I was asked this great question by a relatively new session singer who is starting to get some demo work: If I sing a demo and get paid up front and then it ends up getting used (with my vocal on it) for commercial purposes, do I have any right to any more more money?… Read More » about Demo Lead Vocals: Can They Be Released?
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Branding Your Voice: Artistic Definition
What makes YOU stand out from the crowd? If you want to have a commercial music career with your voice, there is a step you don’t need to skip: Branding your voice. I like to call this your “Artistic Definition”. What goes into branding or defining yourself as an artist? Here is an excerpt from… Read More » about Branding Your Voice: Artistic Definition
Two Reasons You Should You NOT Sing
Sometimes we really should not sing – or even talk – if we want our voices to remain healthy. Two big reasons: When vocal cords are swollen with active infection. During the condition commonly known as laryngitis, it is not at all helpful to even warm up. But note that after the infection has subsided,… Read More » about Two Reasons You Should You NOT Sing
Should You Do Your Own Background Vocals?
Thom Flora and Judy Rodman singing bgvs Doing your own background vocals on your recording project can be a very good idea, or can sabotage your project. Here are two big factors that should be considered as you make the decision whether to sing your own background vocals (bgvs) or to hire other singers: The Recording Budget-… Read More » about Should You Do Your Own Background Vocals?
Your Voice In The Night
Your voice in the night has a sound all its own. We sing and talk in our sleep and our dreams. We come up with lyrics, melodies, creative solutions to problems, direction for life. The subconscious mind is freed up to explore in ways that the controlled, awake, conscious mind cannot. The problem is that… Read More » about Your Voice In The Night
Learning Vocal Style – What You Must Master
What techniques turn that particular lightbulb on? Learning a new style or new genre of singing is a lot like learning another language. And just like a new language, we learn best when we immerse our ears in it and figure out what makes it sound authentic. Acquiring a new vocal style or genre includes… Read More » about Learning Vocal Style – What You Must Master
Songwriting: 3 Myths Busted
Today I’d like to talk about the songwriting voice. And yes, writing is a form of voice, isn’t it? I’d like to correct three false myths about writing songs: 1. You need to form a publishing company. No, you don’t. You can form your own publishing company but just know that if you are signed… Read More » about Songwriting: 3 Myths Busted
Pitch Problems: 5 Sneaky Causes
Singing chronically flat or sharp – even just a little out of tune- may frustrate, embarrass you, cost you gig work and/or studio time and impact your music career. Often the peskiest pitch problems occur in the easiest middle part of your range! As usual, it’s best to get to the root cause(s) Here are… Read More » about Pitch Problems: 5 Sneaky Causes
Vocal Warmups… How Long Should They Be?
Is your voice ready? Timing can be everything! NOTE: The audio player should appear below, if not, please click on the title of this post and go online to hear. Available also on iTunes , Google Play, TuneIn Radio, Android apps Warming up the voice before any performance, including any significant or long vocal rehearsal, is a very wise… Read More » about Vocal Warmups… How Long Should They Be?
Voices with Breathing Problems? Check These Areas
Breath is the power source for the voice. Not having enough breath or not having control of breath for singing or speaking can cause all kinds of vocal problems, including: running out of breath (can’t finish phrases well) not having enough volume (weak, quiet voice) strained or fatigued voice (from overblowing cords and/or tightening throat)… Read More » about Voices with Breathing Problems? Check These Areas