Short and sweet, here's some freestyling fun from Bonafide Ty, showing how new music sometimes comes to life.
Here's some very good young talent, both in music production and video production. It's easy to listen to, but equally enjoyable to watch!
Category : The Videos
Alex Goot shows his multi-talented self again in this cover version of a classic, Michael Jackson's Beat It, a timely tribute.
You’ve been practicing in your bedroom, the garage, and the basement. You’re ready for Madison Square Garden and the 300-city tour. All you’re missing is the chance, the fans, the promoter, a record deal, fame, and fortune. Years ago, your best hope was to strap your guitar on your back and hitchhike to New York, Los Angeles, or Nashville. But now there’s YouTube. Forget the 30,000-seat football stadium concert. On YouTube, your performance can be viewed by millions, including the promoter of your next gig.
So you need to create a top-quality video for YouTube. How do you make it stand apart from the gazillion others? You can’t rely only on your talent, no matter how phenomenal it may be. You need technology. But don’t despair. You don’t have to stop being an artist and turn into a computer geek. There’s a finite number of things you’ll need:
- Audio recorder
Here’s probably where you’ll want to pull out the stops and go with the best you can afford. Through all the costumes and sets and glitz and glam, you want to sound great. There’s a huge variety of digital audio recording equipment on the market. Do a little homework and buy the best you can.
- Editing software
Most computers now come with this. Consider recording the sound and picture separately to take advantage of the best in audio recording equipment; many video recorders aren’t made for optimal sound. A simple clap at the beginning of the performance will provide an audio/visual reference point for synchronizing the final edited version of your video.
- Camera
Use your webcam or upgrade for surprisingly little money. Cameras, like audio equipment, start cheap and go up, up, up according to complexity. Remember that heavy HD files must be compressed to play on YouTube, so factor compression software into your budget if you go with high-tech video equipment—which is recommended to transcend the grainy, blurry look.
- Computer
Most common computers, including laptops, can handle video editing, but make sure that yours will. Your mom’s IBM 460 from 1990 that she uses for recipes won’t cut it.
Now that you’ve researched the brands and models and purchased your equipment, opened all the boxes, and read all the instructions, back up a minute. Sit down with your guitar and think.
How do you want your video to look?
Stainless steel and glass?
Flowers and trees?
Leather and lace?
Whatever the camera sees will be in your video, so plan your set. Pitch the muddy tennis shoes in the corner; move the trash can out of the room. Read up a bit on lighting techniques. Think about how you’re going to dress. Enlist a friend to hold the camera and give input on how you’re coming across. Then remember—it’s your video. You can do as many takes as you want until it’s perfect and ready for the world to see on YouTube.
A beautiful cover version of You and Me by Lighthouse. Rochelle Diamante lends her fabulous voice, teaming with her Dad (an appropriate pairing on this Father's Day!) who accompanies on guitar and lends background vocals to round out the piece quite nicely.
Category : Articles
One of the most important pieces of advice young singers and beginning musicians get is very simple: Don’t give up. You may hear this from close friends, family members and a few loyal fans but even then you wonder of the challenge of music success is worth all the trouble.
If you are learning songs or writing songs and hoping for chances to sing them to an audience, chances are you have experienced times of being “up” as well as “down.” Sometimes you can’t wait to talk and laugh with others. At other times you are just wishing you could avoid all contact with people. These changes can be a challenge but they may provide you with all the material you need to make music.
No matter what you use as “ingredients” for your new song you may discover that one of the major challenges in music is creating songs and performing for people who tend to “seek the lowest common denominator,” in the words of one university music professor. It may be hard to keep reminding yourself that when you bare your soul and sing about your deepest emotions the listening public might not seem to be all that interested.
That’s just the reality of the world we live in, a world of mass entertainment in which music and video are available all the time. We have television and the Internet sending us video and audio constantly. The choices are often decided by large companies who seem to dictate what will be popular. If our music doesn’t seem to be the public’s “choice” at the moment, it may be difficult to keep going.
