The Secret of Musical Imposters

Howdy! Today I want to talk about imposter syndrome - the thing ruining your life that can also be a surprisingly useful aspect of creative work.
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[@VenusTheory]

So, your assignment this week: get out there and fake it until you make it. (just maybe not like DJ Khaled though) Become a Patron ► venustheory.com/buckaroonie-babez

[@rebeccachambers4701]

The Michelin stars only award three and that's the best

[@dooshnukem32]

Talk more words like that, Mustache Man. The first single from my self produced solo project goes live this Friday. You talk words at big good time. Thank.

[@TrggrWarning]

Hmm maybe core issues I’ve had within what I called productivity problems that I’ve had for years,… more please.

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

holy shit this was cool af, haha!

[@moe47988]

imposter syndrome? Own your talent, stop being YetAnotherPretentiousKZbinr, or find a career that makes you happy.

[@paulgrooveside2803]

"The sooner you can accept the idea that you're a loser like the rest of the world, the sooner you can accept the idea of 'good enough'." What a great quote!

[@daveking-sandbox9263]

Or as we used to say “good enough for jazz”

[@jensenraylight8011]

​@@daveking-sandbox9263 your guitar playing sound like a dying dog. nah, it's good enough for jazz... Say no one ever

[@mrdavies7894]

…or government work….

[@Cardoza.Nsmg3]

Na fuck that

[@Cardoza.Nsmg3]

Next thing you know you have sacrificed a lot for something you could’ve just had the balls to deal with, your way, but, nope, (comedic and clueless commas) you caused YOURSELF more drama. FUCK!

[@PaulRobinson1663]

I did indeed speak to my dog about this very subject. He barked in all the right places and even whined slightly when I discussed my sense of abject failure in all my creative endeavors. Then he removed his sunglasses and false nose, and I realised he was not my dog. We laughed together for a while before I chased him out of the house.

[@mcdude1003]

This really puts things into perspective

[@srrrb5953]

so what is it?

[@michaelkonomos]

This literally made me laugh out loud.

[@PetraKann]

To be perfectly honest with you, I find your little astonishing fairy tale very hard to believe my friend.

[@osmark86]

hahaha yeah I member. til next time buddy.

[@VirtualRiot]

I've been following your uploads and I love your deep dives into mental health and philosophical concepts. This video is very well written and gave me a big motivational boost :) Thank you!

[@matthewcassette]

Did you see DJ Khalid playing guitar? I'm feeling better already about myself.

[@alexmoscatelli149]

If YOU had to hear this as well, well fuck... maybe IT IS normal to feel a bit down

[@hellkeyproduction]

@@alexmoscatelli149 You said exactly my thoughts when I saw Virtual Riot's comment

[@user-tp4gi8gt3g]

Yow it's VR

[@maestru3456]

The man himself, I started producing because of your work, you're a machine brah 💯

[@DiegoSita]

My man discovered a very specific yet extremely necessary unexplored niche: Psychology for music producers. This channel is gold.

[@dordly]

"As someone that struggles a bit with anxiety and depression, imposter syndrome seems to be a pretty regular guest on the rotating cast of things that are just trying to fuck up my vibe" PREACH

[@aricarends1660]

The really cool thing I've recently started to realize is that if your passion isn't your day job, you are more free to create "real art" than if it was your job. If music isn't paying your bills, you're free to create whatever you want, good or bad. Either way, chances are someone will see it. Even one other person is cool enough!

[@PacifierMusic]

I’m watching your videos because I had a kid 23 years ago and after 2 CDs, I didn’t make anymore music. Works & Family was my life. I’m 54 with a studio full of gear and trying to get my confidence up to play some music. I have serious imposter syndrome issues. This video in particular was very helpful. I’m trying to get my passion back but it’s hard. My brain just keeps saying “You’ll never do anything good again”. I appreciate your help.

[@simonwoods5902]

You will, you just need a message. A purpose for your music.

[@jdmjesus6103]

As someone who's recently got back into music (starting a business was what stopped me), don't try to make what you used to. Much like your tastes will have changed over the years, your music will have too. Embrace that and just go with what comes out. I think I'm making my best stuff yet but it's nothing like what I used to make. And that's OK.

