I Am the Island

I Am the Island

By David Lockett Jr.

“Fine, be an island.”
That’s what he said to me—dismissively, as if my desire to work alone was a flaw. As if choosing independence over chaos was somehow a failure.
At the time, I felt a sting. I questioned myself. Maybe I should try working with people again. Maybe I was missing out.

So I gave it another shot. I linked up with some musicians and producers. It didn’t take long for the frustration to return. They wanted to vibe, smoke, and talk about doing things. I wanted to do things. I didn’t want to waste the moment. My mind was wired for movement—for creating, building, and completing.

I remembered something important:

I don’t hate people.

I just hate being stalled.

Why I Create Alone

For as long as I’ve been building—whether it’s music, poetry, books, or websites—I’ve been doing it by myself. Not because I have to, but because I choose to. I’ve tried the team thing. I’ve tried the collective energy, the back-and-forth, the compromise.

Sometimes, that works for others. It just doesn’t work for me.

When I hit that wall—when ideas get lost in smoke and side talk—I shift. I go silent. And then I go solo. I teach myself what I need to know, and I get it done. Period.

From songwriting to mixing and mastering, from branding to web design, I’ve worn every hat. It’s not about ego—it’s about clarity. About not needing to wait on permission or someone else’s pace.

Being an Island Doesn’t Mean Being Alone

There’s this myth that working alone means you’re antisocial, arrogant, or hard to get along with. I get it—some folks need teams. They crave that back-and-forth, the energy exchange, the validation.

But me? I find my rhythm in silence. My sanctuary is in the solitude.

My island isn’t empty. It’s full of sound. Full of motion. Full of soul.

It’s where I dream. It’s where I design. It’s where I breathe.

People Often Say: “You Should Link Up With So-and-So…”

I hear it all the time.

“You should work with this person.”“You should get on with that team.”“You can’t do everything on your own.”

Yes, I can. And I have.

It’s not pride—it’s practice. It’s not rebellion—it’s rhythm.

I’m not closed to collaboration, but if I ever do build with someone, it won’t be because I need them. It’ll be because they bring something so magnetic, so aligned, that I want to open the gates.

Until then, I’m cool right here.

Introducing: Island Mode

I’m thinking of turning this whole mindset into something more—a division under DLJ Music & Media that celebrates independence, discipline, and creative solitude. A space for solo visionaries. A reminder that it’s okay to be your own everything.

• Island Mode – the mindset

• Island Sessions – raw, instrumental, self-made music

• Island Theory – blog or podcast series about independent artistry

• Island Standard – the label stamped on anything 100% me

It’s more than branding. It’s my blueprint.

Final Thought

I used to think I needed to explain or defend why I work alone. Not anymore.

Now, I honor it.

I am the island.

And from here, I create peace, not just projects.

Maybe one day, the right person or team will pull up to my shore—and if they do, they’ll find someone whole, focused, and already in motion. But until then, I’ll keep building waves from my own rhythm.

Welcome to the island.