It’s important not to give up when faced with these challenges because music has always been the universal language. It still is! If your melody is good and you are sincere when you sing or play, people from the other side of the planet can enjoy and benefit from hearing you, even if they don’t understand the lyrics. Remember that even the great folk, jazz and classical music of the past seems to be buried in a hurricane of “average” music at times. But it was still created and performed by passionate musicians and singers.
The true challenge of music is continuing to believe and create when high standards are constantly under attack. If you believe in what you are writing and singing, you must continue to stand for what you know is right. How can this be done? Part of the answer lies in technology. Songwriters, singers and musicians can record and distribute their creations without waiting for an international entertainment corporation to open doors for them.
Young artists, musicians, singers and writers have to continue creating intensely personal work so that future generations will have real choices. Remember that university professor we mentioned earlier? He has challenged young performers by stating that these new artists must find the correct path in a jungle of sound. That’s why we should never give up!
Category : The Videos
Here is a refreshing original from Maribelle Anes, a surprisingly strong young talent who is sure to go places with her strong voice, songwriting skills, and playing to top it off.
Tina Rose's cover of When You Say Nothing at All definitely pays tribute to voice, music, and version debuted by Alison Krauss (quite some years ago now). This vid was an entry into the Darkstar Entertainment talent search, and we wish Tina luck with it!
Really an impressive original by Justin Taylor. Great sound, great voice, check it out and follow the links to more from Justin on Amazon, iTunes, and YouTube.
Category : Articles
It may seem that learning a song or writing your own song, then making a video is enough to get you started. But what you have done is started promoting your music. There are some other important steps in this process. We should look at them as the best tips for selling your music.
First of all, these steps should be taken in the right order. If you leave out an important step or two, or rush to the end of the list, you might find yourself to be a struggling young musician rather than a successful independent performer.
Make sure you have good music to offer. Practice and fine tune your performance so that you give listeners and video viewers something of real value. If you want to be known by your own name, settle on that and don’t change it during the growing period. When it comes to name recognition, give them something they can rely on.
Focus your efforts on develop contacts – a network – rather than trying to get signed by some major corporation. Connect with local fans, people who might need musicians and singers to fill time etc. Put up a Web site, even if it is very simple. A lot of music connections are made online these days. If you want lists of pro connections to get you started – A&R, Record Producers etc try this link.
Work with your listeners, your family and your close friends. Remember that one of the most important tips for hopeful singers and musicians is this: include others in your efforts. Let them help with promotion, the Web site and so on. Have a recording – CD, video or both – available as soon as possible. Even if you are playing in a local community center for little or nothing in the way of pay, have something the audience members can take home.
At this point you should probably think about where you fit in with other types of music. What is your niche? This can help you get attention from a loyal following. As you are promoting your music, don’t rely on what you have already done or what you did in the past. Make new music. Learn new songs. Keep it fresh!
One of the great rock musicians of the classic era (1960s and 1970s) said that when you start out you should play for anyone who will listen. Go out into the world and play some live gigs. Get experience. This will give you the best opportunities for mixing with your potential fan base. You will also be able to sell CDs and give away business information like flyers and cards with your information.
As you begin to promote music, always keep this essential thought in mind: A very small number of singers and musicians “make it” with a huge recording contract. The vast majority of musicians and singers make their way in the world of music with self-promotion, direct contact with fans and even with assistance from loyal, hard-working members of the fan base. Promoting your music is the key to success.
Our best recommendation to take the effort out of this if you want to know more is John Oszajca’s Music Marketing Manifesto.
Category : The Videos
This cover of Sara Bareilles's Gravity was a request from one of Kori's YouTube fans, and we're so glad they did! It's simply beautiful. Kori has an incredible voice and talent, one not to be wasted. Be sure to check this one out, it'll give you chills.
