Finding Your Musical Identity: Steps to Help You Discover Your Unique Sound
- Sarah Kingsburgh
- Sep 2
- 4 min read
Finding a Voice That’s Truly Yours
Every artist starts somewhere, and one of the hardest things for newer artists, or even for artists who have been around a while, is figuring out who they are as a musician. It’s not just your genre or your favorite influences — it’s the sound, approach, and perspective that only you can bring.
I’ve worked with students who try to mimic their favorite artists note-for-note, only to realize that what they really need is to uncover their own voice. Here are some practical ways to explore, experiment, and start shaping your unique sound — without losing yourself in comparison.
1. Listen, But With Intention
It’s easy to scroll through Spotify or YouTube and absorb everything. But instead, try this exercise:
Pick three artists you love.
Write down exactly what it is that you like about them.
Is it their vocal phrasing?
The tone of their guitar?
Their energy on stage?
Notice patterns — what draws you in over and over again?
A student of mine, for example, was obsessed with Adele. We listened to her tracks together, and I asked her to isolate the qualities that spoke to her. By identifying what she was drawn to — her emotional honesty, her phrasing, her storytelling — we could experiment with integrating those elements into her own work without copying her. We used her as a muse to find her unique sound.
2. Experiment With Instruments & Sounds
Even if you primarily sing, getting familiar with other instruments can spark creativity. I once had a student who only played piano, but we got her experimenting on a ukulele and suddenly she was writing chord progressions she had never imagined before. Don't be scared to stumble through something new!
Pro Tip:
GarageBand, Ableton, or even simple loops and samples can be your playground.
It's a simple way to discover new textures that might become signature elements of your sound.
3. Journal Your Ideas, Constantly
Your best ideas often come when you’re not “trying.” I keep a notebook in my studio and one on my nightstand. The Notes app on my phone is packed with ideas — lyrics, melodies, or just half-formed thoughts. Then, during songwriting sessions, we pull from it.
Try setting aside 15 minutes a day just to jot down thoughts, lyrics, or riffs. Do this when inspiration strikes or before bed, when you have a moment to process through your day. Over time, patterns emerge — your recurring themes, melodies, or lyrical voice — and that’s where your identity starts to take shape and you start to find your unique sound.
4. Trust Your Instincts
This one is simple, but it’s tough to stick to: don’t try to please everyone. I remember playing at a small venue early in my career, and a few audience members didn’t “get” some of my songs. But I stuck with the ones that felt true to me. Those songs ended up defining my sound.
Your instinct is your compass. If something feels authentic — to yourself, to your audience— that’s what will set you apart.
5. Get Feedback — But the Right Kind
I know I might be a little biased here, but professional guidance is invaluable. A vocal coach, mentor, or songwriting partner can help you hone your strengths and identify areas for growth. But remember:
Not all feedback is equal — make sure it comes from someone who understands your vision.
Avoid advice from someone who just wants to pressure you to fit into a mold.
I work with students to build both skill and confidence, showing them exercises tailored to their voice and musical style — not cookie-cutter approaches.
6. Create, Create, Create
Finding your unique sound isn’t done in theory alone — it’s in the doing. Record yourself every week. Experiment with lyrics, melodies, and chord progressions. Share rough demos with a trusted circle and observe what resonates. The more you create, the more your unique sound emerges naturally.
One student went from playing covers to writing her first 3-song EP in six months by simply committing to creating one small piece every week. Progress compounds. You don't get where you want to go in the first day or the first song. You build your repertoire slowly over time. The more you lean into the process, the more you'll get out of it.
7. Reflect & Define Your Artistic Identity
At some point, take a step back and ask:
Who am I as an artist?
What stories do I want to tell?
What vibe or energy do I want to put into the world?
This reflection is ongoing — your sound evolves as you do. But having clarity here helps you make choices in songwriting, performance, and recording that all reinforce your identity.
Final Take: Your Journey Is Your Sound
Finding your musical identity is a journey. There’s no shortcut, but every song you write, every instrument you try, and every performance you give brings you closer to a sound that’s unmistakably yours.
By experimenting, journaling, trusting yourself, and seeking guidance where it counts, you’ll find your unique sound — a musical voice that resonates, not just with others, but with you.
Let's Work Together to Find Your Unique Sound
Find your sound with one-on-one lessons in songwriting, piano, or voice. Let’s create something uniquely yours. Schedule an intro call with me today.
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