Wind Meets West on Overcoming Imposter Syndrome for Musicians
“The biggest [struggle] I had to get over, and still have to get over, is imposter syndrome”
“Why would you leave your nice job with health insurance, steady salary, and a very clear path forward?” Wind Meets West remembers these questions from his parents when he decided to leave his corporate job as a software engineer and find a new career path in music.
Since he left that job in 2019 (watch this video about the day he quit) he hasn’t looked back. Wind Meets West has established himself as an independent singer-songwriter, producer, and music educator. He writes music to express feelings that are deeply personal, and oftentimes vulnerable. For him, music is more than a hobby.
Wind Meets West featured on the Offstage Tunes Live show
In addition to writing music, Wind Meets West is also passionate about helping other musicians overcome their fears and doubts as creatives. “The biggest [struggle] I had to get over, and still have to get over, is imposter syndrome,” says Wind Meets West.
Imposter syndrome happens when an individual doubts their own achievements and feels like a fraud. Based on his own experience and his observations of fellow artists, Wind Meets West finds this to be a common struggle especially for Asian American artists, who often feel like they do not belong.
As a coach in an Asian American community, Wind Meets West stresses the importance of recognizing one’s decisions in making music and not letting those choices define your abilities. “Whatever you want to do in music is your choice, and how you want to embody that doesn’t make you any less of a musician.”
Amid these challenges are also the joys in life that can be heard in his music. On the Offstage Tunes Live show, he performed his original song “Technicolor” written after a writer’s block as he reflected on how well things are going for him. “I have everything I need and I’m super thankful to have what I have especially during this trying time.”
What do his parents say now about his life as a full-time musician? “My parents don’t understand…but they support me,” says Wind Meets West with a smile.
Interview conducted and written by Louise Lau. Connect with her on social media @offstagetunes