Denial is a river: Why vulnerability is in
Right now, Doechii is everybody’s favorite artist. From Kendrick Lamar to Billie Eilish, everyone is giving Doechii her well-deserved flowers.
She recently released her album Alligator Bites Never Heal, which is some of her best work.
The best way to describe this album would be raw. Not necessarily in its production, as you can tell how each soundwave is well planned out. But, the content of the album is real and personal.
And not “personal” in the way that some artists vaguely talk about a past breakup.
No, Doechii gets into the weeds in this album discussing her drug use, infidelity on the part of her ex-partner, and mental health being on the decline for some time.
She’s the most raw in her song “Denial is a River,” which ironically is the funniest, darkest, and most popular song on the album.
In interviews, Doechii talks about this song starting as a journal entry. She wrote the lyrics as honestly as they had happened in real life. She even says that they were so honest that she hesitated to put them on the album to begin with.
But thankfully, she decided to include it on the album anyway and shared that being this open on the album was one of her main goals.
The success of “Denial is a River” and the album as a whole showed me the power of vulnerability.
So many potential creatives never share their art with the world for fear of being too vulnerable. And although there is a case to say why one should guard their personal life from the internet, there is also a lot to gain from being open and honest through your art.
Think of the difference between a good artist and a legendary one.
Good artist may be skilled at their craft, but their art may be shallow. Their work doesn’t resonate beyond the moment you experience the art.
Legendary artist weaves their mastery of the craft with their unique perspective. They discuss their faults, their lows, and their highs all in a way that’s not simply relatable.
It’s vulnerable.
Too many people try to make their art relatable because they think that will make them more marketable and therefore get more eyes on their work.
But how many people genuinely say they relate to the plight Doechii describes in “Denial is a River?”
People don’t love that song because it’s relatable. They love it because it’s raw.
It’s easy to be relatable. There’s no risk involved with being relatable. You share an experience that others had. You’re almost blending in.
But what sets apart successful artists and decent artists is risk. And what is more risky than sharing the parts of yourself that aren’t relatable?
Being vulnerable can get you judged, ridiculed, and shamed. But it can also get you respect, trust, and acclaim.
And of course, we can’t deny the importance of skill.
Being vulnerable will set you apart, but you need to pair your vulnerability with skill.
Doechii didn’t just post her raw journal entry. She crafted it into a funny and compelling narrative for a song.
Doechii learned from the greats. She practiced what she preached. She put her head down and worked to get where she is today. And in the process, she stuck to being her authentic self.
All of your favorite artists do this, so why can’t you?
You may think it’s too risky to share that side of yourself, but consider how lucrative it can be.
People crave vulnerability. We’re all conditioned to keep ourselves guarded for fear of being hurt, but deep down we all want to be vulnerable.
When artists are open it allows people to be vulnerable vicariously through them and oftentimes encourages them to finally be vulnerable themselves.
I’m not saying you should be vulnerable because it will make you more money.
I’m saying be vulnerable because someone out there needs you to be.
And with that, you can grow a community by blending your craft with your authenticity.
I almost feel hypocritical writing this because although I have shared a lot about my life here in the two years I’ve been on this platform, I don’t think I’ve ever been really vulnerable here.
I’ve read the stories of other writers on Substack and they're so honest up here that it's scary to me. I admire their bravery in sharing their life on here but it unnerves me to see how raw they are.
The excuse I use is that some of my family follows me on here and I worry that what I’ll say will hurt them or my relationship with them.
But when I see writers and creators alike being rewarded for their vulnerability, I take it as a sign for me to follow in their footsteps.
Till next time xx
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