---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When it comes down to the music, it's…"
description: "\"When it comes down to the music, it's just you and the microphone. It's not you and the record execs.\" — Rita Ora"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9e/rita-ora-1777_microphones_when-it-comes-down-to-the-music-it-s-jus_2120438.jpg"
---

#  When it comes down to the music, it's just you and the…

![“When it comes down to the music, it's just you and the microphone. It's not you and the record execs.” quote by Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9e/rita-ora-1777_microphones_when-it-comes-down-to-the-music-it-s-jus_2120438.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9e/rita-ora-1777_microphones_when-it-comes-down-to-the-music-it-s-jus_2120438.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9e/rita-ora-1777_microphones_when-it-comes-down-to-the-music-it-s-jus_2120438.jpg)

> “When it comes down to the music, it's just you and the microphone. It's not you and the record execs.”

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True artistic connection is between performer and audience, not industry gatekeepers.

**In simple terms:** Music is a personal conversation.

Key Takeaway

Focus on authentic performance.

Themes

authenticity artistry connection

Mood

passionate determined

Type

motivational insightful

When to use this quote

- concerts
- studio sessions
- live streaming

Key Concepts

performance dynamics artist autonomy

Questions to Reflect On

- What barriers limit artistic freedom?
- How can you prioritize audience connection?

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Comes Music](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/comes-music/) [Just Microphone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/just-microphone-1723115/) [Microphone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/microphone/) [Microphone Record](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/microphone-record-4322915/) [Microphones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/microphones/) [Music](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/music/) [Record Execs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/record-execs-4322914/) [Records](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/records/)

## Related quotes

> [I'm used to doing standup comedy where it's just me and a microphone and what I say goes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/esther-povitsky/i-m-used-to-doing-standup-comedy-where-it-s-just-me-and-a-microphone/)

[Esther Povitsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/esther-povitsky/)

> [I want the fans to know that just because we have a microphone; we're no different from you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tana-mongeau/i-want-the-fans-to-know-that-just-because-we-have-a-microphone-we-re/)

[Tana Mongeau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tana-mongeau/)

> [You know, I've never done karaoke, ever. It makes me nervous - I think it's the lack of the guitar and just a microphone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-clark-jr/you-know-i-ve-never-done-karaoke-ever-it-makes-me-nervous-i-think-it/)

[Gary Clark, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-clark-jr/)

> [When I sing, it's the most solitary state: just me, and the microphone, and the holy spirit. It's not about notes or scales, it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinead-o-connor/when-i-sing-it-s-the-most-solitary-state-just-me-and-the-microphone/)

[Sinead O'Connor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinead-o-connor/)

> [When we came up, Clive Davis and other record execs would do anything to keep Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, even Johnny Mathis intact, because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-bailey/when-we-came-up-clive-davis-and-other-record-execs-would-do-anything/)

[Philip Bailey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-bailey/)

> [It's much easier to spend a lot of time making your microphone louder than it is working on making your message more compelling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/seth-godin/it-s-much-easier-to-spend-a-lot-of-time-making-your-microphone-louder/)

[Seth Godin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/seth-godin/)

> [The camera or the microphone in the booth is merciless. If you don't believe what you're saying, it hears it. If you don't believe…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/riz-ahmed/the-camera-or-the-microphone-in-the-booth-is-merciless-if-you-don-t/)

[Riz Ahmed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/riz-ahmed/)

> [I usually never walk by a microphone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/i-usually-never-walk-by-a-microphone/)

[Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/)

> [For live you need a microphone for the snare and the high hat, the kick drum, a nice stereo overhead and one for the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chad-smith/for-live-you-need-a-microphone-for-the-snare-and-the-high-hat-the/)

[Chad Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chad-smith/)

> [I'm always in range of a microphone. I even have a studio at home.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/young-thug/i-m-always-in-range-of-a-microphone-i-even-have-a-studio-at-home/)

[Young Thug](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/young-thug/)

> [Don't start an argument with somebody who has a microphone when you don't. They'll make you look like chopped liver.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harlan-ellison/don-t-start-an-argument-with-somebody-who-has-a-microphone-when-you/)

[Harlan Ellison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harlan-ellison/)

