The frontman of the well-known American rock group Panic! at the Disco, Brendon Urie, is renowned for his unvarnished observations about the music business. He once said something that stands out because it describes a time in his career when his band was heavily criticized and viewed with suspicion.
Many well-known bands in Las Vegas viewed Panic! at the Disco as outsiders when they first appeared on the scene. Because Panic! lacked the customary experience of playing innumerable local gigs prior to becoming well-known, these established acts felt intimidated or envious. In a similar vein, publications and music critics charged the band with being a manufactured entity, implying that their success was not the result of their diligence and hard work.
Surprisingly, Brendon responded positively to this negativity. The fact that people were so committed to dismantling his band thrilled him. He saw it as evidence that Panic! at the Disco had connected with people through their distinctive style of music and unorthodox route to fame.
An analogy for this sentiment would be a seedling developing through tough, unforgiving soil. Panic! at the Disco needed grit to withstand the harsh criticism they received early in their career, just as that little plant needs tenacity and resolve to break through the earth's crust. Like a seedling growing stronger as it pushes toward the sun, they grew stronger the more resistance they faced.
Brendon's capacity to find inspiration and joy in hardship is representative of his larger belief that tenacity in the face of uncertainty and skepticism is the key to real success. Reaching a goal is only one aspect of it; another is appreciating and growing from each step, even—or maybe especially—when those steps are challenging or unanticipated.
Brendon Urie's view of success as a path replete with difficulties and setbacks that ultimately mold a person's character and strengthen their resolve is reflected in this quote. It serves as a reminder to welcome criticism as a source of inspiration and growth rather than as a goal unto itself.