[@waynebo248]

I am also 54 with a job and a family. I haven't really had any success as a musician so imposter syndrome isn't a problem for me. Yet. I do it because I love doing it. Just get in there and make some music. Have fun with it even if it sucks. Don't worry about who hears it. Nobody has to. Make music that YOU enjoy making. If you feel inspired to release it later, cross that bridge when you come to it. Fall back in love with your music.

[@jackblackguard8908]

I can relate, being of a similar age and situation. My setback was a 15+ years addiction to heroin. But I’ve been making music again for the last few years, I’m sure you will too.

[@gianni1646]

Hey, Pacifier. I’m 75. I’m making music and I don’t care who likes it or not. I expect to promote a couple tunes in the near future. Stop letting your brain do all the talking. Sounds like you’re way ahead of most of us. Don’t try to be famous; try to be happy enjoying your skills.

[@creatorsremose]

With most channels I get a tinge of regret for subscribing to them with some of their videos. With yours, every video is a reaffirmation that I'm in the right place. You're one of my absolute favs, Cameron. Thank you.

[@djofortunato5799]

Solid points Liutenant Sulu

[@TheProduceAisleMusic]

My phrase of the year is "F@#k it, we're doing it anyway" and I had the realization recently that time spent enjoying myself is never wasted. Thanks for a great video on optimistic nihilism, always need more of that!

[@maomallows]

"It's good enough" is literally my life summed up. Thanks Cameron the mustache man! This was inspiring.

[@jacoboconnor6988]

I started my own media company this year, went through the whole "screw your boss and live your dream stage" and I'm not gonna lie, I needed this today. It's so nice to hear the words come from someone real, someone you know has struggled too, rather than from a book that someone sold out for, or another one of those "inspirational quote videos". Thank you captain buckaroo!

[@VenusTheory]

May the mustache be with you.

[@altgraymedia3655]

I just started my own business too. It's honestly terrifying, but I'm forcing myself to go through with it. Up until now I worked for a live events production company who decided to leave the events business, and now I'm basically unemployed. I think if there's any good time to start, it's definitely now... Wish me luck, and good luck to you!

[@DaveWrightKB9MNM]

This is deep. It hit home for me. I am my biggest critic. I put so much pressure on myself to be perfect in everything I do BECAUSE I have failed so many times before. I need to learn to be kind to myself, love my work, whether it sucks or not, and be happy in the process. Thanks Cameron, for everything!

[@dooshnukem32]

Same. Let's fix that this year, eh?

[@coreymacdonald944]

Failures are the foundation of accomplishments. There is no other way. If you can be aware of your failures and use them as tools for growth, you are on the right path. Stay positive friend and yeah, don't put too much pressure on yourself, we are all lost to some extent, wether we realize it or not.

[@DaveWrightKB9MNM]

Well, I’m already making progress. I am on a virtual racing team and we have a 24 hour event coming up. I told myself I couldn’t do it last week because I kept making mistakes, and this week, tonight especially, I am more confident than ever. I’m not expecting anything from myself other than to drive the best I can without smashing the car.

[@interstellarcastaway]

Really been appreciating these types of videos, and happy that you're in a place to be able to make them. A solid antidote to the "everything is perfect" la-la-land that we're otherwise inundated with.

[@adriansolis5362]

Celebrate even the tiniest victories. You deserve it. Confidence gets you further than just achievement alone so be kind to yourself.

[@BinaBianca]

I wasn't asking for an existential crisis but now I am having one.

[@MiisterShane]

Been away practicing guitar while the winter blues and creative scarcity subside but god is it great to come back to this presentation style. Feels like home.

[@JeffHendricks]

As always, thanks for the "encouragement!" We conquer Imposter Syndrome when we get to the point of realizing it doesn't matter if we suck... there are guys making money with ASMR videos just eating cereal into a microphone. If they can find success, so can you!

[@dooshnukem32]

"If a potato can become vodka, you can become anything you want."

