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Stories never fail. But only good ones.
So while we’ve been preaching to you the gospel of storytelling, we need to issue this caution.
Truly, stories can take you from unknown to unforgettable within a moment to crown the the sweats and blood you’ve put into your craft for years (ask about 50 Cent in his Get Rich or Die Trying era). It can make your music hit harder and your posts feel more personal.
But we owe it to you to tell you the cold hard truth: Not every story is worth sharing.
Some stories can backfire, leaving your audience confused, offended, or even alienated. It’s not about hiding who you are; it’s about knowing where to draw the line.
Let’s talk about the kinds of stories you might want to think twice about sharing.
1. Stories That Make Fans Feel Left Out
We all love a good success story, but there’s a fine line between inspiring your audience and making them feel disconnected. Talking too much about your luxury lifestyle or exclusive experiences might leave fans thinking, “Cool for you, but how does this relate to me?”
Instead, bring them along for the ride. Talk about how you got there- the grind, the sacrifices, the lessons. People relate to the journey, not just the destination.
2. Stories That Aren’t Yours to Tell
Your life intersects with others—family, friends, partners. If your story involves someone else, think twice before sharing details that could embarrass or hurt them. Even if it’s unintentional, crossing that line can damage personal relationships and your public image.
Take a page from Adele: she’s written countless breakup songs, but they’re always about her feelings, not a blow-by-blow account of her ex’s mistakes. Keep the focus on your perspective, not someone else’s private life.
4. Stories That Touch on Hot Topics
This can be tricky. Fans are people, and people have opinions—sometimes very strong ones. Sharing your take on polarizing issues like politics or religion can create a divide.
This doesn’t mean you can’t speak up. Just make sure you’re thoughtful about the tone and timing. If it aligns with your values and resonates with your audience, go for it. But if it feels forced or off-brand, maybe hit pause.
5. Stories That Feel Fake
Fans can tell when you’re forcing it (you’re some people’s fan too and you have that rolling-your-eye moment with some celebrities).
Whether it’s jumping on a trending topic that doesn’t resonate with you or fabricating drama for attention, inauthenticity is a fast track to losing trust.
If your story doesn’t feel natural to you, it won’t feel real to your audience. Be honest about your experiences, even if they don’t sound like a blockbuster. Authenticity always wins.
So, How Do You Strike the Right Balance?
It’s simple: ask yourself, Why am I sharing this story? If it’s to connect, inspire, or bring your audience closer to you, you’re probably on the right track. But if it’s to shock, vent, or chase clout, maybe hold back.
Your stories have power. Use them to build bridges, not burn them. And remember, sometimes the best part of a story is knowing when to let the music do the talking.