Advice for Young Musicians
I have been in
the "business" awhile, and here are some Pro tips for the younger folks
who may be trying to get foot in the door of the music world. Whether
it's just local, national, or otherwise, I hope these tips may be of
valuable use to someone who is trying to find their niche.
1.Don't Try Too Hard To be "Different" or "Original"
Just being "different" for different sake, is not going to work long term. It may help as a gimmick, but people grow tired of this. Try to be authentic, and true to yourself. If you are a bit odd, that is fine. But don't try so hard to be "unique". It will look forced. There is nothing new under the sun. If you are struggling, try and make music that exploits your own personality: something that funnels and channels who you are as a person . Audiences will respond to that. Be yourself on stage. (This does necessarily not apply to tribute artists)
2.Try to Sing in Your Own voice
This is hard advice, and it really can take years to find out exactly who you are, as a singer. It can take years for singers to find their own personal style. If you are a vocalist, you probably grew up having your favorite singers and learned to sing by mimicry. This is fine, and even helpful in the beginning. It helps you learn from the best. Admiration aside, don't try to sound just like your favorite singers. Instead, take elements from them, and integrate it into your own personal style. You're going to sound like someone- true. You may have a similar tone, vocal range, timbre, or genre as other singers. But by delving into who you "really are" as a person, you need to let that come through in your singing voice. You can sing exactly like yourself. Listen for any "affectations" that you may have picked up from others, and try to soften those as much as possible. For example- particular phrasing or vowel sounds. Make sure you sing in your own natural phrasing .Try practice singing almost as if you're speaking from the text. That will help break the mold.
There is a trend in the last few decades for young people to try and sing in the Negro style. We hear this from white artists such as Christina Aguilera, Adele, and others. It ends up looking kind of ridiculous and not authentic. Some singers are also all pipes and no inner reflection. Avoid doing that. Sing like you really mean it, but don't try and be someone you're not. (don't steal a performance)
3.Practice your music for an hour at least once a week
Practice makes near perfect. Go over your vocals and instrumentals for any song you think needs work. Also think about how you want to present yourself on stage. Natural is best. Audiences like people they can relate to. Work out rhythm issues and focus on your song craft. Some people worry that practice will destroy natural improvisation or spontaneity. It won't. It's just a tool to make sure you are polished and ready.
4. Don't Over Promote Yourself
While the age of the Internet dawned in my teenage years, I discovered local music message boards in my early 20s. One of the biggest mistakes you can make as an artist, is to "hype yourself" on the Internet- be it chat rooms, message boards, or any other frequented Internet websites. The problem with this is, nine times out of ten, people know it's YOU, the artist , doing this. It comes out looking really bad for you, and people will be put off by it. Let someone else plug your work for you, but make sure they are careful not to use excessive hyperbole. Just have them put a blurb or two, or mention from time to time in some areas where people are discussing music. It shouldn't be too obvious. They could even go so far as to say "Hey, if you like this kind of music, you could check out_" And leave it at that. Also, avoid writing fake reviews and praises of your work online. That just goes without saying... (You will receive instant backlash)
5.Don't Hound Venues
If a venue has not gotten back to you in a few weeks regarding a booking, it is okay to send them an email or phone call of inquiry. If you're interested in booking this venue, make sure it suits your style and forte. Some venues simply get really busy and bombarded with requests to play. Yes, it is good of them to give you a yes or no reply. But often times, they just won't reply at all, because they simply don't have the time. If you haven't heard from them in over a month, forget them and move on . Don't try and hassle your way into a gig. It never works. If you pester the owner about playing, they may decide not to have you all together. The people that book music want what they think "fits" their place. It may not make sense to you, but it's their business. So you may think your sound is great for the venue- and that may indeed be true. But some times owners (especially female owners) get strange ideas about why they think one band will be better over an another, and you should never take it personally. It's seriously a complete waste of time. Every now and then, a venue may give you a second chance. So be prepared.
Most importantly, DO THE MUSIC YOU LIKE! Never play music just to get fans or adoration. Never try to jump on the latest trend in music or bandwagon. By the time you have heard of it, it's too late anyway. You will end up regretting it. Only do the kind of music you would like to listen to on your turntable at home. Doesn't matter if it's "out of style" or what. Your audience will find you!
