Sometimes it’s easier when inspired by others to simply emulate them to the best of one’s abilities. However, unless one brings something unique and personal to the mix, it will never be anything except a pale copy - the original will always be better (even if you play better, sing better and write better, you’re still not the original)!

Some societies excel at integrating many different impulses with their own sensibilities, Brazil is an excellent example, always reinventing whatever they come in contact with.

Much of the most successful and most interesting music I hear is created by individuals or cultures that possess their own unique identity and “musical voice”.

Folk music is a rather clear example of what I’m alluding to. In Norway, Black Metal has actually managed quite successfully to define a genre, in essence finding their voice. Regardless of whether one likes the music or not, they’ve established themselves as flag bearers for the genre, with people in far away countries learning Norwegian in order to understand the lyrics and even craft their own songs.

So by all means be inspired by artists you respect, admire and just plain dig. We reach new heights by standing on the shoulders of the giants that went before us. But take care that you make it something uniquely and unmistakably yours.

I’ll bet there are many other unique voices and expression to be found lurking in between the fjords and mountains of Norway....