This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to meet one of my biggest heroes, Marilyn Manson. For as long as I can remember, his music and unapologetic artistry have been a massive influence on me.

Meeting him in person was surreal—like stepping into a moment I’ve dreamed of for years. But what truly made the experience unforgettable was the advice he shared with me, simple yet powerful: “Don’t let anyone dictate your art.”

As artists, we often face pressure from all sides—whether it’s the expectations of our audience, the demands of the industry, or even our own internal doubts. There’s always that voice, external or internal, trying to mold our creativity into something it’s not, to fit into a box that wasn’t meant for us. But Manson’s words cut through all of that. His message was clear: Stay true to yourself, no matter what.

Art, at its core, is an expression of the self. It’s raw, personal, and often vulnerable. When we allow others to dictate what our art should be, we lose a piece of that authenticity. It becomes less about what we want to say and more about what we think others want to hear. But the most impactful art—the kind that resonates, that sticks with you long after the final note fades—is the art that comes from a place of truth.

Manson’s advice reminded me that the most important voice in my creative process is my own. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or to second-guess your choices because they might not align with what’s popular at the moment. But true artistry isn’t about popularity; it’s about honesty. It’s about pushing boundaries, even when it’s uncomfortable, and staying true to your vision, even when it’s misunderstood.

Meeting Manson reinforced my commitment to creating music that is authentically me. It’s a reminder to all artists out there—whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for years—that your art is yours alone. Don’t let anyone dictate it. Embrace your uniqueness, your voice, your perspective, and let that guide you.

In a world that constantly tries to shape us into something else, be bold enough to stand firm in your creative truth. Because at the end of the day, the art that matters most is the art that’s true to who you are.

Stay unapologetically you, Kami Van Halst

Why Authenticity Matters

If you ask any musician, artist, or singer why they fell in love with their craft, they’ll likely mention a hero who inspired them. For me, it was a mix of Bon Jovi, Marilyn Manson, and Christina Aguilera—quite the eclectic combination! I admired Bon Jovi's authenticity, Manson's theatrics, and Aguilera's vocal power. As I grew and evolved, my tastes shifted toward artists like Shinedown for their authenticity and vocal power, In This Moment for their theatrics and vocal strength, and Adam Lambert for his theatrical flair and vocal prowess.

In 2016, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Arnold Lanni, one of Canada’s most celebrated and diamond-award-winning producers (Our Lady Peace, Simple Plan, and Nickelback) on a new album. Crafting 11 songs with this legendary producer made me confront a hard truth: I lacked my own musical and artistic identity and was merely trying to emulate my heroes. Arnold bluntly told me, “Kami, you’re a sh*ttier version of them because they already exist, and the world doesn’t need another one of them. Let’s focus on finding who YOU are as an artist.” This pivotal moment changed everything, pushing me to discover my unique voice.

The Problem with Imitation

When you imitate your heroes, you risk becoming a second-rate copy rather than an original artist. Here’s why imitation doesn’t work:

• Lack of Authenticity: Audiences can sense authenticity and are drawn to genuine, original expressions of creativity.
• Personal Disconnect: Art is deeply personal, and the most impactful works come from a place of authenticity. By merely imitating, you’re not sharing your own story—you’re reiterating someone else’s.
• Unfulfilled Potential: Trying to sound or look exactly like your idols is a path to becoming a lesser version of them. Instead, the journey of carving out your own artistic identity is where you’ll find true fulfillment and success.

Discovering Your Unique Voice

Finding your unique voice is an exhilarating yet challenging journey. It demands introspection, experimentation, and a willingness to take risks. Here’s how to start:

1. Acknowledge Your Inspirations: Identify the artists who inspire you. For me, it was Shinedown’s authenticity, Adam Lambert’s vocal agility, and In This Moment’s gothic theatrics.
2. Analyze Their Impact: Narrow it down to three specific artists and visualize them as points of a triangle, placing yourself in the center. Analyze what specifically draws you to each artist.
3. Incorporate Key Elements: Use the elements that captivate you from these artists as crucial aspects to incorporate into your own music.

The Reward of Authenticity

When you embrace your individuality, you contribute something new and valuable to the world.

Staying true to yourself has several benefits:

• Genuine Connection: You’re more likely to build a loyal following who appreciates you for who you are, not for how closely you mimic someone else.
• Lasting Impact: The artists you admire became icons because they dared to be different. They pushed boundaries and created something new. You have the same potential to make a lasting impact by being unapologetically yourself.

Remember, authenticity isn’t just about being different; it's about being true to yourself and your story. Your unique voice is your most powerful tool in creating meaningful, impactful art.