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Solo Quotes

On your own, and finding your own sound.

These quotes follow musicians striking out on their own solo projects and performers reflecting on beloved solo characters from film. For more on creative independence, see Artist quotes.

One of the reasons why I started creating my solo show is so that I have a place to put all of the accents that I do.

Quotes by Malik Yoba

I went to UCLA and studied studio art. I thought I was going to be a gallery painter, photographer, or ceramicist. Then, when I graduated, that didn't happen immediately. I didn't suddenly get solo shows in Chelsea, and I realized...

Quotes by Lisa Hanawalt

I didn't intend to make one solo record, much less two. It's really a matter of seeing how it goes.

Quotes by Lee Ranaldo

My solo shows require a sit-down, indoor space.

Quotes by Lee Ranaldo

There is something so different and empowering about travelling solo. It's a unique experience and one that is so self-educating.

Quotes by Kunal Khemu

I thought I'd do everything on four-track, and then I'll record every instrument myself in a studio, and then I'll have a solo album released by spring.

Quotes by Kim Deal

I've always wanted to do a solo record, and in 1999, I went over to Japan and did a project called NiNa, where I co-wrote with Yuki from Judy and Mary. It just sort of unleashed this realization in me...

Quotes by Kate Pierson

I've always wanted to do a solo project. I've always known I wanted to be a musician.

Quotes by Kate Pierson

I wrote a whole solo album and recorded some of it, even did a little tour with Sara Lee and Gail Ann Dorsey.

Quotes by Kate Pierson

The radio is playing jazz, and I listen to the sound of the trumpet playing a solo until I become that sound.

Quotes by Joy Harjo

My solo music - I get up onstage, I improvise and it's my improvisation. When I get up onstage with Fred Frith and Mike Patton, then we're improvising together. Then it's not my music; it's our music.

Quotes by John Zorn

You have to remember now, I was not being terribly successful at going solo.

Quotes by John Sebastian

That was the producer who produced a couple of my solo albums. He produced my second, third and fourth solo albums. It was his project and I just joined him on it. I sang on one and played bass on...

Quotes by John Entwistle

Not everybody likes or understands a drum solo, so I like to bring in effects and sounds to keep their interest.

Quotes by John Bonham

There was no such thing as a solo career in East Germany. You had to get the best orchestra job that you could.

Quotes by Jan Vogler

I often think about starting a band again, doing my solo stuff and a band. I grew up in bands.

Quotes by James Arthur

I do some solo, acoustic stuff, but I also like plugging in my electric guitar and playing loud with a band.

Quotes by James Bay

When I was a kid, I used to pretend I was Han Solo all the time. Running around with my fingers pretending they were a blaster.

Quotes by Jack Reynor

Honestly, going solo is the second best thing that's ever happened to me after my kids.

Quotes by Ian Brown

I've never really been interested in doing a solo piano tour.

Quotes by Herbie Hancock

Frequently Asked Questions

What do these solo quotes focus on?
This set focuses on musicians describing why they pursued solo albums and performers reflecting on memorable solo characters from film.
Why do artists talk about wanting to go solo?
Several quotes describe a long-held desire to record independently, often tracing the idea back years before it actually happened.
Is this collection only about music?
No, it also includes a nod to a beloved solo character from film, showing how the idea of going it alone resonates beyond music.
What feeling do these solo quotes capture?
They capture a mix of independence and relief, with more than one quote describing solo work as a way to get something out of your system.
Where can I read more about musical craft and ambition?
Visit our Album quotes page for more on the creative process behind recording.

Building your own Album someday? Pair this page with quotes on craft and ambition, or browse what artists say about Doing things their own way.