5 Fascinating Lessons for Artists From Miss Velvet and Esjay Jones

Miss Velvet and Esjay Jones offered a treasure trove of insights into their creative process, the evolution of their artistry, and the profound connection that fuels their collaboration magic. From a “hallelujah moment” sparked by old CDs to the ambitious, award-winning short film “Triptych,” their conversation reveals that true artistry isn’t just about making music; it’s about a relentless pursuit of authenticity, a willingness to evolve, and an unwavering trust in one’s vision and collaborators. Their journey provides an excellent roadmap for musicians looking to achieve their aspirations and turn musical dreams into reality.

1. Embrace Reinvention and Evolution for Long-Term Artist Career Goals 🦋

Miss Velvet’s journey from grinding it out in New York to finding a “new dream” in California’s Laurel Canyon is a powerful testament to the importance of reinvention. After substantial success touring with George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, she recognised a crucial “shift in that moment of what is Miss Velvet now.” This wasn’t just about a change of scenery; it was about evolving her identity as an artist, especially after motherhood, a key aspect of her personal growth for artists.

Her methodical and meticulous approach to her solo career, beginning with “Traveler” and culminating in the deeply authentic “Triptych,” highlights that growth is an ongoing process and a vital part of artist goal setting. Esjay Jones echoes this, noting how their collaboration is constantly “evolving and developing.” For any artist, the lesson is clear: don’t be afraid to shed old skins, embrace new phases of life, and allow your music to mature alongside you. This commitment to reinvention is a hallmark of their creativity and crucial for achieving musical goals. It serves as an inspiring example of music career planning.

2. Trust Your Intuition and “Extraterrestrial Downloads” for Musician Goal Setting ✨

The genesis of “Triptych” is a fascinating example of trusting one’s creative intuition. Miss Velvet describes it as a “complete extraterrestrial download” that came to her during meditation, after a profound personal betrayal. She saw the entire 14-and-a-half-minute sonic and cinematic short film—its visual, storyline, and emotional arc—in its totality. This kind of inspired vision is often a catalyst for musician goal setting.

This speaks to the power of allowing inspiration to strike, even in unexpected ways, and then having the courage to pursue it, no matter how ambitious it seems. Miss Velvet’s ability to clearly articulate this complex vision to Esjay Jones, who then “compose[d] the sonic landscape to that,” underscores the importance of both receiving and communicating these intuitive downloads effectively. Their music production process clearly benefits from this deep trust in each other’s artistic instincts, demonstrating a vital success strategy for artists. This proactive approach helps in setting realistic music goals by embracing unique opportunities.

3. Cultivate Deep Collaborative Connections for Achieving Musical Goals 🤝

The instantaneous and profound connection between Miss Velvet and Esjay Jones is a recurring theme throughout the interview. Esjay, who works with hundreds of artists, notes that their connection was “just instantaneous” and marked by “complete flow.” She emphasizes that a huge part of their collaboration stems from their shared roots “as women” and their ability to “land on the same platform,” which is the world of Miss Velvet.

This highlights the critical role of genuine connection and mutual understanding in creative partnerships. It’s not just about professional skills; it’s about a shared vision, trust, and the ability to complement each other’s strengths. Miss Velvet and Esjay Jones’ collaboration is a beautiful example of how deep personal bonds can elevate artistic output and lead to exceptional music, proving invaluable in achieving musical goals. This collaborative spirit helps establish important milestones for musicians.

4. Challenge Norms and Embrace Authenticity: A SMART Goals for Musicians Approach 🤘

Miss Velvet and Esjay Jones aren’t content to simply follow trends. Their decision to create “Triptych” as a 14-and-a-half-minute “sonic and cinematic short” in an era dominated by singles is a bold statement. Miss Velvet openly admits, “we were rocking the boats my friend,” by presenting a concept album in a visual, short film format when many don’t even know “what’s an album” anymore. This fearless approach is a great example of artist goal setting that goes beyond the norm.

This demonstrates the power of artistic conviction and perseverance. They believe in the totality of their vision and trust that their “fans find you” when you lead with authenticity. In a world often driven by algorithms and quick consumption, their approach reminds us that staying true to your artistic integrity, even when it challenges current norms, can lead to deeply resonant and award-winning work.

Their commitment to authenticity in music is undeniable and aligns with the spirit of SMART goals for musicians, focusing on specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives, even if those objectives challenge the status quo. This is a vital success strategy for artists looking to make an impact.

5. Be a Conduit for Something Bigger: A Roadmap for Musicians Beyond Personal Goals 🌍

Both Miss Velvet and Esjay Jones touch upon the healing power of music and their desire for their art to be a force for good. Esjay draws a powerful parallel between their project and Nelson Mandela’s ability to bring people together, suggesting that Miss Velvet’s music is a “metaphor of exactly what we’re doing here… bringing people together in all different walks of life.”

Miss Velvet views her alter ego as a “beacon” and a “channel to all of these things and an inspiration to not make yourself small.” This perspective elevates their artistry beyond mere entertainment; it positions it as a conduit for important conversations, healing, and unity.

It’s about using her platform to challenge societal norms, foster self-acceptance, and create a “sacredness” where people feel “safe to be your authentic self.” This focus on the healing power of music is central to the message and elevates their creative process, providing a powerful roadmap for musicians who aspire to make a significant impact and for turning musical dreams into reality that extend beyond personal fame. This holistic approach is a key aspect of music career planning for artists seeking deeper meaning.

The journey of Miss Velvet is a compelling narrative of how passion, partnership, and an unyielding commitment to their artistic vision can create something truly extraordinary. Her story is a reminder that creativity thrives when we dare to reinvent, trust our inner compass, build strong collaborations, defy conventions, and ultimately, aim to be a positive force in the world through our art. This approach is instrumental for achieving musical goals and setting ambitious yet realistic music goals. Their collaborative success offers concrete milestones for musicians and illustrates effective success strategies for artists.

What creative lessons have you learned from your favorite artists, and how have they impacted your own creative journey, especially in your musician goal setting or artist goal setting?