[@FlipOfficial]

@@dooshnukem32 "If vodka, then you can become anything" 🤣

[@dooshnukem32]

@@FlipOfficial You're not wrong lmao

[@mickeybrand]

Man first of all your videos are always so beautifully written. I suffer big time from imposter syndrome (I've been making sample packs for a few years) and it really holds me back. I think the biggest thing for me is to remember everybody starts somewhere and we're all running our own different race. No one actually gives a sht as much as you do because they're all worried about their own sht. Thanks again Cameron

[@VIRALBEATS360]

I feel like I have the reverse of imposture syndrome; operating above my pay grade, while constantly running into obstacles, that prevent me from moving forward. Most of the issues are external factors, making it all the more frustrating. That said, I think you are right. Talking about this kind of thing is helpful, especially when most of our friends are dealing with similar issues, as creators. I try to keep the mental health conversation going within my group. Although KZbin doesn't seem to like it, it is definitely needed. Thank you, for doing these videos. The one thing that drew me to your channel, was talking about your stability, during the album creating process. Definitely much appreciated. 🙏

[@zaiaku3430]

Swear, you're like the philosopher of the arts. Really dig the subject matter and how well spoken it is. This will definitely be helpful to hear now, and even years down the line.

[@MOSMASTERING]

This is my new favourite channel . Who knew existential dread and music would float my boat so comfortably. I make breakthrougs every day.. but I'm still not where I want to be... because I have no idea what that would look like anyway.

[@aaronl3460]

I absolutely lost it at "remove some of your ribs to tickle your proverbial pickle". 😂🤣Cameron your dry humor is the perfect seasoning for what is a brilliant discussion on the psychological challenges of being creative. Tip of the hat to you sir.

[@Cloudjump3r]

Thank you Cameron! I really appreciate you putting this topic on the table with next to no bs. Someone told me once when I was lost in a hole of Imposter syndrome "We're all frauds, so just try to be an honest one, and you're golden". I think that's just another way of saying what you are saying here, and I think it's what we all need to hear sometimes. Cheers!

[@DJ2109]

not sure if you’ll ever see this but i cried watching your intro. i subbed after your newest video, clicked this one, and you just speak to my heart. your words resonate man. thank you.

[@groophz]

I‘m one of those patreons and this video is what makes Cameron really different in this KZbin niche. Pretty inspiring for my future content. Maybe its the right time to have life coaching be part of the music stuff on KZbin. I hope he gets more patreons. After reading all the comment I had a little déjà-vu of discussions on Reddit. Some of my advice from there: you as a music creator can offer something to the audience but you are not allowed to judge it. How you get to a result that creates an emotion in a listener is not important (imposter hint). If you find a way that seems pretty simple to you - don‘t ignore the time in the past you spent to find a way that it is so simple now. If you find short cuts that is fine. If you understand e.g. that a simple tool like Remixlive can create a song that creates a positive feeling in a listener and even your granny can use it - it‘s time to have a look at the result and not the workflow. Digitization, above all artificial intelligence, loops and in-the-box production, offers a rich and, above all, much more simplified and affordable toolbox that finally puts creativity back in the foreground. Anyone who loses the desire to do it is probably concentrating on overly complicated, perhaps outdated, workflows. Just don't compare yourself to anyone else. You have started a journey that stands for itself. The only comparable thing is progress in retrospect. All other comparisons lag because they have different start times. An elementary school student does not even think of comparing himself to a student. Role models can be inspiration for the direction you want to take. But nothing more. Even if there are already people out there doing something similar, nobody will do it the way you do because you are unique among people. People love the diversity, the facets of a certain topic. Your marketplace is the world and there are already a lot of people looking for what you can offer. You have to make sure they can find you. Book: „Seth Godin - Tribes“. And here's another tip for negative thoughts, depressive moments, self-doubt, writer's block and all the exhausting interpersonal challenges of everyday life: the book "Eckhart Tolle - The Power of Now".

[@dansmoothback9644]

Produced and released a handful of songs for a band I play in and there's definitely some imposter syndrome every now and then. But, your point about taking time to look back on your accomplishments really hits home. What I've produced so far, definitely not pro quality, there's lots about the mixes that I cringe about still, BUT I really am proud of myself for getting something out there. I'm proud that I can crank those songs up to 11 and actually FEEL them, blemishes and all. Continuing on that point, I listen to the stuff I currently have in the works and it sounds 10 times better than the previous stuff. I'm proud of myself for learning as much as I did and applying it to projects. Just don't give up. Failing is all part of progress.

