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
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
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
Music Makers in the Changing Music Business
In the music industry today, everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is subject to change. So what does that mean for the music makers (artists, session singers, musicians, arrangers, producers, songwriters, studios and studio engineers, etc.)? Music will continue to be made. Where, how and with whom will change, but people’s listening ears will always want… Read More » about Music Makers in the Changing Music Business
When your music backup is… not
Producer/Engineer Ronny Light doing the other creative thing he loves From Judy: I don’t know about you, folks, but my voice and my music (not to mention press photos, videos, schedule, so much more) are located in files on my computer that I don’t want to lose. (Understatement!) So face it; all of us singers… Read More » about When your music backup is… not
What To Eat Before You Sing
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 What you eat before you sing can make all the difference to your performance. It can be confusing to know that many people can eat chips,… Read More » about What To Eat Before You Sing
The Hands Of A Vocalist
The hands of a singer (or a speaker) make an interesting study for me. Personally, if you were to make me freeze my hands in place, I don’t think I could sing- or talk! Years ago, a studio engineer in Memphis told me to stand perfectly still at the mic. This guy was NOT a… Read More » about The Hands Of A Vocalist
Warning About Mechanicals!
Dear friends who record and release music… I’d like to help protect your interests by sharing the following cautionary tale: I got a frantic message from an indie artist this week. She had a very upsetting note from one of my cowriters, saying to have her attorney contact her. He had been surfing the web,… Read More » about Warning About Mechanicals!
Cold Weather Tips For Voices
Tiz the season to be freezin! And yet… our voices still need to do their jobs. Here are some things you can do to keep your voice happy: 1. Warm up! And I’m not just talking sweaters and coats… don’t neglect warming up your voice, just like you would your muscles for any other physical… Read More » about Cold Weather Tips For Voices