Greatness takes time. These legends reminded me why it’s worth it.
I didn’t expect to get teary eyed at a music industry event. But when Derek Ali, Kendrick Lamar’s longtime engineer, talked about doing your best even when no one believes in you, it hit me deep. The way he said it wasn’t flashy. It was quiet, honest. Like he wasn’t trying to convince anyone, just tell the truth.
“You know when you’ve done your best,” he said. “And that’s enough.”
It cracked something open in me. Because I do know. Even when it’s not trending. Even when the streams don’t reflect the soul I put into it. Even when the feedback is quiet or confusing. I know when I’ve gone all in. And that’s not small. That’s everything.
A Day at Noname Studios
I got to attend a special session at Noname Studios through Venice Music, where I’m a member. The space was full of independent artists and creatives, all of us there to learn from Derek “MixedByAli” Ali, DJ Hed, and Drew Chavez.
From the jump, DJ Hed reminded us that work ethic will always outpace talent. That part wasn’t new to me, but it hit different in a room where everyone was clearly working. He talked about the importance of consistency and finding your “Big Mac”—the one sound or identity that makes you unmistakable.
When I played my music for him, he told me my voice is the thing. That once I find the sound that wraps around it, others will want to copy it. He encouraged me to consider working with a producer.
I love producing. It’s how I explore ideas and shape my sound. But I also understand where he’s coming from; he values focus and specialization. I believe in multidimensional artistry, aiming to be someone whose vocals soar and whose producer chops hold their own.
Still, hearing his perspective opened me up to deeper collaboration. Working with other producers brings a unique energy—a kind of magic.
Studio Energy + Sonic Trust
One of the most impactful parts of the day was sitting in on a mixing session with Derek Ali. The speaker system in Studio A at Noname Studios was unreal—clean, physical, honest. The way his mix moved through the room and through my body reminded me that sound isn’t just heard, it’s felt. The way he shaped the drums elevated my mood and resonated through me physically. That’s what I want people to experience with my music.
Ali emphasized growth. Trying new things. Getting uncomfortable. He said that’s how the hits came to be—by not playing it safe. By trusting yourself and others.
It made me realize that I want to collaborate with engineers who bring their own artistry to the mix. Who aren’t just executing my references but offering a vision of their own. Ali said, “Let them cook until it disrupts your flow.” That trust is something I’m learning. And I’m ready to lean into it.
Your Best is Enough
Beyond all the career gems, what stuck with me the most was this recurring theme: doing your best is enough. Ali said, “I did the fucking best I could,” and it wasn’t about bragging. It was about integrity. That hit hard.
Sometimes, when you’re independent—doing the booking, the producing, the writing, the mixing, the social content, the performance—you wonder if it’s all reaching. But hearing these legends speak reminded me: just making something puts you ahead of most. And doing it with heart? That’s rare air.
Ali also said, “Slow money is better than no money.” That line made me smile. It reminded me that the small wins matter. The delayed checks. The long build. It’s all part of it.
“Slow cooking is better than the microwave,” he added. And that’s become a mantra for me. I’m not here for fast food fame. I’m building a sound, a career, a voice that lasts.
Slow Cooking The Process
There’s no one path to being great. But every path asks for the same things: consistency, curiosity, community, and care. Be open. Be generous. Be a good fucking person, as Ali put it. That matters more than we think.
I’m grateful to have been in that room. And I’m even more grateful to still be in the room with myself. Trusting my process, making what moves me, and slow cooking.
About Ruby Mountain
Ruby Mountain is a singer, music producer, and songwriter known for her velvety vocals and soulful electronic dance music. Blending R&B, hip-hop, house, and drum & bass, she creates genre-bending songs that resonate with both cosmic energy and emotional depth. Her latest single, “Eclipse,” explores themes of transformation and self-discovery. Based in Los Angeles (by way of Venus), she crafts music and performances that channel love, energy, and evolution. As an independent artist, she shares her creative journey through a growing YouTube vlog series.