[@lavenderllamamusic]

So true. Every now and then I have my battles with imposter syndrome. I remember one time, hanging out with friends, I played drums for a good hour. By the time I was finished playing, they were complimenting my playing, hyping me up as good friends do. And I just couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed yet also undeserving of their praise. I thought it was nothing special and they thought it was amazing. Made me think “yeah I could never handle fame if I had it, I’d go crazy”

[@MikeRenouf]

Still can't get over how beautiful your studio shots and B roll are. Also - great video and astute observations on creativity. :)

[@sharingmatters]

B rolls are amazing. True. 🎉

[@MrMoviePhoneEx]

Your content continues to be speak volumes to me, thanks for the rant! I’ve grown up in the generation where our expression used to be, learn the standard way to doing something first, before you break it - It’s a good way to fight the imposter part of this because you’ll at least have the fundamentals down… But I know it’s also an older way of looking at things and times have definitely changed. The fake it till you make it methodology keep poking through and slowly but surely as our tools keep getting easier to use, the lack of knowledge becomes secondary to just doing something… Can you build a house this way? You can, but you probably shouldn’t. You can you make interesting audio/score/music though, and crazier yet, it has a decent chance of working out in the right applications. What an interesting time we live in. That said, not knowing why/how things actually work bugs the shit of me, so I’m currently going backwards and slowly learning about the fundamentals I should have started with in the first place. Thanks for all your content and channel, it’s helped me a lot in this last year, I dig your approach and transparency :)

[@badspike3963]

Ya know I've come to the conclusion that my efforts with my musical endeavors are a futile attempt. But at the end of the day, I can sit down and listen to my work and say, ok this is cool. I think that's what keeps me going. The negative commentary, big whoop. If you don't like it, good for you and go listen to what you want to listen to. I'm always trying to improve what I'm doing musically, I'm proud of that and it keeps me engaged! Keep pushing forward! Thanks Venus Theory!

[@jennyheidewald5006]

I like the way you talk words, Mustache Man. :) I really like your talks about these sorts of subjects. It sucks that so many others are going through the same sorts of things, but then it also makes me feel less alone. If someone as cool as you feels lost a lot too ( or "what the heck, I thought I'd have this life thing figured out at my age"), well, I'm in good company. My husband has been telling me don't let the perfect be the enemy of good enough. Perfectionism is the enemy of doing anything at all, because I get too discouraged to even start. Then I distract myself with catching up with my fave creators on here. :)

[@debashishadhikary9030]

I discovered you via mixcraft tutorials, but I had no idea that you are doing so much for musicians on this channel by giving so much motivation that is hardly done by a youtuber who is either a musician or a producer.

[@NigelMerrick]

I’m really enjoying these “rants”, Cameron, and I don’t think many (if any) others are talking about these topics that really need to be discussed way more than, say, how to get the perfect thonk on a kick drum because it will make or break your song. It’s so good to see someone actually thinking for a change, too, and I’m sure that way more work goes into these videos than even I can imagine, so thank you for investing time into these. Cheers from a Brit in Memphis, as always, and keep up the great work 😊

[@erikhiser6600]

Couple of thoughts -- I got over a cousin of imposter syndrome,"stage fright", when I realized that in the real world, no one is actually grading you and putting it on your permanent record. The only folks who really know how many clams you had are on the stage with you, and they might not even notice what you are noticing, because they are paying attention to their own clams. It also helps you to realize you are the only and harshist judge when the audience goes nuts for what you think is one of your lamest performances, and barely reacts for what is one of your best (and you have the recording to prove it). The same thought works not as a cure, but to at least keep the imposter monster at bay -- everyone person who is successful, save a couple of freaks of nature, was at the point you are at this moment. Nothing in any degree program, text book, or google search can be practically applied and confidently applied until you have actually been in the situation and then have had little bit of retrospect on living through a situation -- and before anyone had a textbook, degree program or google search -- guess what, someone figured it out without knowing what they were "supposed" to do. And if you want to watch a movie (sometimes that helps to see someone else dealing with it) - where a competent confident person has to deal with imposter syndrome -- check out the classic Jimmy Steward film "Spirit of St. Louis" or the more recent Gary Oldman film "Darkest hour"

[@abandonedbrain]

10:45 "So... nihilism, am I right?" is the absolute snort-check I continue to watch @venus theory for. I came for the synth info, I left with the laugh of a lifetime. Thank you so much, friend! I can now sleep well tonight. Whisky aside. {chef's kiss}

[@StephenCoorlas]

This guy... Your videos and story telling skillz are getting better and better. Great content 🤘 And that voice 👌

[@Projacked1]

When it comes to production, I think you are one the best and realest KZbinrs out there. I could have never suspected you have issues w/ depression. I have it too, and it sometimes, can really break you down. Respect brother!

