Pablo Picasso has a famous quote that reads: “Good artists copy, great artists steal.” So… Based on his quote, how is one able to separate the “good” from the “great” when viewing their art? I tend to take a different tack when asking that question. Each artist has muse(s) or influences that affect their art – from the topic, to the theme, to the method and medium. To me, a great artist is one which freely shares and credits the muse – rather than accept full credit for the end result. Regardless of the quality of the finished product, an artist who credits the influence(s) has earned my respect – as we all have a unique story to tell.
All that has been, is, and will be has already been created and done. An artist’s work is nothing new – rather, the artist is blessed with the talent to combine and communicate in a way that others consider beautiful and groundbreaking. In the same vein, there is no such thing as “new” or “alternate” truth. Our Creator has already done the work; the artist is allowed to express the beauty of that work in a way we find pleasing. It is scriptural – pay special attention to verses 9-11 in the passage below. I would change Picasso’s quote to “borrow”, not “copy”, and “inspire”, not “steal”. After all, as Charles Caleb Colton said: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” So if someone is copying you, you must be doing something right…
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%201:1-11&version=NIV
One aspect of borrowing/stealing/copying/imitating in the music business that bothers me is when others feel like they have to “choose sides” if two songs sound similar – even if it is a complete coincidence. Here are two songs that, to me, have a similar sound – at least the chorus does IMHO. I feel certain it is a complete coincidence, and I really like both songs: I am a fan of both artists. First, this Kane Brown song sounds very familiar – in fact, my childhood was very similar to this song.
I have been a Wade Bowen fan since sometime around 2000. I love every album he has ever released. Lyrically, Wade covers a lot of the deep and complicated areas of life. Wade is a great artist, and an even better man. I have much love and respect for him. This song is on his latest album – the first time I heard it, I thought of Kane’s “Cold Spot”. See what y’all think? What I don’t understand is why fans, critics, etc. feel like they have to choose one song to like and hate the other? As for me, there is plenty of room in my heart and soul for both. Play on men – I got ya back side covered and appreciate both of y’all.
Artists who forget their talent is a gift from God run the risk of losing that talent. They also risk the fall that comes from too much pride. Kanye West loves to call himself a “creator”. Kanye you are an artist – a very blessed and talented artist. But you are not creating – you are expressing. I know you are an og – but be careful with quotes like this. “I am Warhol. I am the No. 1 most impactful artist of our generation. I am Shakespeare in the flesh.” – Kanye West.