Be Your Own Hype Squad
Through the Creative Door with James Swell
If you've ever created something and immediately wondered whether it was good enough, you're not alone.
When I sat down with Friend, musician, educator and all-round creative James, we found ourselves talking less about music itself and more about something every creative eventually faces.
The voice in our own heads (EEEEKKKKK!).
The one that critiques every note, every brushstroke, every sentence and every idea before anyone else has the chance.
Our conversation became a reminder that perhaps the most important audience we ever need to convince is ourselves.
The right space tells your brain it's time to create
Walking into James' creative room felt like stepping inside a mind that refuses to be limited to one medium.
Musical instruments sat alongside digital artwork, physical art, Lego models and countless other creative projects.
For James, however, the room isn't just a collection of hobbies.
It's a signal.
Having one dedicated space helps his brain recognise when it's time to stop scrolling, stop thinking about everything else, and simply create.
As someone who admits to being easily distracted, he knows how valuable that separation is.
When he sits in that chair, his mind knows exactly why it's there.
The room becomes an invitation to make something.
Creativity doesn't have to become your career
Although many people know James as a saxophonist and performer, he was quick to point out that not everything he creates is connected to work.
In fact, keeping creative hobbies separate from professional life has become incredibly important.
One project he is especially proud of is his band, Brass Party. (*I can highly recommend going to show, just make sure you bring your dance shoes).
After years of performing cover songs together, the band finally began writing original music… bringing together the influences each member had carried for years.
The result wasn't simply an EP.
It was a shared creative identity.
Watching audiences dance to songs they'd never heard before became one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.
There's always vulnerability in sharing something new.
But there's also incredible freedom when people connect with something that began as nothing more than an idea between friends.
The biggest critic was already in the room
One of the most honest moments of our conversation came when James reflected on his years studying music.
He was taught to constantly analyse and critique his own performance.
While that approach can improve technical skill, it also fed something far less helpful.
His inner critic.
After performances, instead of celebrating what had gone well, he found himself replaying every mistake, every imperfection and every imagined failure.
Eventually, he reached a crossroads.
Either he had to learn to enjoy creating again...
Or stop altogether.
That wasn't a decision made overnight.
It took years.
But little by little, he began replacing self-criticism with self-compassion.
And everything changed.
Be your own hype squad
One piece of wisdom James shared has stayed with me ever since.
"There are already plenty of people willing to tell you you're not good enough."
You don't need to become one of them.
Instead...
Become your own advocate.
Your own supporter.
Your own hype squad.
As creatives, we're often taught to chase improvement, but rarely taught how to celebrate ourselves along the way.
Growth and kindness don't have to be opposites.
In fact, they probably belong together.
The instrument becomes part of your voice
When I asked James whether there was one object he couldn't create without, he hesitated.
With so many creative outlets, choosing just one wasn't easy.
Eventually, he looked over at the saxophone that has been with him since primary school.
The same instrument.
Nearly two decades of performances, rehearsals, lessons and memories.
It isn't simply a tool anymore.
It's become part of his creative voice.
Like any long-term creative relationship, the history between artist and instrument begins shaping the art itself.
Sometimes the objects we create with become storytellers too.
Your people are out there
Towards the end of our conversation, James reflected on something that feels especially relevant today.
For all the distractions the internet brings, it has also given creatives something extraordinary.
The ability to find their people.
No matter how niche your music, your art, your writing or your ideas may seem, there's almost certainly someone, somewhere, waiting to discover exactly what you create.
The world has become big enough for every creative voice to find its audience.
But only if we have the courage to share it.
Final Thoughts
James reminded me that creativity isn't about silencing your inner critic forever.
It's about making sure that voice doesn't become louder than your own encouragement (Be your own Woo GIIIRRRLLL! Or at least picture me screaming *WOO Girl vibes with you).
Every creative has moments of doubt.
Every artist wonders whether their work is enough.
But perhaps the greatest act of creativity isn't making something beautiful.
Perhaps it's choosing to believe that your voice deserves to be heard.
So be your own biggest supporter.
Create the thing.
Share the thing.
Your people might be waiting for it.
Alexis x
Listen to the full conversation with James Swell S1.E4 on Through the Creative Door, where we explore music, creativity, self-belief, finding your audience, and why learning to back yourself may be the most important creative lesson of all.