[@forcastfascistfuture]

Another absolute banger of wisdom. I've been loving these mental health videos. I've seen a lot of music production creators do the odd video on mental health in music, but there are so many aspects of this that need unpacking, so it's great that you're becoming the go-to guy for this kind of content. Keep it up!

[@DavidSmith-ne1zp]

Another home run for positive thought therapy! Thanks Cameron.

[@pierre-julienpeyroux26]

you could not have phrased any of this any better , nor could you nail it on the head as well as you did. Thank you

[@di4352]

Your wit is unquestionable, and the channel ages like a fine wine.

[@BlackAera]

This is one of the few channels that I initially followed because of the interesting gear talk and humorous and tbh pretty aesthetic presentation but ultimately stayed subscribed to because you are a relatable soul. These videos are so enjoyable and valuable and from time to time we are all in need of someone who shines some light into the darker corners of our minds and reminds us that we are often making things harder for ourselves than they have to be. You and Benn Jordan are some of the most precious creators on YT. I like you for your content but I love you as people. Thank you for inspiring us.

[@taotetyrone]

Ive been inspired by many and you are definitely in the top 7 in the realm of creativity or top 15 when it comes to getting my shit together. 36 years later… Still trying to “make it” and I’ve come to the healthy realization that the process is never over. Perfection is just an idea. Don’t tell the devil inside your plans or the jig is up! Love you imposter Man! 😅 Shanti, Tye

[@MartHommes]

This video hit really close to home. Maybe a bit too close. Man I need to love myself and my work more, I never even stand still and think to myself "I did a good job". All I ever think about is the things that could've been better if I did this or changed that

[@lawrence78]

There is also the occasional ADHD moment I always face, is when I am dealing with the imposter syndrome every now and then I start making really bad music I go and find something else. I've always been a creative person ever since I was a kid and I would very often do something else, making draw, paint, learn how to sing 3D model make weird designs about f*ck knows what, but after a while of me not making music anymore for a week or two maybe I start to have this very strong feeling of missing music so much, so I open my DAW again and create something and everytime something like this happens I always make better music because all of the negative feelings I've felt couple of weeks ago.... Seem to disappear, they kind feel like they don't exist anymore. So if you are in a phase like this one for anyone reading this message. It's just a situation that you have to get through, and in the end .... You are gonna be better than before. And truth be told, I personally feel that without those negative emotions we deal with as artist we won't be able to progress and be better at our craft.

[@philippebackprotips]

I am running my own business since 23 years. Love this kind of content. Arrogance is the confidence wo the competence. There are many like that. They do not last. And I can't believe how stupid I was 2 days ago, no to say weeks, months, or decades. I put you in my great achievers basket, and I am pretty selective I can tell you. I wish you the highest success, inner peace, and best health for eons. You also look and sound like my nephew, that's fun. Always look at everything w a touch of humor. But as a wanderer of dark places, I guess you know.

[@Interface3072]

Thanks as always for your calm delivery and slow-paced editing - too many KZbinrs try to dazzle with fast talking and dizzying edits which send me into a spiral of anxiety.

[@phosphorusmusick]

I love your dry and existential sense of humour, Mustache Man! Existential themes are something I constantly think about but no matter what theory I come up with, life generally just seems very absurd and all we can do is ride the waves of chaos and learn having fun doing that. No one seems to know what they're doing, we might as well simply make it up as we go. But the most important thing on my path is to simply do something instead of remaining frozen where I am. Sometimes rest is necessary, to not be totally absorbed in the externally imposed notion of non-stop productivity and comparison to others. Sometimes a gentle and self-loving kick in the butt into new territories is necessary as to not freeze for too long. What helped me along the way is to intensely feel into these feelings of fear, anxiety, not feeling enough, instead of gliding away into the stories my mind constructs about myself and said feelings (which can open eternal thought-loops of self-damnation). No, to just give loving space to these feelings, emobody and completely re-integrate them until they gently fade. Running away and trying to fight it only ever made it worse for me. This is called somatic experiencing. We're all imperfect and that's okay. I think what also comes into play is the notion that we have to do it all by ourselves. Yet, most, if not all of us, are standing on the shoulders of giants. I'd never have learned how to play guitar without the myriads of tutorials on youtube or the inspiration of my favourite artists like Paul Gilbert, Jason Becker, etc. or have learned how to create my first Reese Bass without Venus Theory. We are all dependent on each other for our successes and our learnings. And that makes it impossible to do it all by yourself, hence the feeling of being an impostor "I didn't do it all by myself".

