Recently I had the opportunity to interview Chad Smith, the drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers for over 30 years, over dinner in NYC.  He spoke about his success with the famed band and shared some advice to the creative youth.

Chad Smith is no stranger to success, having won eight grammies and performed in front of hundreds of thousands of people, making him an inspiration to millions of fans throughout the world.

Smith began the interview by speaking on how his career began. He said, “I started drumming very young age at the age of 7 and played music all throughout school but really began to take it seriously at 14 years old. I’ve always loved it and still love it.  I graduated in June of 1980 and by July put myself out there.”

In addition, he spoke on the way his brother, Bradley Smith, influenced him musically.  “My brother played guitar and I listened to all his records growing up.” They began playing in bands together as kids.

Smith is not only an extraordinary musician but an extremely talented artist. He has created art using lit-up drum sticks inside a dark room and uses the patterns created to construct paintings that are currently being shown on the many digital screens at the Oculus in the World Trade Center by MvVo Art.

As musicians and artists are in the same creative realm, Smith believes the key factors to a creative’s success are “to be yourself and to be authentic.” He says, “Whatever the art is, music, paintings, sculptures, photography, or anything, make sure it comes from the heart and do something that is unique, convey’s your personality, and connects with people.”

Smith’s main compelling advice to the creative youth is to “follow your passion, it is much better than taking the safe route if you find something you are really passionate about then go for it and you will be happier as a result.”