The lead singer of the British band Bastille, Dan Smith, once shared his opinions about how some musicians frequently adopt personas or act in particular ways in order to attract attention. He thinks that rather than being motivated by true artistic expression, these acts are motivated by a desire for promotion.

Smith is renowned for approaching music and celebrity with candor and directness. His statement emphasizes the difference between people who create elaborate public images to advance their careers and people like himself who concentrate on making art that speaks to them personally rather than trying to fit into a certain mold or find approval from others.

Consider a creative person as a tree that grows in a forest. Some trees change their growth patterns to draw more attention from onlookers and grow taller by bending toward the sun. These trees value aesthetic appeal over long-term stability, even though they may have colorful leaves and eye-catching flowers. Conversely, Dan Smith's band is like a strong, upright oak tree that grows that way by nature, not because it wishes to be noticed or appreciated by others. They use their basic beliefs to inform their music, which they then let speak for itself.

Smith's grounded approach to celebrity and artistic endeavors is exemplified by this quotation. He promotes authenticity in the creative process and contends that producing authentic art, as opposed to actively promoting oneself, is the path to true success.