Train's a popular band, and there are many musicians who just couldn't wait to cover this song on YouTube. Here's a really good cover version of their new song once again, If It's Love. Vandarth has done a nice job of incorporating some background vocals and instrumentals, too, and his work only gets better, so be sure to checkout more from him while you're there.
Male singers aren't typically what you think of when you think of Lady Gaga, but Alex Goot proves here that some songs just aren't gender-specific. A clear and incredible instrumentalist, too, this guy will renew your faith in the cliched "One Man Band"!
Category : Articles
There are right ways and wrong ways to use music videos. Some bands and singers are comfortable singing to people they know but aren’t ready to perform in front of groups of strangers. This is where a music video comes in. Amateur singers and young performers can make a quality video that will spread the word about their talent without forcing them to do something that will make them nervous. An anxious singer or musician doesn’t play to the best of his or her ability.
Some average bands use music videos to substitute for getting better. A video should not be a crutch that puts more attention on how a band looks than how it sounds. Videos should not be used to distract the viewer/listener with lights, color and action that doesn’t work with the music. A music video should be about the music, above all other things. Making your music as good as possible is the real key to success.
As one professional music videographer said, a video should add to music that can stand by itself. It can be part of the performance but can also be used as a promotional tool. In other words, write good songs with strong lyrics. Put your emotions and ideas into the song and make a quality recording. Then use social networking, online videos and other ideas to spread your story around the world. This is a great addition to live performances you hold for family and friends. Remember this is all about reaching fans, person to person.
Of course, you can make a basic video by getting your guitar or keyboard in place, setting up a video camera and recording yourself. You can also get someone else to help you make the video. Having a second person holding the camera allows you to get some different views rather than making a “talking head” video of you just sitting in one spot, singing and playing.
Add even more to the quality of your video by writing down a few notes about what you will be singing, what you will be playing, where the video will be shot (background, colors etc.) and if there will be other people, pets or important props in the video. Set a goal for your video. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish. Don’t just start and “hope for the best.”
Keep in mind that if you are serious about getting your music heard you should use video as part of an overall plan. If you are a young, amateur singer, you don’t need a complicated video script or even a long, detailed plan. But give some thought to what you want the music and video to tell the listeners and viewers.
Check out Free Video Editing Software - and get some that will make your videos even better.
It’s not necessary to use all the classic advertising and marketing methods. That can wait until you build a bigger audience. Your video should be basic but not sloppy or too simple. It’s supposed to help move you toward bigger audiences and more experience. Think about the ways you want to show your talent. Make your video and try it out in a private showing!
Once you have your video - send it to us! If we like it we'll add it to the site. And get it on YouTube and send traffic to it by marketing to build your online presence. Did you know there are excellent tutorials for generating online video traffic?
Category : The Videos
Here's a great original by a band with excellent sound, and obvious songwriting talent. Excellent vocals, a strong leading voice, and instrumental talent as well (love the addition of the harmonica), you'll enjoy this acoustic version of their song from their debut album, "Writing on Rooves".
Category : Music News!
Rocky Dawuni walks the talk. Fist held high and dreadlocks flowing, the Ghanaian reggae artist is a rebel among rebels, tackling serious social issues with uplifting ballads and reggae rockers. All while working to challenge everything from infectious diseases to clean water to poverty across the rural communities of his homeland.
On Hymns for the Rebel Soul, Dawuni’s infectious, groove-driven music refuses to play by the rules. He sings about the struggles against corruption, war, and despair, drawing on his own experiences while melding bluesy Motown horn lines with Afro-beat grooves and Arabic percussion. Add highlife afro-pop guitar mingled with polyrhythms and Scandinavian melodies and Dawuni re-imagines a fearlessly global, one-love reggae with contemporary African ingenuity.
Let’s rewind a few decades to where Dawuni’s instinct to innovate emerged in the middle of an army camp under a military government. Under a dimly lit African sky, Bob Marley’s iconic “Uprising” album blares from P.A. speakers at an outdoor bar crowded with soldiers; a little boy takes note of the politically charged lyrics and a rebel is born.
