In this BIT: Read an excerpt from our Down with Webster interview! The Canadian band singers of ‘OKAE’, open up about their advice for staying authentic despite pressure to fit into a ‘mould’.
An iconic Canadian band, Down with Webster is recognized for the joy and energy they convey through their music. They’ve also unlocked the secret to blending various music genres; hip-hop, rock, and pop. Their music is unforgettable, and their mindset towards career, creativity, and authenticity is one to follow. Down with Webster was started while the members were in eighth grade — isn’t that incredible!? Now, after a hiatus, they’re still touring. In a sit-down interview with two of the members, Tyler Armes and Cameron Hunter, we got the scoop on what gave them the courage to go all in on music, even when it wasn’t the “safe” or conventional career path. The ‘OKAE’ singers also open up about staying excited about music, and unveil hacks to stay calm during stress or change. No matter your age, identity, or interests, these mindset hacks are game-changers. Here’s how to be yourself and stay authentic!
Tyler and Camm highlight the fact that some things just come naturally. Your interests, your skills, your passions. Don’t force yourself to master an area you aren’t drawn towards. Don’t try to fit into a group that you feel unfit while around. Sometimes, the best opportunities come up when we let ourselves try different things and see what sticks! In this Down with Webster interview, Tyler and Camm reveal that they decided to go all-in on their music career, even though it’s far from a ‘conventional’ or ‘safe’ career path. Their mindset? Don’t force yourself into liking or doing things that won’t lead you towards an end goal fit for you. If things don’t work out in an area of interest, you can always pivot. It’s never too late to pivot.
It’s far too easy to place pressure on ourselves to reach certain milestones, attain accolades, or fit into certain social stereotypes. ‘OKAE’ singers, Tyler and Camm encourage us to let these go. Very few things in life are so permanent; life is long. It’s easy to get caught up in the here-and-now, and forget that five, ten, and fifteen years from now, we could be striving towards something entirely different. Life presents a lot of optionality, change, and variability. Embrace this! Camm explains that, ““so much of it is just alleviating some of that pressure… every choice you’re making feels like do or die. If this doesn’t work… the other side of it failing seems like the worst thing in the world. And then you actually experience what’s on the other side — and it’s not the end of the world. Turns out everything’s fine.”
Scared of committing to a college major? You can change it! Scared of a job derailing you from your interest? You can quit, and apply those learnings elsewhere. Scared of moving because you might lose contact with friends? You can rekindle and reconnect. People reinvent themselves constantly; style, beliefs, routines, habits. Who we are today doesn’t lock us in for tomorrow. Once we realize this, we can feel empowered in slowing down and accepting ourselves for where we’re at in life, rather than where others are at in life.
Down with Webster took a hiatus, allowing all of the members to step back and pursue other avenues. Looking back, Tyler and Camm reflect that this time off was important. Tyler describes that, “part of leaving the band was for everyone to figure out if I didn’t have a band, what would I do in the world? And in those like eight or nine years, people figured out who they really were outside of the band, which I think is really important. You can’t have the band as your entire identity.” This rings true for everyone – we can’t let one job, class, hobby, interest, or role define us. You’re not just a high school student, debater, basketball player, teacher, nurse, or writer. You’re a whole person! If we let one stream define us; we lose touch with ourselves. Our success and joy becomes tied to the success or vitality of this ‘thing’, rather than to our own happiness. You’re more than what you do; what you do is just one part of you.
These hacks from Canadian band, Down with Webster are truly empowering! They help reshape how you think about identity, and feel more confident to pursue your interests. Overall, we hope that from this Down with Webster interview, Tyler and Cameron’s advice and experiences bring you a Small Bit of Happiness.
Listen to Down with Webster’s full episode here.
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Learn more about how to be yourself in this Down with Webster interview featuring singers of OKAE, Tyler Armes and Camm Hunter!