Becoming A Singing Star – What You Need To Know
I am asked many times about how to become a singing star There are many elements and levels that lead to the illusive recording contract and stardom.
Managers, publicists, A&R and producers are just a few of the many people a singing star needs on their team.
I want to focus on what you need to do before attempting to gain the attention of these professionals.
These 7 steps I have chosen are what I believe should be in place before you have a chance of being discovered and becoming a singing star.
1. Vocal Technique
This one should be obvious, but unfortunately many singers overlook this. It requires not only the financial investment in the best voice teacher you can find but also hard and sometimes tedious work from the singer.
What you will gain from this investment of time and money is a voice that will not let you down. You will be able to withstand the rigors of recording and touring without the stress of vocal failure.
I have seen singers put this off until they are in vocal crises – not the place you ever want to be. The costs of cancelled tours and appearances are immense and for the developing artist can be career destroying.
You are building your future on two pieces of soft tissue the size of your thumbnail. These tiny vocal cords are the only instrument you have. Make sure you know how to get the best from them.
2. Vocal Style
Vocal style needs to be developed alongside technique – but is its own category. Technique builds the instrument, style is how you use it.
Focus on the genre of music you want to excel in. Although it’s tempting to say every style this is not really practical if you are looking towards a singing career as a recording artist.
Listen to your favorite singers in your chosen genre. Pay attention to any vocal riffs they may do. Listen for phrasing, how they attack the words, vocal color, etc.
You should also research their influences and listen to them. See how the vocal style of their musical heroes filtered through their singing.
Begin to borrow your favorite approaches from different artists and apply them to your singing.
By the time you take what you like from different artists and their influences it will blend into something new and unique – it will be you!
3. Acting Your Song
Acting a song is something musical theatre singers are very aware of, but is is often missed by singers in popular music.
A true emotional connection to your material can be the difference between a good performance and a star making one.
I believe a key component to Adele’s success (besides her great voice and songwriting) is the emotional connection she brings to every performance.
The difference between her singing Someone Like You and other pop ballad singers is that you can feel the emotional truth of what she is singing come right through the speakers. This creates a very powerful experience for the listener
I believe every singer would benefit from some acting classes. Learn how to connect emotion and intentions to your lyrics.\
4. Live Performance
I am amazed at how many singers are looking for record deals or are trying to get on American Idol with little or no live performance experience.
Live performance is the core of being a singing star. It not only drives your career and brings you more fans, it has become one of the key ways to produce income as recorded music sales continue to fall.
Start taking advantage of any and all performance opportunities. Karaoke, open mic nights, benefit concerts, these are but a few of the possibilities.
Dealing with stage fright, working with monitors, entertaining an audience are just a few of the skills you will need. Singing live is the only way to gain this experience.
5. Image
You cannot think of iconic performers without thinking of their image. Katy Perry, Adele and Lady Gaga all have different but instantly recognizable approaches to image and style.
Think of your music, who will likely buy it and who you are as a person. What is the visual representation of this? This will give you a good start to building your image.
6. Artistic Vision
This is an extension of your image. What is your true artistic vision? Beyond musical style and image, who are you and what do you represent?
Lady Gaga is a master of artistic vision. She creates music, fashion, social commentary and concert spectacle that all comes together as a rallying point for her fans. She even has a name for them, “Little Monsters.”
Her artist vision gives a sense of identity to her dedicated fanbase and is part of the Gaga experience. You need to create the same experience for your fans.
7. Perseverance
This one is almost a cliché, but without it all my other points are worthless. You MUST persevere through all the rejection – and the rejection will come.
Start reading biographies of people you admire. I guarantee every one of them will have the common theme of overcoming rejection and hardship. Every one of these people has perseverance.
I submit that every voice you hear come out of your radio or television has this one quality and they have it in great measure. Perseverance can make all the difference in whether or not we will all hear you on the radio one day.