As music entwined with his passion for speaking truth to questionable power, he “went pro,” he says, as a young psychology student at the University of Ghana. “My first band was an accident,” he laughs. “In my first year, I met these four guys who were students there and musicians. Everyone was saying, ‘Why are we in the University if we want to be musicians? Why don’t we form a band?’” And the seeds were planted.
In the late 1990s he took the plunge, and soon Dawuni found himself traveling the world – ultimately releasing multiple CDs and working with musicians like Bono and Stevie Wonder, as well as providing music for U.S. television shows including Weeds, ER and Dexter.
Dawuni has always attempted to compose music that reflected what he calls “global consciousness,” a sense of shared destiny that transcends nationality. Hymns distills this vision, juxtaposing sonic influences from his many recent journeys. “Jerusalem” was written and recorded in Tel Aviv. Over a lilting guitar-based groove that uses a Middle Eastern harmonic sense, an Arabic dumbek rhythm punctuates Dawuni’s lyrics; he speaks of the historic significance of Israel, as well as its impact on his own spirituality.
“Take it Slow (Love Love Love)” was conceptualized and composed during his tour with a group of Finnish pop stars. Incorporating Scandinavian sensibilities, the song features thick vocal harmonies and an unexpected touch for a reggae track: a Finnish folk flute.
Despite Dawuni’s jet-setting and genre-bending ways, his songs speak powerfully to local issues in Ghana. Dawuni aims to change minds about everything from educating young women to accepting people living with HIV, using both pop and traditional music to critique and to inspire.
“First, I am Ghanaian,” Dawuni explains. “I harness local elements into a whole organic form, while the arrangements overall use a contemporary global palette.” While “Walls Tumblin’ Down” is a nod to the old palm-wine acoustic guitar style, the root of highlife music in Ghana, his voice floats over a lush layer of strings and bluesy background vocals.
While singing about the struggles of the everyman, Dawuni “walks the talk.” Many reggae musicians spread the good vibes of peace and love through their music, yet few put their money and time towards real efforts on the ground. Dawuni’s intention has always been to use his music as a primary tool for social change. “I have always used my concerts as a platform to engage social issues,” he says, “and not only as a spokesperson. I personally organize local musicians to work with communities and help them find sustainable solutions to problems on the ground.”
In addition to working with celebrities like Elle MacPherson on behalf of African causes, Dawuni has joined with UNICEF, the Carter Center, and Product (RED) to make a lasting push to stem poverty and quell the spread of HIV/AIDS. “I met some people living with HIV in Ghana,” he recalls, “and they told me that my involvement has gone a long way in helping to reduce stigmatization, encouraging more compassionate responses to the disease. They said they could feel a sea change. This just confirmed my commitment.”
And Hymns for the Rebel Soul will keep all who listen, thinking and grooving.
Category : Music News!
Parked next door to a sandwich truck sits a hand-built, mule drawn “Gypsy wagon,” like an apparition from a bygone era, in the driveway of a contemporary hillside home in Hollywood, California.
Belonging to Fishtank Ensemble, it embodies the wild and wooly journeys of the band’s eclectic and eccentric members—vocalist Ursula Knudson, violinist Fabrice Martinez, guitarist Doug “Douje” Smolens, and bassist Djordje Stijepovic—who share a vibrant passion for unbridled creativity and music with Roma roots. The quartet with a quirky name blazes new musical trails on their new album, Woman In Sin due out May 11, 2010.
“We all met at a performance space called the Fishtank,” explains Knudson, who often finds herself explaining the group’s unusual moniker. “It had lots of windows, so passers-by could peer in on the activities inside like a fish bowl.” The budding ensemble then spent the weekend learning an entire repertoire of Romanian folk music. They quickly got a local gig, when someone asked the name of the band. Caught off guard, Knudson recalls, “I just blurted Fishtank. It doesn’t fit, and I actually like that.”