> [It's naturally kind of humiliating and strange to have a microphone; when you're young you just make movies, you don't worry about all the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-hertzfeldt/it-s-naturally-kind-of-humiliating-and-strange-to-have-a-microphone/)

[Don Hertzfeldt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-hertzfeldt/)

> [You're stuck in front of the microphone. You can't use your hands. I like to do things](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lita-ford/you-re-stuck-in-front-of-the-microphone-you-can-t-use-your-hands-i/)

[Lita Ford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lita-ford/)

> [Yes, I always say that we're a National League band. What I mean is, if you play an instrument, you have to sing. So…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emmylou-harris/yes-i-always-say-that-we-re-a-national-league-band-what-i-mean-is-if/)

[Emmylou Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emmylou-harris/)

> [It takes a little more time to get into the role, but not very much more. In making a record you don't have the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-callas/it-takes-a-little-more-time-to-get-into-the-role-but-not-very-much/)

[Maria Callas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria-callas/)

## More by Rita Ora

> [I don't know how 'X Factor' works. I was only there as a guest judge for a day. But I watched 'The Voice' a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/i-don-t-know-how-x-factor-works-i-was-only-there-as-a-guest-judge-for/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [For me, music comes naturally. I always just get in the studio and I feel like, wow, this is my heaven.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/for-me-music-comes-naturally-i-always-just-get-in-the-studio-and-i/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [I have always liked the contrast between being blonde and having dark features.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/i-have-always-liked-the-contrast-between-being-blonde-and-having-dark/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [I get so nervous, I get belly pains before I go on stage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/i-get-so-nervous-i-get-belly-pains-before-i-go-on-stage/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [Unfortunately, being a brand is really important nowadays.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/unfortunately-being-a-brand-is-really-important-nowadays/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [I'd love to do a whole soundtrack to a movie.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/i-d-love-to-do-a-whole-soundtrack-to-a-movie/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> ['Roc The Life' is a song I wrote with The Dream, who made 'Umbrella,' 'Single Ladies' and loads more.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/roc-the-life-is-a-song-i-wrote-with-the-dream-who-made-umbrella/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [When I was younger, I did my first audition at 'Eurovision.' I was about 17. After my first audition, I blacked out; I was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/when-i-was-younger-i-did-my-first-audition-at-eurovision-i-was-about/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [Know yourself; keep your circle tight. Keep your friends and your work circle tight.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/know-yourself-keep-your-circle-tight-keep-your-friends-and-your-work/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [I'm often mistaken for Spanish or Latin descent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/i-m-often-mistaken-for-spanish-or-latin-descent/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [In this industry, all the heads of labels are men, but every artist has to prove themselves, regardless of their sex. I have always…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/in-this-industry-all-the-heads-of-labels-are-men-but-every-artist-has/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [I'd like to be the Princess. But I want a nice black crown, not a pink crown because I hate pink. I wanna be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/i-d-like-to-be-the-princess-but-i-want-a-nice-black-crown-not-a-pink/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [I think it's a big deal to have a great soundtrack for a movie.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/i-think-it-s-a-big-deal-to-have-a-great-soundtrack-for-a-movie/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [You got the magic numbers on your speed dial and you could barely drop a name, but meanwhile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/you-got-the-magic-numbers-on-your-speed-dial-and-you-could-barely/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

> [Girls have always wanted to be pretty, even in Egyptian times. Cleopatra wore all that eyeliner, you know.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/girls-have-always-wanted-to-be-pretty-even-in-egyptian-times/)

[Rita Ora](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

[Explore all 209 Rita Ora quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/)

## More Microphone quotes

> [Oh, I'm a great believer in the power of the pause. Radio is a bit brasher now. My style was slower. I just used…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-wogan/oh-i-m-a-great-believer-in-the-power-of-the-pause-radio-is-a-bit/)

[Terry Wogan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-wogan/)

> [I was born with a silver microphone in my mouth, and that was an advantage. My father wrote books and was also a great…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-dimbleby/i-was-born-with-a-silver-microphone-in-my-mouth-and-that-was-an/)

[Jonathan Dimbleby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-dimbleby/)

> [“My heart beats in your chest. My soul is a trembling sparrow in your hand. My life is a star blooming in the heart…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amany-al-hallaq/my-heart-beats-in-your-chest-my-soul-is-a-trembling-sparrow-in-your/)