Hope these tips help, and keep on playing and thriving!
God Bless!
MSH.
1.Don't Try Too Hard To be "Different" or "Original"
Just being "different" for different sake, is not going to work long term. It may help as a gimmick, but people grow tired of this. Try to be authentic, and true to yourself. If you are a bit odd, that is fine. But don't try so hard to be "unique". It will look forced. There is nothing new under the sun. If you are struggling, try and make music that exploits your own personality: something that funnels and channels who you are as a person . Audiences will respond to that. Be yourself on stage. (This does necessarily not apply to tribute artists)
2.Try to Sing in Your Own voice
This is hard advice, and it really can take years to find out exactly who you are, as a singer. It can take years for singers to find their own personal style. If you are a vocalist, you probably grew up having your favorite singers and learned to sing by mimicry. This is fine, and even helpful in the beginning. It helps you learn from the best. Admiration aside, don't try to sound just like your favorite singers. Instead, take elements from them, and integrate it into your own personal style. You're going to sound like someone- true. You may have a similar tone, vocal range, timbre, or genre as other singers. But by delving into who you "really are" as a person, you need to let that come through in your singing voice. You can sing exactly like yourself. Listen for any "affectations" that you may have picked up from others, and try to soften those as much as possible. For example- particular phrasing or vowel sounds. Make sure you sing in your own natural phrasing .Try practice singing almost as if you're speaking from the text. That will help break the mold.
There is a trend in the last few decades for young people to try and sing in the Negro style. We hear this from white artists such as Christina Aguilera, Adele, and others. It ends up looking kind of ridiculous and not authentic. Some singers are also all pipes and no inner reflection. Avoid doing that. Sing like you really mean it, but don't try and be someone you're not. (don't steal a performance)
3.Practice your music for an hour at least once a week
Practice makes near perfect. Go over your vocals and instrumentals for any song you think needs work. Also think about how you want to present yourself on stage. Natural is best. Audiences like people they can relate to. Work out rhythm issues and focus on your song craft. Some people worry that practice will destroy natural improvisation or spontaneity. It won't. It's just a tool to make sure you are polished and ready.
4. Don't Over Promote Yourself
While the age of the Internet dawned in my teenage years, I discovered local music message boards in my early 20s. One of the biggest mistakes you can make as an artist, is to "hype yourself" on the Internet- be it chat rooms, message boards, or any other frequented Internet websites. The problem with this is, nine times out of ten, people know it's YOU, the artist , doing this. It comes out looking really bad for you, and people will be put off by it. Let someone else plug your work for you, but make sure they are careful not to use excessive hyperbole. Just have them put a blurb or two, or mention from time to time in some areas where people are discussing music. It shouldn't be too obvious. They could even go so far as to say "Hey, if you like this kind of music, you could check out_" And leave it at that. Also, avoid writing fake reviews and praises of your work online. That just goes without saying... (You will receive instant backlash)
5.Don't Hound Venues
If a venue has not gotten back to you in a few weeks regarding a booking, it is okay to send them an email or phone call of inquiry. If you're interested in booking this venue, make sure it suits your style and forte. Some venues simply get really busy and bombarded with requests to play. Yes, it is good of them to give you a yes or no reply. But often times, they just won't reply at all, because they simply don't have the time. If you haven't heard from them in over a month, forget them and move on . Don't try and hassle your way into a gig. It never works. If you pester the owner about playing, they may decide not to have you all together. The people that book music want what they think "fits" their place. It may not make sense to you, but it's their business. So you may think your sound is great for the venue- and that may indeed be true. But some times owners (especially female owners) get strange ideas about why they think one band will be better over an another, and you should never take it personally. It's seriously a complete waste of time. Every now and then, a venue may give you a second chance. So be prepared.
Most importantly, DO THE MUSIC YOU LIKE! Never play music just to get fans or adoration. Never try to jump on the latest trend in music or bandwagon. By the time you have heard of it, it's too late anyway. You will end up regretting it. Only do the kind of music you would like to listen to on your turntable at home. Doesn't matter if it's "out of style" or what. Your audience will find you!
Hope these tips help, and keep on playing and thriving!
God Bless!
MSH.
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