You have to be first, different, or great. If you're one of them, you may make it.

The remark frames success—especially in a crowded, competitive field like popular music—as requiring a clear edge: novelty (“first”), distinctiveness (“different”), or exceptional quality (“great”). It implies that merely being competent or similar to existing acts is unlikely to break through industry gatekeeping and audience attention. The second sentence (“If you're one of them, you may make it”) adds a sober realism: even meeting one of these conditions is not a guarantee, only a meaningful chance. Read as practical advice, it encourages artists to cultivate a unique identity or excellence rather than chasing trends or imitation.