Quotes About Authenticity

I always know I'm a country singer, and regardless of where I've fallen into different places with my music, I know that, really, I'm a country singer.

I feel like regardless of whether or not I win this award or I win that award or I don't win this award - I'm still Sam at the end of the day. And that's what defines me.

I think the key to making records generally is to make 'em for yourself, regardless of the climate in the business.

Acting was a way of me finding myself, which I think is the case of a lot of actors, regardless of where they come from.

There's gonna be people that don't like you, regardless. But I take on the mentality of, 'Look, I'm gonna do whatever I want to do. If people don't like, they don't like it.'

If what you're writing is genuine, regardless of whether it sounds cliche or people wouldn't necessarily think it's the most brilliant metaphor in the world, it's always important to be genuine with what you're writing; at least, that's how I feel.

Speaking out, sharing what you think, and expressing yourself - regardless of sexuality or anything else - is the most important thing you can do as a man, as a human.

I've learned that even just as an individual, regardless of who I am, and regardless of who anyone is, to really be true to yourself and your own self expression and really use your voice for that.

If I have to change for a character, I need really logical reasons to look a certain way. Otherwise, I have finally cracked the code in being comfortable in my own skin regardless of what's fed to you of how you must look.

I'm going to make the music I make regardless and it's always going to be driven by rhythm and blues and hopefully it becomes popular. But I don't cater to, like, 'OK, I want to make music that's going to fit in this pop world or go on the charts, etcetera, etcetera.' Hopefully, enough people like it so it becomes popular.

I will be Shawn Kemp regardless of whether I have money or not. The only thing money does is show who you are.

You are defined by who you are, by your choices in life, in all regards, not just in doing movies.

I think why I am such a success in regards to my shows, is I don't give you an impression that my world's all rose tinted glasses, candy floss, sequins and glitter.

I am not reggae, I am me. I am bigger than the limits that are put on me. It all has to do with the individual journey.

When I was 17, I listened to reggae music. I loved Bob Marley. I started growing dreadlocks. It's always been my way, that the outside matches what's going on with me inside.

If we do a record, and there's a reggae song, it's not shocking to us. If we do an all hip-hop song, it's not shocking to us. We all listen to that sort of music. It's not about what's in at the time; it's what feels right to us and what we're comfortable in doing.

When reggae was introduced to the world, it was a voice of the oppressed, a music with integrity that you can enjoy holistically. Throughout the years, what has become commercial kind of strayed from the integrity.

If you listen to all my earlier stuff, it wasn't 'authentic reggae,' so to speak.

I find it so hard to make films about my own region, but it could happen.

I grew up in Teesside and it is really important to keep your regional accent because it is a big part of who you are.

I would never write about someone that forced me to write at a lower register than what I can write.

I am what I am. I don't regret anything.

I used to lie a lot as a child, which I now regret. I think it is much easier just to tell the truth.

I think the beauty looks I most regret are those I was persuaded into.