Their gallop across traditional and original sonic landscapes began in Europe, with serendipitous inspirations, irresistible urges, and love at first sight. It stretches from the echoing caves of Granada to the bombing of Serbia, from rollicking Venice to brooding Transylvania. “We were all guided by unseen forces and random acts of fate,” Knudson reflects.
As a teenager and promising musician, Martinez hitchhiked to Istanbul, collecting a treasure trove of instruments along the way. As jeeps with armed men patrolled the city, Martinez played illegally on the streets to collect enough money to fly back with all his instruments. “One day out of the blue I heard this music near a theatre,” recalls Martinez. “It was just one old guy playing violin and singing in an alley. Nothing more, and I loved it!” Inspired, Martinez returned home to Paris and immediately sold all his instruments, leaving him only with a violin that had been in his family for years. “I wasn’t interested in other music anymore, just the violin,” he says. “I resurrected this long-neglected family heirloom.” His fiddle led him to learn from some of the finest Roma players in Europe.
Smolens also found himself pursuing a passion he couldn’t deny and tracing a Roma route of his own, thanks to some flamenco recordings he just couldn’t get out of his head. He had grown up in the L.A. rock scene, playing drums and hanging out with Billy Idol and Slash of Guns ‘n’ Roses, and had no intention of picking up a new instrument. “I tried to resist for years,” Smolens laughs, “but in the end, I had to learn to play flamenco guitar. It grabbed a hold of my heart.” This unexpected calling led Smolens to the heartland of flamenco—learning from Gitano flamenco masters in the caves of Granada, Spain—and inescapably shaped his musical future.
Passion struck opera-trained American Ursula Knudson as she stood in a mass of masqueraded partiers at Venice’s notoriously decadent carnival one year. “Everyone was just staring at each other. After becoming bored with this scene, I went to a casino where Vinicio Capossela was playing,” recalls Knudson. From across the crowded room, as if by fate, her eyes met with those of a stranger: Martinez, who was playing with Capossela at the time. “He came up to me and we began talking about music,” she continues. Despite having respective fiancés, a year and a half later the two were married. Guided by hidden forces, they soon began their romantic wagon wanderings through Transylvania, and eventually wound up in Oakland, where they teamed up with Smolens.
These traveling troubadours soon picked up exceptional Serbian bassist Djordje Stijepovic, who literally wrote the book on upright slap bass and has lent his trademark slapping style to some of the best rockabilly, Gypsy, bluegrass, and blues acts around the world. Growing up in Serbia, he got his hands on recordings by Elvis and the Stray Cats despite bombs, sanctions, and political upheaval. His masterful bass playing won him gigs with local Romany stars in smoky bars and coffeehouses from the tender age of 13, where the unique pulse and flash of the Balkans became second nature to the omnivorous musician. After moving to US he fulfilled his rock'n'roll dreams playing in a band with Lemmy from Motorhead and Slim Jim Phantom from the Stray Cats.
All these diverse roads led to California, where Fishtank Ensemble became an egalitarian society of like-minded musical overflowing with talent that lend to its rich and varied sound. As this wandering caravan forges new musical trails, each member contributes their own aesthetics and experiences to the collaborative creative process. “I like to start songs,” Smolens notes, “but I really love when the band helps finish them. We all end up shaping them and creating something unexpected.”
Woman in Sin teams with a polyglot array of personally-felt folk influences channeled into vivid original songs like the sexy title track, written by Smolens with extensive input from the group to showcase Knudson’s striking looks and torch-singing persona. Providing a solidly swingin’ foundation for the band, Stijepovic’s bass is virtuosic, upbeat, and sensual by turns, especially in a sultry duet with Knudson, the jazz standard “Fever.”
On “Cou Cou,” Smolens and Knudson mix French and English in a playful tease of original lyrics as Knudson’s girlish voice gracefully drifts between the guitar and violin, with a wink to the Hot Club of France. Reveling in the sounds of Django Reinhardt while adding rock ’n‘ flare, Smolens’ flamenco-tinged gypsy jazz guitar style shimmers.
