"I tend to not try and listen to a lot of other artists while I'm writing, because if I hear something that's brilliant."
About William Beckett
William Beckett is a notable musician and songwriter, best recognized for his role as the lead vocalist of the band The Academy Is.... His distinctive lyrical style often delves into the complexities of identity and the struggles of self-discovery, resonating with a generation of listeners. Beckett's quote, 'You have to be willing to be misunderstood,' encapsulates his commitment to authenticity, urging individuals to embrace their true selves despite societal pressures. This perspective reflects his own journey through the music industry, where he navigated the challenges of fame and personal expression. Beckett's work is characterized by a deep emotional resonance, often portraying the tension between external expectations and internal realities. His lyrics serve as a mirror to the struggles many face, emphasizing that life is not merely a series of successes but a continuous process of choices and growth. The quote, 'Life is a series of choices,' further highlights his belief in personal agency, encouraging listeners to take ownership of their paths. Today, Beckett's insights continue to inspire those grappling with their identities, as his words remind us of the importance of embracing our struggles as part of the human experience. His ability to articulate these themes makes his contributions to music and culture particularly significant, fostering a sense of connection and understanding among his audience.
Quote collection
20 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I tend to not try and listen to a lot of other artists while I'm writing, because if I hear something that's brilliant."
"I want to play a show at Madison Square Garden in New York, which is where the New York Knicks play. That's what I want."
"Writing a great song is not a simple task, but I feel like when everything comes together and you sing it in a certain way that no-one else can sing it, when it's written in a certain way that's perfect for the way that you're performing it, that those are the things that make a song great."
"People can smell the bullshit and see through the curtains. People know when something's real and when something isn't, and when some dude really means what he's saying or singing, or when he doesn't."
"I'd say Ernest Hemingway would be a blast to get drunk with."
"Hold your head high heavy heart."
"I'm a goof. I talk too much. I tell stories. I tell cheesy Dad jokes. I'm theatrical and I'll mix things up and I'll surprise people. Those are the things that I just do because that's who I am."
"In the recording process I do listen to other artists a lot and other albums and albums I am loving lately, or ones that I still love that came out in the 80s or 70s."
"I listen to a pretty wide variety of albums so as to get influenced by nothing particular."
"I read a lot of prose poetry and get inspired by more-so just a state of mind."
"I think that a great song needs the full package. I think that a great song needs everything from lyrics, to melody, to music, and it needs to be interesting and it needs take you in and swallow you and swish you around, and then regurgitate you back in better form."
"I like films that go a little more daring visually, and story-based stuff that usually reflects pretty closely to what real life is."
"I think especially since going solo it's pretty clear that I'm completely being myself."
"Prose poetry is not set to a melody or music so there's something freeing about it."
"I'm not avoiding specifics, but I've always written songs from more of a global standpoint."
"Johnny Depp and I think Woody Allen would be fun to hang out with."
"I write songs so that people can make them into what it means to them as well."
"I'm not bashing people who write songs that are just 'get on the dance floor and party party', I understand why people need those songs too, but I don't really write lyrics like that."
"I wasn't really writing anything that I felt was worth it at the end, but then certain things sparked me as a solo writer - to be able to try new things and experiment, and ultimately challenge myself as a performer and as a songwriter and just to commit to ideas, and not be afraid to be myself."
"A true measure of success is just to work hard and get my music out there and just be myself and be real."