For recording and performing artists who are in or want to be in commercial music business, meaning the making and selling of music, I have a suggestion for you: Separate music and business in your mind and in your actions. Why? Because unless you do, you will not do either as effectively or successfully. What… Read More » about Separating Music and Business
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
When Not To Take Vocal Lessons
I had a blast performing on the Ronnie McDowell show. When it was time to do the interview, Ronnie asked me a very interesting question. He said when he recorded “Older Women Make Beautiful Lovers” he did it in one take, and it of course became a hit. So, he asked me, what would I,… Read More » about When Not To Take Vocal Lessons
Where/When To Squeeze For Vocal Power
To power your voice requires effort. It is not a passive thing. Air must move and air must be held back (breath support/breath control must be applied and balanced). This compression (squeeze) effort can be subtle or quite strong. And there is a catch-22: Squeeze at the wrong place, at the wrong time or for… Read More » about Where/When To Squeeze For Vocal Power
5 Differences between classical and contemporary voice
Both classical and contemporary are brilliant and beautiful… just make sure you are ‘singing in the right language’ for your song! (Post updated 2017) 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 It can… Read More » about 5 Differences between classical and contemporary voice
Two Ways to Rehearse for Best Vocal Performance
Rehearsal for vocal performance can accomplish little- or can prepare you for the vocal event you want to have next time your voice hits the stage. Here are the two ways you need to practice… Technically: learning the melody, lyrics, rhythms and structure of the song while practicing with perfect form; working out trouble spots… Read More » about Two Ways to Rehearse for Best Vocal Performance
Vocal Technique: Why Know Why
When you venture into the world of vocal training as student or teacher you can be quite overwhelmed with all the different methods, systems and approaches… even with vocal teachers, trainers, directors and coaches seeming to teach opposite techniques! This is why you, as student or teacher, should know the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ is… Read More » about Vocal Technique: Why Know Why
Studio mindset: How to move out of analytical left brain
When you are singing in the studio, you desperately need to move out of logical, critical, analytical left-brain mode. Why? Messages go deeper when understood emotionally instead of just analytically. Left brain singing is not as compelling as right brain singing. Think about it… which moves you more — to hear a formulaic, even, predictable,… Read More » about Studio mindset: How to move out of analytical left brain
Don’t trust tuned vocals
Loretta Lynn once said that when you start to believe your own press, you are a fool (or something to that effect. It was a while ago I heard it.) I’d like to use that analogy to make a point about another flattering hype-spinner… tuned vocals. Tuned vocals are a double edged sword. They are… Read More » about Don’t trust tuned vocals
What Songwriters Get From Mechanicals
Mechanical license fees paid by record labels are sent to publishers, not songwriters. So how can songwriters benefit from physical sales if they have signed away all their publishing? I know from my experience that major publishers usually split these mechanical fees with their songwriters, after all advances (staff writer ‘draws’) are recouped, but I… Read More » about What Songwriters Get From Mechanicals
What a Piano Can Teach a Voice
It is common sense that rehearsal and practice are absolutely necessary if we want our vocal performances to have impact. However, good vocal practice skills – just like academic study skills – are vital. I recently met a great blogger who is a brilliant piano player and I asked if she had any practice tips… Read More » about What a Piano Can Teach a Voice