There are a lot of ways to make music, and just as many ways to build a life around it. Different genres, different instruments, different creative paths. But during a recent Amplifi masterclass with The Philharmonik, NPR’s 2024 Tiny Desk Contest Winner, a few common threads began to emerge: the importance of community, the courage to take action, and the people we choose to bring along for the journey.

For the Amplifi Fellows in the room, the conversation wasn’t just about making great music. It was about what happens behind the music—the choices, relationships, risks and moments of uncertainty that shape an artist’s path.

For Fellow Xochitl Hermosillo, one of the biggest takeaways was the power of having the right people in your corner. “There is power in numbers and having people that also believe in your vision is what makes it come to life.”

Xochitl appreciated The Philharmonik’s willingness to be candid about his own experiences and to look beyond the polished version of an artist’s journey often presented on social media. His story offered a reminder that talent is only one part of the equation. Work ethic, trust and a supportive community matter, too.

“It was refreshing to hear an artist be raw and open with their experience and pull back on the social media,” Xochitl shared. “It was made clear the industry isn’t only about talent, but work ethic and trusting the right people around you to believe in your magic.”

And sometimes, community looks like simply being in a room together with other artists who get it. Another Fellow, Richie Bridges, walked away with a different phrase ringing in his ears: TAKE ACTION.

As a creative, Richie connected deeply with The Philharmonik’s encouragement to move through the hesitation that can come with trying something new.

“Each step that brings change is sometimes met with hesitancy,” Richie reflected. “Hesitant to look foolish, or hesitant to step out of my comfort zone and experience something new or through a different lens.”

For Richie, taking action isn’t simply about making a move. It’s about learning more about yourself in the process.

“We are a representation of our actions or inactions, and leaning into the unknown will bring you closer to your true self. Understanding myself is crucial to know where to align my energy and connect with individuals that are truly trying to help me.”

That willingness to move forward also ties back to community. Richie was struck by The Philharmonik’s story of his NPR Tiny Desk success. Not as a singular achievement, but as the culmination of vision, collaboration and the people who helped bring that vision to life.

“It takes a village to accomplish great tasks,” Richie said. “It’s okay to ask for help from those that support what you do, so it’s really a blessing to be a part of such a life-changing program that aims to amplify and empower live performers and independent artists.”

And maybe that’s the connective tissue. Whether you’re a singer, producer, instrumentalist, songwriter, performer or simply someone trying to figure out where your creative path might lead, the work rarely happens in isolation. There will be moments when you have to take the first step before you know exactly where it will take you. There will be people who help you see your own potential more clearly. And there will be opportunities to offer that same support to someone else.

For Amplifi Fellows, that’s part of what this community is here to build: a place where artists can take risks, ask questions, share what they’re making and remind each other that no one has to figure it all out alone. This is the home where talent finds its way forward.

Keep making. Keep moving. Keep finding your people. Your next chapter might begin with one small act of taking action.