Echoing the memories of Martinez’ days as a circus performer, a musical saw (played by Knudson) warbles a high-pitched haunting refrain on the lilting waltz “Espanolette.” “The saw is my thing,” says Knudson with a smile. “It works because I am a singer, and it involves the same bodily intuition. People always tell me that they can’t tell the difference between the saw and my voice.”
Stijepovic keeps the party going with an original take on an irresistible Balkan dance form with “Djordje's Rachenitza”. “It’s a big thing in Bulgaria and Serbia,” Stijepovic explains,” but the 7/8 groove also gets people dancing anywhere. So I just had to write my own.”
Inspired by a Kurdish melody, “Nadim” is a blisteringly fast and darkly entrancing jaunt that features percussive bass slapping, virtuosic violin solos, and technically skilled guitar work. The title of the song pays homage to a melody by Martinez’ favorite violinist, Nadim Nalbantoglu. “It was incredibly hard to figure out,” Knudson explains, “but Fabrice loves a challenge. We all worked from the basic melody and arranged something very Fishtank Ensemble sounding.”
Showing the band’s versatility and emotional range, “O Dewel,” is a seductively slow-waltzing, musical prayer. Featuring lyrics in Romanes, a West European dialect of the Roma language, this intensely pensive piece produced a powerful spiritual experience in the studio. “It was a magical moment,” remembers Knudson. “On the first take, there was this point where the music swelled and we all felt it. It’s just that kind of a song.” Shifting gears, “Opa Opa” invites the listener to a raucous celebration by evoking images of dancing Gypsies on tabletops. Knudson notes that, “It’s just a dirty party song from Serbia that is like a volcano of sound.”
With a new emphasis on original material and old-school skills, Fishtank Ensemble has matured into their distinctly odd yet remarkably apt name, performing a self-aware selection of twisting timbres and tempos that capture an ineffable joy. “We want to produce music that people have never heard before, taking audiences to new places, so they can experience a range of emotions that we transmit through song,” muses Knudson. “That is the best thing we can offer: our heart.”
Airto and his YouTube commenters all say it best: this is a lovely song and a lovely performance (albeit the short version for now), and Airto gives the song so much soul, it's sure to settle you down for some great mood-music.
Category : Articles
This week's article is about songwriting.
If you are a singer and a songwriter, you might want to devote some more time to making your songwriting stronger. You can get a lot of enjoyment out of singing and playing. You may even want to put some of your talent on a video then show it to friends and family. From there you can spread the word using some of the great Web sites (like this one) that help you get your message across.
But what if you are also a songwriter? You can write some words on paper or on the computer, try it out with some guitar chords or on your keyboard and there you have it – an original song. Do you want to take it to the next step? In the new world of music it won’t be enough to sing and play and hope for a record contract. In fact, that is the most difficult way to put your music “in the ears” of your listeners.
If you have placed a video on a site such as this, you already know something about marketing your songs and your talent through social networks, music sharing and so on. Fortunately for young singers and songwriters today it isn’t necessary to make a tape or CD and visit recording studios and radio stations to sell their music. You can reach thousands, even millions of people with good Web sites. But don’t just set up a camera and start singing. Pay a little attention to your songwriting and make your presentation as strong as it can be.
However, there is a little more to this part of the story. If you think the traditional way of getting a recording contract is crowded and impossible, you are right. But the new Internet methods of marketing and the self-recording world are also attracting a lot of new performers. That’s where some quality songwriting can separate you from the rest of the pack.
Start your songwriting in one of two places – lyrics and melody. While a lot of new, young singers can put their thoughts and feelings into words, only a few give enough time to melody. It is important to come up with songs that not only tell a story but also are pleasant to listen to. Even if they are sad but powerful songs the main vocal line must be something that stays with the listener for awhile after he or she hears it.
