. This required him to start from the ground up, proving his understanding of country music's foundations while gradually evolving his unique style. He notes how essential it was for him to have the right mindset and persistence to succeed despite the initial hurdles.
The Shift in Creative Aspirations Among Young Artists
Urban observes a notable shift in how younger artists view their careers, with many aiming for immediate success over long-term growth. He points out that some emerging artists prioritize quick hits on social media platforms over building lasting careers in the music industry. This attitude, he argues, could potentially undermine the traditional pathways of artist development and audience building. Urban expresses concern about this trend, suggesting that it reflects a broader cultural change that values short-term gratification over sustained artistic expression.
The Complexity of Trusting Creative Instincts
Urban reflects on the challenges of balancing creative instincts with external advice from others in the industry. He stresses the importance of listening to his gut feelings when making artistic decisions, contending that confidence in one’s vision is crucial for any creative endeavor. Additionally, he acknowledges that not all advice is beneficial, and the path to successful creation often involves trial and error. The notion of redefining failure as a learning experience is vital, as it allows artists to grow and adapt from their missteps in the ever-changing music landscape.
Keith Urban is one of the world’s most popular musicians. He started out in Australia, moved to Nashville, worked his arse off, won a stack of Grammys and sold over 20 million albums.
He’s about to start a residency in Las Vegas and he'll tour Australia in 2025. His new album is “HIGH”.
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