[@supernovasightseeing4133]

Yes I agree that time is a factor. Also your own personal need for outside confirmation. But in my opinion the biggest factor is your basic musical knowledge/experience. If I somehow managed to complete a marathon without prior exercise, then imposter syndrome would surely kick in. By learning music the hard way, by playing instruments, playing in bands, studying music theory, that gives you a foundation. And no one can take that foundation away from you! Whatever you do you have given yourself the colors to paint with. Today its all about instant gratification. Instant result. Instant fame.

[@NunyaB1s]

You keep addressing the constant mental health bear that's in the room anytime I try and sit down to write. As well as being a helluva critique about the system that primes us to be like that in the first place.

[@TheOriginalCoda]

I love this type of content and I think you are so good at it. I've struggled with perfectionism and imposter syndrome all my life - that's a bitch cocktail that paralyses me from achieving anything. Having your pragmatic spin telling it how it is, is quite cathartic. Thanks. BTW - the 'Because' method seems like the other side of the coin of "The 5 why's" method that's used to figure out why stuff went wrong and how to prevent it reoccurring.

[@framzoid]

I actually NEEDED this cerebral "shot in the arm" after spending a whole weekend on a mixing project that I kept telling myself should have only taken an hour or two. You encapsulated the idea that it didn't matter how many times I tried and failed to achieve that "perfect mix", but that perseverance and the thought of ATTEMPTING to get there finally imposed that "feeling of accomplishment" that my labors weren't in vain. Kudos for THAT !

[@FlipOfficial]

I really hate it when version 1.0 is the correct version of the Mix, yet here I am on version 78 trying to "fix the snare" 😭

[@professorpositivity]

Some mixes take 2 hours, some take 2 days and sometimes it takes 2 days to realize the mix you did in the first 2 hours was the one.

[@iLNVR]

Hello Cameron! My name is Ilnar, I am a musician from Russia. not so long ago I found your KZbin channel, I really like your philosophy and how you convey information. Thank you!

[@AnthonyMcBazooka]

I kinda moved from impostor syndrome to the opposite. Nowadays I think I deserve a lot more success than I get, since I really worked my arse off and finished lots of songs, improved a lot during that journey and somehow I see others earning the benefits with much less effort. At the moment I'm pretty good in not letting that bring me down, and I hope it stays that way.

[@novicabozunovich]

This video is such a relief. You're a really great writer (even though you don't think so). Don't ever stop faking it. I love who you're not.

[@muralist_]

I actually LISTEN to your videos, because you are a skilled teller, one with philosophical insight, a very pretty voice to listen to and above all you are armed with the right tools and experience to serve it to a growing audience. That is something you will never be able to fake. That is actually your talent at work. That is why I am a listener.

[@gullydeluxe]

Thank you, Cameron! Your videos help me finish projects. Respect!

[@deeuniverse770]

you're evolution of content is really awesome. your a bad ass writer. thank you for the work. its really impactful

[@ericthegrim]

Hey long time watcher, you helped me go with a Peak back when I was buying my first synth. Anyway, just wanted to say I really love the videos you've been putting out lately and at least at this stage of my life/career, these are the kind of problems I'm facing. Tips and Plugin Lists and shit is good and all but this is the real gold. Much love

[@kuru9157]

Learning to really love your work has helped a lot. When I listen to my finished, written-out solos being played by me I'm like "hey, that actually sounds good". If I'm happy while playing and composing my music I have a hard time to feel like it isn't a success.

[@chrismillett]

The low key humor in this one was too good.

