The accomplished jazz singer Dianne Reeves frequently stresses the value of living life to the fullest outside of recording music. According to her, making recordings is essential for musicians, but it's just as vital to participate in other facets of life. A musician needs a variety of experiences to enhance their work, just as a painter needs a range of hues and tones to produce beautiful artwork.
Reeves advises artists to pursue other endeavors and pursuits that arouse their passion and creativity rather than limiting themselves to the studio or performance stage. Similar to how a writer may discover stories in unexpected places—during a stroll in the park or while conversing with strangers—she contends that these diverse experiences can serve as the source of inspiration for musicians.
An artist can infuse their music with new feelings and viewpoints by venturing outside of their comfort zone and experiencing various aspects of life. Reeves is well-known for her versatility, having worked with well-known musicians in a variety of styles and branching out into musical genres outside of jazz.
Reeves essentially argues that a musician's repertoire can be richer if they embrace life as a never-ending source of inspiration in addition to honing their craft. This way of thinking enables musicians to stay innovative and current throughout their careers, increasing the impact of each song they write on listeners.