If you feel that your melody and singing need some work but you want to start getting some attention from the “pros” right away, try sending your lyrics to a couple of lyrics contests, such as the contests conducted by songwriting and music magazines. Before you do, make sure you have your lyrics copyrighted. We can get into the details of copyrights later but the key is to make sure you protect your work. At that point you need to find the right people to read your lyrics or hear your song.
If you need help with songwriting, there are plenty of resources online.
Check out Masters of Songwriting: The Best Songwriting Book Around - Great For Songwriters Looking To Get To The Top In Today's Music Industry. Everything Is Here From Creating Commercial Songs, To Marketing, Digital Help, Global Covers, To Reading And Understanding Publishing Contracts.
Or Professional Songwriting Secrets - A Professional Songwriter Finally Exposes His Hot Tips, Tricks, And Inside Techniques On How You Can Write Unique, Powerful, And Catchy Songs Anytime You Want.
A classic sound to this welcome cover version of this song. A quite impressive sound deserving of more attention, one that certainly is not getting its due just yet - have a look and help it along!
Category : The Videos
The sound doesn't do this recording justice, but do take a look and check out some of his other stuff too!
Now this is the exact opposite of the last few talents we've featured- and rightly so. Smooth is nice but gritty and raw sounds good too. take a listen and you'll see...
Category : Articles
Many young singers and musicians are at the point in their lives when they enjoy making music and would like to play or sing for others. They might sing a few songs and play a little guitar for friends and family members. They might even record their performance on video/audio and put it on the Web so others might hear it.
But these amateur singers and beginning guitarists may not have decided to try making some money with their music. Sometimes it’s just too early to make that decision. Sometimes a singer might just enjoy entertaining family and friends, and may have no plans to make themselves a semi-professional or professional performer.
It may be time to ask these questions: Am I doing what I love? Should I take it further? Will I change and will my music change if I decide to move to the “next level?”
There are different opinions on this subject, depending on the individual you talk to. Some musicians and singers might say that we shouldn’t hide our musical talent by keeping it inside the house. Music is an experience to be shared so young singers and musicians should eventually take their songs out of the tight circle of family and friends they have probably been performing for.
It is possible to do this without worrying about getting paid, of course. Many local places welcome new performers who don’t demand a high fee up front. In many cases the singer/musician can make some money by having a “tip jar” available for those who are listening. The key question here might be: Is money an important goal?
One way to look at this subject is to think about money as a tool you might have to have so that you can continue doing what you love to do. This doesn’t mean that you have to start asking for money right away. Young performers should get some experience playing for public audiences without having to worry about money. In fact, many of these amateur singers and musicians might choose to remain “unpaid” for quite some time (at least until they develop their skills and fine tune some of their songs).
Or look online for some income to support you while you make music. For this we can recommend the New Music Economy - Music Marketing System ebook. This ebook gives independent music artists, bands, record labels and others the instructions, tools, and contact information needed to submit their music to distributors without involving a middle man, an agency, or a management company. After you have submitted your music, it takes about 90 days to populate your music through out all the online stores.When completed your music will be available in major online stores like iTunes and hundreds of others in over 29 countries.
But what if this is not your bag? Well, making music is, in most cases, enough of a reward in itself. This might be the case for you, especially if you truly love playing and singing. Can you see yourself doing anything else, in the long run? Start by paying attention to how you feel when you play music and how you feel when you have to do something else and can’t sing or play. This will tell you a lot about where you belong in the big scheme of things.
Many of us have dreamed about singing and playing for thousands of people, making a lot of money and living the life of a rock star. But there are some important steps to be taken first. Some of the best advice ever given to young performers is this: Be honest and be true to what you love about singing and playing music. The money and fame should follow, eventually.
This doesn’t mean that you should just sit back and wait for the audiences to flock to your concerts. When you decide to make something more of your singing and playing you will have to take some action to put the word out. But don’t get in too big a hurry to become a professional. Do what you love to do and your time will come.
Nice new find - pretty and very listenable!
What a sound! Great playing AND singing. These are definitely to be kept an eye on - going places I'm sure!
