10 Pearls Of Wisdom From Alicia Keys

10 key insights for music creators from 15-time Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Alicia Keys. In addition to music, Alicia is also an accomplished actress, a New York Times best-selling author, an entrepreneur and a powerful force in the world of philanthropy and in the global fight against HIV and AIDS.

In this video we cover key points from interviews in which Alicia discusses the creative process, songwriting, collaboration, production, personal growth and much more.

1) On Success

She talks about how, even in the beginning, she believed in what she was doing, whether or not it would lead to success. Once she gained success, she felt more pressure to gain people’s approval and continue to be successful.

2) Songwriting

Alicia says she can’t control the writing process, and how the process is always a mystery.

3) The Processs Pt. 1

She discusses how she tries different approaches to songwriting in order to find what works. Ann Mincielli, a longtime collaborator and engineer, talks about the variety of approaches that Alicia uses during the writing and recording process.

4) Ignoring Naysayers

Alicia points out how everyone will confront resistance from people around them that don’t think they can achieve their goals. We all have to believe in ourselves, and ignore the naysayers.

5) Taking Control

She says that in the beginning of her career, she didn’t let other people coach her image and brand; she knew who she was and didn’t want to be fake.

6) Put In The Work

Alicia talks about how hard she had to work in order to become successful – things weren’t handed to her. She reminisces on her early days working in a group, and then her transition to becoming a solo artist.

7) Digging Deep

She discusses the importance of digging deep, and learning to understand yourself so that you can avoid going in directions that you don’t want to go in your career.

8) Catch The Fire

Alicia discusses her inspiration for writing “Girl On Fire” and the process of writing and recording the song.

9) The Process Pt. 2

Alicia and Ann Mincielli shed light on the making of “As I Am” and how they tried lots of unconventional approaches in order to achieve the sounds on the album.

10) The Elixer

Alicia tells us about a drink that helps save her voice when it’s worn out.

This video was created for educational and inspirational purposes.