Defining and Embracing Your Identity: What I Learned From RUSH

Years ago, when I watched a video of Neil Peart for the first time, I was shocked about how can someone play drums so intensely but with so much groove. Then I discovered Rush and was amazed by this band with only three people but such dynamics. Rush, a Canadian rock band, was together over 40 years in the music business. 

When we talk about Rush, they had quite a lot changes and experiments in different stages in their career. It took them a lot of time and efforts to find their identity, while maintaining their beliefs and standards. In the end, they have a group of fans who are loyal and true to their music, just like themselves. 

The music business is hard, same as many industries nowadays, it’s difficult to identify yourself with the right group of people, at the right place and at the right timing; both for individuals and organizations. 

1. Defining identity starts with being true to yourself and finding your strength.

Neil Peart was “famous” for his quietness off-stage, he’s not a big fan of socializing, simply because of his personality, but he put all his passion in expression and communication into deeply rooted and intellectual writing. He created so many great lyrics and even his own books. 

Following the trend or the majority won’t guarantee to bring out the best of you. When young leaders or entrepreneurs ask if they should do MBA and when; I always start with a question: how do you see yourself? MBA is just one of the paths for learning, networking, even success, but first need to figure out what you want to do, then see if MBA is for you, not just because many people’s profiles are identified as “MBA graduates”. 

2. Identity is not only about “where you come from” but also “where you want to be”.

Coming from middle class or immigrate families and background, the Rush band members didn’t have all the “easy access” to music. But they are the persons to decide where their life goes. 

As they shared in the documentary, their first gig was in a basement venue with an audience of 35 people and got paid 10 dollars for the whole band. Then after the gig, they went to a local deli and started talking about the plan to take over the whole world!

That’s why I am always emphasizing it’s important to know your vision and long-term goal while making market and business strategies. When I work as business consultant, especially helping western companies enter the Chinese market, it’s important to understand and be ready for the new market; but it’s also crucial to know what kind of image and what position you want to have in this new market. Unconditionally giving up all your identities to fit in is not the solution. 

3. Identity is not just one aspect, and you don’t have to limit yourself to one identity. The identities are not in conflict with each other.  

We all have different identities that come from our roles in work and personal life. 

I have to talk about my favorite drummer Neil Peart. 

No doubt he was one of the greatest rock drummers. But that didn’t stop him from exploring other music styles. As time passed, he studied with jazz player and instructor Freddie Gruber, even produced jazz albums. He’s also passionate about African drums and rhythms that he encountered in Africa. You can find all these elements in Rush’s music later on; either in the drum beats or the lyrics. 

He also loved motorcycling and traveling. During the band tours, he chose to ride motorbike between cities, even if it means less rest and higher risk. He took his bike and journey to Europe, North America, Africa and even China. Simply being an ordinary person on the bike, he got to experience the places as himself. No one identify him as a rock drummer or famous musician; he’s just a biker that happened to be good at drumming.

In the end, he’s a father and a husband, which reminds us about his personal tragedy when his daughter passed in a car accident and later on his wife passed from cancer. He took some time off and went on an 88,000 km road trip. Finally, he came back to the stage and music again, and even started new family life. 

All the identities complete him as Neil Peart: a musician, a biker, a traveler and a man with family.

4. Identity is a continuous exploration, with lots of thinking, observations, experiments and reflections.

"There’re so many different veins of rock. I listen to the radio and wonder, where do we fit into this picture?" – Geddy Lee 

I believe Rush had asked themselves this question many times. Same for us, in social life, workplace, even with family sometimes, we are in a constant treasure hunting for our personal identity which influences our life and career. For Rush, their strong believe in music and themselves connect the dots through their entire career. 

From the first album in 1974 “Rush” until the last live album “R40 Live” in 2015, there’re too many interesting stories to share them all. Their album “Fly by Night” was to see if Rush was developing in the “right direction”. The company was hoping for them to follow the mainstream, unlike their song “By-tor and the Snow Dog” or “Fountain of Lament”. Those songs were not understood and accepted by everyone unfortunately, so their career went down a bit. Then they made the album “2112” during the low time, where they insisted doing what they wanted which not seemed what the company/market needs; with the determination that they were ready to go home. Surprisingly, the album got huge success and since then they have the voice to decide what music Rush does. Later they experimented with different instruments, sounds and musical elements. 

Just like myself, studied finance/accounting back in school, worked in consulting company full time, started freelancer career as language worker then entered the marketing field, continued working as self-employed consultant, and finally came to today: a transition coach and business consultant. My education background built up my logical and detail-oriented mindset and habit; the first job opened my vision and sharpen my skills; the language job opened the door to the world outside China; the consulting work enriched my knowledge, but most importantly cultivated my entrepreneurship. All those dots are connected and contributed to today: a career path that fulfill my identities and values.

5. Identity is something defined by yourself, not the others. 

In the beginning of Rush’s career, even when they achieved success with “2112”, they were not so popular among the music critics. In 2013, Rush finally got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which many people think it’s too late. But they never doubt about what they are doing. 

Staying with your identity doesn’t mean closing the door to others or the outside world. Being yourself doesn’t mean you can’t take in other influences. After finding your identity, it’s time to embrace it. Be proud and be loud. Remember, there’s always different ways to show your identity. 

"I think we’re quite unique in that we do have our own sound and approach and we don’t really care what’s going on elsewhere… we’ve never wanted to be part of another trend or movement." – Alex Lifeson

We all need to find the authenticity, it takes efforts and courage. For the individuals, we are eager to be part of the team and community that support and embrace our identity; where we are understood, included and valued. For the businesses, products and organizations, we are trying to identify ourselves in the diverse market, find the right target group and achieve the goals. 

Sometimes being different could turn in a transition or revolution, try to see the potential and opportunity in long-term, not only the downside. You just need to try a bit harder and longer. Don’t give in, don’t give up! And most importantly, celebrate each milestone! Just like Rush, they are different from other bands, not metal, not rock, not mainstream. But they have one thing in common as the other successful musicians, they work hard! 

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Hope you enjoy reading my article and I strongly recommend listening to Rush! It could be a great start of exploring your identity. I’m a transition coach and business consulting, feel free to reach out me to explore how I can support you, or some for some music exchange!