One thing no one ever told me about being a musician.
Most people who think about becoming a musician will think about having certain traits to be able to make it, whether that be talent, hustle, or getting “discovered,” even. But there are some things I had to learn the hard way. Things no one ever warned me about.
I’m Kris. I also go by Sollis on stage. I’ve been singing, performing, and teaching in some way or another for a lot of my life now, and I’m only 20. But music has taught me just as much about myself as it has about sound and soul.
This blog is where I’ll be sharing thoughts, stories, tips, tricks, insights, and lessons, not just the technical stuff, but the real stuff.
It’s Not About Talent, It’s About Trust
When people see top-notch musicians, they frequently say, "They're so gifted," or "It just comes naturally." Yes, some people have a natural sense of pitch, rhythm, and expression. However, I've met many naturally talented people who have never established a career or even a long-term engagement with music. And I've seen so many "average" people transform into musical beasts, not because they were born with it, but because they learned to trust themselves.
Trust is what shows up when talent doesn’t.
In music, talent can give you a jumpstart, of course. But it doesn’t help you when:
You forget the lyrics on stage
Your voice cracks in rehearsal
You get rejected from an audition or placement
You hear yourself on playback and feel that gut punch of self-doubt
In those moments, what matters most isn’t talent. It’s your ability to say:
“I’m still here. I’m still capable. I can try again.”
That’s trust.
How do you build that kind of trust?
You earn it. Little by little. Repetition. Vulnerability. Reflection. You improve it every time you practice, even if it isn't flawless. Every time you take a risk, whether physical or emotional. Every time you admit you don't know anything and yet seek help nonetheless.
Some of the most incredible artists I know are not the most “talented” in the traditional sense. But they are:
Self-aware
Deeply intentional
Unshakably committed to their craft
Why does this matter?
Because if you believe that success is solely determined by talent, the instant you encounter difficulty, you will begin to suspect that something is wrong with you.
However, if you understand that it is all about believing in your own ability to improve, every challenge becomes part of the process. You are no longer seeking validation; instead, you pursue alignment.
And here's where things get real: trust isn't the same as hard work, but it does stem from it.
You can hustle and grind all day, and yet doubt yourself. But when you show up consistently with intention, you're not merely checking boxes, you're accumulating proof. Evidence that your voice is valuable. That your instincts are accurate. That you belong in the room. The reps are important, but it's the relationship you form with yourself through those reps that transforms effort into confidence.
Music has given me a lot: talents, opportunities, and unforgettable experiences. But more than anything, it’s taught me how to show up for myself. When I suggested earlier that music taught me as much about myself as it did about sound and soul, I meant just this. Talent and potential got me noticed, maybe. But it's trust that's kept me here, developing, creating, and helping others to do the same.
