I’ve always tried to be someone who’s says yes to everything, but it’s also important to know when to ask for help. You might know you’re going to be up against deadlines and need to bring in other people, or you’re just a bit overwhelmed – it doesn’t mean you can’t do something. It’s good to know when to ask for scheduling help or emotional assistance. Don’t be afraid to reach out rather than internalise all the stress.
Quincy Jones always says, ‘Your music can never be more or less than you are as a human being’ – he was told this by Nadia Boulanger, with whom he studied. I’ve always found this enigmatic. I take from it that it’s about being a generally good human being. It also means that if you want your music to be truthful, you have to be true to yourself and to your music in every way. Spending time around Quincy and seeing his complete absence of ego makes me think about the way I conduct myself.
