Overcoming Doubts to Unleash Your True Musical Power.
By George Panagopoulos
In the cacophony of self-doubt and industry noise, there's a raw, unvarnished truth that many of us dodge rather than confront: the battle for self-belief in the merciless arena of music isn't just about overcoming external naysayers—it's about silencing the internal critics that echo past wounds and insecurities. This isn't your gentle nudge towards self-acceptance; it's a full-throttle, no-holds-barred call to arms. Because, let's face it, the journey to unleashing your true musical power is fraught with more than just technical hurdles—it's a relentless fight against the spectres of 'not good enough,' 'too old,' 'too fat,' or 'too unattractive.'
My own saga mirrors this clash. The childhood barbs from a brother who called me "fat" when I wasn't, and a father who branded me "stupid" day in, day out, didn't just dissipate with adulthood or an IQ test proving otherwise. Those voices took root, branching out into every aspect of my musical endeavour, turning every new song into a battlefield, every public appearance into a trial by fire. The mirror, the camera, the very sound of my voice on playback—each became an adversary in its own right.
But here's the kick: it's this personal crucible that forges the steel of your artistry. You think hating the sound of your voice is a weakness? Think again. It's that relentless self-scrutiny, that perpetual dissatisfaction that propels you towards greatness. However, the danger lurks when this scrutiny mutates into self-loathing, when it spills over from your music into how you view your very essence.
So, hear me out: it's time to embrace your so-called flaws, your quirks, your entire "lazy, fat, ugly" self. Why? Because, frankly, nobody gives a damn. In a world plastered with the fake gloss of Instagram perfection, what cuts through is authenticity, raw and unadulterated. Your fans, your true tribe, they're not there for the airbrushed illusion. They crave the real, the human, the artist who bleeds sincerity and truth through every note and lyric.
Let's get one thing straight: our harshest self-criticism is what crafts us into the musicians we are destined to become. It's a bizarre paradox—we can't fathom why people are drawn to us, and yet, they are. They're not just listening to our music; they're connecting with our souls. And in today's digital age, if the thought of hitting 'post' on a video makes you want to crawl out of your skin because you can't stand the sight of yourself, welcome to the club. But guess what? That's okay. It's more than okay. It's real.
The industry, with its vapid pursuit of the next viral hit, is clueless about the essence of true musical connection. Labels? Who needs them when you have the power to carve out your own path, to connect directly with those who will follow you to the ends of the earth, not for your looks, but for your authentic voice?
It's high time we recognize that the journey to self-acceptance is fraught, messy, and utterly human. Being critical of your music is one thing; drowning in self-doubt is another. If your quest is fame for fame's sake, you've missed the point entirely. Create for the love of it, for the joy it brings you and your listeners, for the legacy you want to leave behind.
So here's the deal: Embrace every inch of your humanity, your flaws, your sadness, your "fat ass" and "ugly face." Because, at the end of the day, being alive is a messy affair, and there's nothing wrong with showcasing that raw, unfiltered humanity to the world. Love yourself with the ferocity of a thousand suns. Your music, your art, deserves nothing less. It's time to shake off the chains of self-doubt and stand tall in your power. This is your wake-up call.
Grab it with both hands and don't let go.
George Panagopoulos is keyboard player and lead vocalist for Doctor Tongue
Website: www.doctortongueband.com/