The saddest thing about working with incredibly talented new young artists, is hearing stories about how folk in offices and box writing rooms are pressuring them to change to fit what is currently successful. This has to change.

I was recently reminded that my music is mine to do what I want. It sounds silly but the industry has such a funny way of eroding your confidence by comparison or by competition. This is the best advice of all. Be you. Be proud and enjoy it.

I was fortunate as an early something to meet @ShyFX - he taught me that a “career” in music is about committing to your own ideas and riding the turbulence. By surrounding yourself with inspiration and not competition from your peers.

If you’re working with younger artists empower them by establishing early the excellent things about them. So many amazing lyricists don’t have confidence as they are told they are inaccessible and too wordy.

Tell that to Leonard Cohen or Joni Mitchell. So many are told their ideas are too “out there” - tell that to Billie Elish or Radiohead. These artists, the next generation, aren’t their to be shaped in your image. They are there to learn from your bad experiences.

Create room for them to have a place to be themselves. Teach them how you are doing things and why. Be an ear if they need one. They were you once, don’t repeat the cycle.

Many artists “need” to be artists. It helps them make sense of themselves/others in a weird world. Don’t rob them of that because you see money in their talent. Let them know that their place at the table is because they have a unique quality. Allow that room to breathe.

The next generation coming through right now is incredible. There’s a golden age coming and I am ALL FOR IT.

Allow the spelling mistakes. Apologies