[@dylanmax.]

this really resonated with me. a couple months ago i had a conversation with my best friend about this exact thing. i had no idea what was going on and the mindset was draining all the free flowing creativity i used to have when working on music. i'm a very spiritual person so i guess that created more distance from what 'success' i could actually control. after a while i realised that i spend too much time with my art to the point where it loses the spark it had when i was creating it. i really appreciate these kinds of videos you make that is focused on the truest part of being an artist. i hope you make more of these because since you have, iv'e never felt so practically grounded in my work. i actually release music now which ive left 5 years too late. thank you again ❤

[@krismadaus4305]

Man, your videos are so damn good. I would love to say something insightful about your insightfulness in this video, but it would be trite in comparison. But self-doubt is the biggest problem of any solo artist (or probably any artist, in general). Looking at that specific problem with this perspective, with this realism about life, is important if you care about your art. Thanks for creating meaningful content like this (and like “Why you should make music that sucks”). Much appreciated.

[@DJDigitalJosh]

Love your videos. Kids whipping me at video games, young DJs playing on MY turntables scratching better than me, my 10yr old son following tutorial videos becoming an instant expert not needing his Father's help. But life is good! 👍

[@unheilbargut]

Holy shite, one of the best content creators on KZbin and after hours of enjoying video after video, I just now discovered, that I don‘t follow. I don‘t need imposter syndrom, I am just as idiotic, as I believe I am. But now for real: I am an artist… one of those picture making artists and the occasional little tune and being 44 years old, I imposter syndrom comrade for quite a while now. Just last momth I talked about that with my 15 year old son and suddenly realized, that I would have needed such a prep talk, too, when I was his age. Way too few people know about this cosmic constant of feeling not being enough and some cope with it taking powdery drugs (the stressful and unfun kind of drug) or feed with it the internal beast of depressions. So I thank you very much for this video and am thankful, that I now finally pushed that subscribe button… kinda feel like a boomer… not able to use KZbin… 😅

[@JoshuaDb_The_Witness]

I deeply appreciate you for this and other videos you have posted regarding the struggle of art.

[@Reconsiderate]

LOVE the discussion from around 3:16 - 3:45 about success coming from external factors vs skill/ability. it took me over 4 decades to figure that out. worldly success is 100% about having the right social connections and having the right encounters at the right time. without that social element, you can be the most innovative genius or you can be the hardest worker... and it all goes nowhere. all wasted. prioritize building the right social network. prioritize your relationships.

[@icepenguinmusic6775]

I am really mesmerised by the way you speak and write your script. I have been struggling with this problem, and to be honest, I have never talked about it with anyone. The idea of perfection is a myth that we are forced to believe in by society. This video actually helped to realise the problem by accepting it. I feel I made a right choice subscribing to you. P.S. I took a lot of time to write this comment. :D.

[@philparker7851]

Thanks Cameron. Another lovely video - it's great to have this honest and direct exploration of things which are important to and affect so many people. I'm in my sixties and it took many years for me to stop suffering this. It was a combination of many learnings along the way, particularly realising the absolute truth that everyone is winging it to some extent, most of the time. It also relates back to the "everyone else's showreel vs your cutting room floor" comment that I made on another of your videos. I came to believe that everyone is just doing their best impression of what a competent person looks like. From a career perspective I had to accept eventually (and it took many years) that if I looked at my feedback, considered that I hadn't ever been fired for incompetence, and always got asked to take on more complex work, that I was actually quite good at what I did. That was an amazingly empowering moment I can tell you. It may all be helped by the fact that increasingly, once I got past 30, I had fewer and fewer fucks to give about needing other people's approval to validate me. Be kind to yourself and others and do your best I reckon. Edit: Also, If you don't know, say you don't, then find someone who does. Not knowing shouldn't ever be a crime.

[@macronencer]

I must confess, I don't ever get Imposter Syndrome - but everyone else seems to, and I feel anxious in case they discover my secret.

[@wilfig]

This was a nice piece of info every musician needs to hear from time to time; even an old codger like me. Thank you.

[@gepmrk]

In the early 1960s the famous French artist Marcel Duchamp went to the opening of an American artist's exhibition in New York and there engaged in a lengthy conversation with the artist. After a brief pause the artist threw his hands in the air and said 'look, I really have no idea what I'm doing'. A beaming Duchamp placed his hand on the artist's shoulder and said 'Excellent, keep up the good work.'

[@yunhaohwang]

I love this channel. Recently I start learning making music, and bad feeling keeps bothering me like ghost. But it is good to know somewhere on the planet we all feel the same. Also, this channel really helps improve my English with so many complex expressions.