[Amany Al-Hallaq](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amany-al-hallaq/)

> [It takes a little more time to get into the role, but not very much more. In making a record you don't have the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-callas/it-takes-a-little-more-time-to-get-into-the-role-but-not-very-much/)

[Maria Callas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria-callas/)

> [Yes, I always say that we're a National League band. What I mean is, if you play an instrument, you have to sing. So…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emmylou-harris/yes-i-always-say-that-we-re-a-national-league-band-what-i-mean-is-if/)

[Emmylou Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emmylou-harris/)

> [There is a reason why, on a DS, you get that little click when you press a button. There is a reason that it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/reggie-fils-aime/there-is-a-reason-why-on-a-ds-you-get-that-little-click-when-you/)

[Reggie Fils-Aime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/reggie-fils-aime/)

> [“I was writing a poem, and suddenly, I fell asleep on a page. I was dreaming of you. You were talking to me. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amany-al-hallaq/i-was-writing-a-poem-and-suddenly-i-fell-asleep-on-a-page-i-was/)

[Amany Al-Hallaq](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amany-al-hallaq/)

> [“To anyone ignorant of history, it would be easy to see ways of life in earlier times simply as ways of life in foreign…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernhard-schlink/to-anyone-ignorant-of-history-it-would-be-easy-to-see-ways-of-life-in/)

[Bernhard Schlink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernhard-schlink/)

> [I kept saying I got sick of listening to people's productions, like people who had no ideas, no songs, nothing to say but could…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-pierce/i-kept-saying-i-got-sick-of-listening-to-people-s-productions-like/)

[Jason Pierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-pierce/)

> [You're stuck in front of the microphone. You can't use your hands. I like to do things](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lita-ford/you-re-stuck-in-front-of-the-microphone-you-can-t-use-your-hands-i/)

[Lita Ford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lita-ford/)

> [“a whisper into a microphone can be louder than a shout”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aegelis/a-whisper-into-a-microphone-can-be-louder-than-a-shout/)

[Aegelis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aegelis/)

> [I am as it is a very shy person, so for me to be able to have something bright and intelligent to say every…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shweta-bachchan-nanda/i-am-as-it-is-a-very-shy-person-so-for-me-to-be-able-to-have/)

[Shweta Bachchan Nanda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shweta-bachchan-nanda/)

> [I made myself a promise that every time I turned on the microphone, no matter what it was, I was going to say something…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-kennedy-montgomery/i-made-myself-a-promise-that-every-time-i-turned-on-the-microphone-no/)

[Lisa Kennedy Montgomery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-kennedy-montgomery/)

> [My first, what, five, six years I was never given a microphone. Now we have this New Day thing where we talk pretty much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kofi-kingston/my-first-what-five-six-years-i-was-never-given-a-microphone-now-we/)

[Kofi Kingston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kofi-kingston/)

> [It's weird but I've never really been the type to have fixations on the leading man actor. I've always been drawn more to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amanda-crew/it-s-weird-but-i-ve-never-really-been-the-type-to-have-fixations-on/)

[Amanda Crew](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amanda-crew/)

[Browse all 198 Microphone quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/microphone/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "When it comes down to the music, it's just you and the microphone. It's not you and the record execs.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Rita Ora"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/when-it-comes-down-to-the-music-it-s-just-you-and-the-microphone-it-s/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Microphone"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/when-it-comes-down-to-the-music-it-s-just-you-and-the-microphone-it-s/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9e/rita-ora-1777_microphones_when-it-comes-down-to-the-music-it-s-jus_2120438.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9e/rita-ora-1777_microphones_when-it-comes-down-to-the-music-it-s-jus_2120438.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9e/rita-ora-1777_microphones_when-it-comes-down-to-the-music-it-s-jus_2120438.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“When it comes down to the music, it's just you and the microphone. It's not you and the record execs.” — Rita Ora",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Rita Ora",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-ora/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "When it comes down to the...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/when-it-comes-down-to-the-music-it-s-just-you-and-the-microphone-it-s/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-ora/when-it-comes-down-to-the-music-it-s-just-you-and-the-microphone-it-s/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
