In America we have big issues with education - in impoverished communities especially. I work with Teach For All, and so we're encouraging more people to get into teaching.
John LegendRead
Well, what's interesting, I try not to think about the radio when I'm writing a song. I want people to love the song, and that means it might not be exactly thinking about the radio, but it's thinking about your audience and saying, 'I want people to like this song after it's done.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of creating music for the audience rather than for commercial success.
John Legend highlights the significance of focusing on the emotional connection with listeners when writing a song, suggesting that while radio play can be a goal, the true essence of songwriting lies in crafting music that resonates with people. This approach encourages artists to prioritize authenticity and audience engagement over purely commercial considerations.
Themes
MusicAudienceCreativitySongwritingConnection
In practice
Example use cases
A songwriter may use this quote during a panel discussion about the creative process.
More from John Legend
All quotes →Hip-hop is one of the most free art forms there is. There's so many sounds you can use, so many things you can bring in. You never know, man. I bet years ago people would've never said they would hear me with Rick Ross, and we did four classic songs together.
John LegendRead
For me as a songwriter, I love when other people cover my songs.
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To have the chance to see your music be elevated and to have almost universally positive response to that music, makes me feel better every day. I feel more confident and inspired, and that's fun.
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Why wouldn't I help? What good reason do I have as a human being with power and a sense of empathy and morality, why wouldn't I do something?
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I wrote the song "Show Me" as a prayer to God asking simple, honest questions about life and death and why there is so much suffering in the world. As I grew with the song I realized I shouldn't limit these questions solely to God; I should ask those questions of others and of myself.
John LegendRead
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