[@jeffreyboehm9602]

Wow, your insights really hit the nail on the head. Thanks for helping we the people! 🙂

[@firesailstudios1003]

And the mustache man kills it again! Nicely articulated. Cheers!

[@krzysiekmlodzikartist]

Love the message, thank you for sharing!

[@JTTC1960]

Those videos lately have been so great and so Inspiring. Keep it up!!

[@TuberculosisFish]

love the videos! Thanks for all the content you are creating! I am never this early to a video yay.

[@nitrobunny2]

great video yet again. i always feel so refreshed and reassured after watching your videos. they are very very insightful and you are well articulated

[@marks6051]

Wait, is your intro music " 'Tis A Gift To Be Simple" ? That is perfect.

[@sivalovesyoutube9373]

I have watched this video couple times now and everytime I watch it, I understand something useful which istg have no idea if I would get such knowledge ever from anywhere else. Its truly an eye opener for people like me who spend most of their time in the pcs and have take very little time to take care of oneself and i think its more important than showing progress on some recent demo that i made or something... .Really love these rant style videos. Can't thank you enough.

[@Catthepunk]

Man here helping us out and giving existential crises at the same time.

[@sparks3019]

This was sooooo needed! Thank you Cameron.

[@athomesongwriting]

Love your videos and your sense of humor. I relate so much to the videos. Also dig your production quality.

[@endonyxoneaudio8644]

I really like your new kind of content since your vacation break. It is quite refreshing and gives your channel new layers. Good stuff dude :-)

[@DarkFraggel]

Really love these deep videos you make. Many days I feel that i should just quit music because i suck. This was just the right thing i needed to hear today. Thanks! And now I'm a patron :)

[@Netm8kr]

Once again, I believe these pieces are speaking to all creatives. I definitely have dealt with decades of imposterism. All in the pursuit of finding my own way of doing things. In fact, you have given me a possible title to my next project “Eternal Nothingness”… 🤔🤔🤔 Keep em coming, these definitely help. 👍🏾✌🏾✊🏾

[@dekoningtan]

Great stuff Cameron! Keep it coming! I support this kind of content, mental health talks in the arts are good for all of us :)

[@professorpositivity]

Good enough is soo important. I'd just have a collection of 8 bar loops and no finished songs if I never found my "good enough" and kept going for perfect. Also "good enough" is the only way for me to finish a mix in a reasonable amount of time. We are our own worst critics. If you take a step back sometimes you find "good enough" for yourself may just be "perfect" in the eyes of your client or audience.

[@hrizonshrizons]

Thank you so much for your videos Venus, really gave me the boost I needed. Exactly what I needed to hear. Stay well!

[@pennzoilbill8158]

I just want you to know Venus, if I ever get far in this music sh*t, its thanks to you and your awesome advice for creatives. Thank you so much.

[@davidcapon1343]

That was amazing man.. Your insights are so rawly honest and helpful.. Thank you again

[@_mickmccarthy]

As always, I very much appreciate and enjoy the no-bullshit approach you take in these videos. It's great to shed light on these very common issues that people don't like to chat about. Keep up the excellent work!

[@joepleuss]

I love your videos man. Longtime subscriber and love when your stuff shows up on my feed. I straight up loled at "nihilism am I right". Thanks for the effort and amazing job you do on these videos. You are very appreciated!!

[@kevala_music]

really lol'd @ 'nihilism, am i right?' i appreciate your content so much, gives such an insightful pov on matters that artists deal with on their minds on a daily basis, and to me it's really helpful. also providing this on such an entertaining way, and of course with that voice which is so soothing to listen to. thanks for your videos!!

[@LovingHeart225]

Man, I love you! You made me laugh this morning after I stopped examining a track for the umpteenth time and confusing my brain! Spot on!

[@djtrenderz]

Thanks for speaking facts! Really needed this much motivation to go on❤

[@ArkentMusic]

While I definitely enjoy the broad range of what you share (and discovered you on KZbin when looking for production advice), your positive reinforcement videos keep me going. I can't thank you enough. And btw since I'm throwing thanks and compliments your way, Tesselate is an awesome piece.

[@ComatoseBunnyButcher]

This “rant” was great! Thank you for making this video, kinda needed it right now.