💡✍️ADN #108: How To Architect A More Beautiful Life
Dec 15, 2024I recently listened to two podcasts with artist and hit songwriter Mike Posner.
Mike is a true Artist Development story in every sense.
He began producing music in his Duke University dorm room, collaborating with Big Sean, and releasing mixtapes that helped him find his first fans.
He used non-traditional marketing methods for the time (2009) by distributing his music for free through iTunes U, a channel designed for educational audio content.
From dorm room marketing at Duke, he signed his first record deal with J Records, which led to the hit songs “Cooler Than Me,” “Please Don’t Go,” and “Bow Chicka Wow Wow.”
After a few years of promotion and two failed album releases, subsequent depression, and the disbanding of J Records, he signed with Island Records.
At Island Records, he released his biggest hit, “I Took a Pill In Ibiza.”
The song was a worldwide hit with over 2 billion streams.
Between 2018 and 2019, he began a journey of self-discovery and change to live a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.
In 2019, over 6 months, Mike walked 2800 miles across America.
In 2021, he climbed Mt. Everest.
Today, Mike continues to release music while focusing on building a balanced life outside the music business.
Two of my favorite quotes from the two podcasts are:
- “Architect a more beautiful life.”
- “I don’t want a life that is hyper-successful in work and finance and is a desert wasteland in passion, intimacy, spiritual growth, friends, health, and wellness.”
Mike’s hustle, determination, and openness to adaptation are an incredible case study in crafting an original path for your career and life.
He is proof that Artist Development never ends.
Taking the time to live outside of music allows him to put more energy and intention into his music.
By prioritizing his mental and physical health, he is creating an environment where he can be creative on his terms for years to come.
As 2024 ends, Mike’s story is a reminder that no two artists are alike.
We each have a unique path to carve.
How will you carve yours in 2025?
If you’d like help, you can book 15–60 minutes with me, where we will work together to build a plan of action.
See you next Sunday!
- Neil
Ps — If you read last week’s ADN about Reclaiming Copywrites, I made a PDF of all the most essential information.
You can download it for free below.