tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10913525203714467622024-02-19T16:29:17.287-08:00Notes From The PlaygroundMicah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-45646054819214645282018-06-12T09:18:00.001-07:002018-06-12T09:18:18.314-07:00What To Expect From A Producer!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMYbRvzulIW3yNyB8ClQQ__A6WhAuUNDF7EjvaPKazhD92lxNkJwjaQhIUwYil08a3QHyCJ0OVt41EREPSl81OIVa-MXNPhOkhM86d1i2gZhtXKqRGACtZI69P2YLAwIig2pTVW7K6_o/s1600/web-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="431" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMYbRvzulIW3yNyB8ClQQ__A6WhAuUNDF7EjvaPKazhD92lxNkJwjaQhIUwYil08a3QHyCJ0OVt41EREPSl81OIVa-MXNPhOkhM86d1i2gZhtXKqRGACtZI69P2YLAwIig2pTVW7K6_o/s320/web-8.jpg" width="179" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Artists want their problems solved. Producers are problem solvers. However most artist have a pretty steep learning curve about what a producer can and can't do! Lets talk about the different jobs a producer fills.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br /><div>
1) The “<b>sound</b> “ of the recording is usually shaped by the engineer BUT the producer can help put that in motion. I always recommend artist bring examples of the recordings that have the "sound" you are looking for!</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
2) A producer should be able to help shape the<b> artisti</b>c <b>direction</b> of the recording..making sure that YOU get what you NEED at this point in your career...In terms of establishing your brand identity, making noise in the biz and with the public, achieving an authentic artist vibe etc And if the direction needs shaping and clarifying this is something you would be collaborating with your producer..keeping in mind that they "work for you" to help you achieve your next steps NOT the other way around!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
3) A producer can make sure <b>the songs</b> are helping you reach your goals…. Sometimes by collaborating on the writing, sometimes by helping you select which tunes are strongest and most likely to help you achieve your goals and sometimes by sending an artist back to the “writing” part of the process!</div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
SO, in choosing your producer you are choosing someone who should bug you with questions, help you clarify your goals and focus you on what you want to achieve with your music in the short.... and long run.</div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
When considering a new recording project I always recommend starting by building relationships with a batch of different producers.</div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
Conversations (by phone, e mail or in person) will help you clarify</div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
1) what YOU want to achieve with this recording</div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
2) What THEY will bring to the table to help you achieve your goals</div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
....and ultimately help you decide who you want to work with at this time in your career! </div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
Have Career Strategy Questions you need answered? I am available to work with you as a coach to help you achieve your goals in the music industry! Message me at micah@singersplayground.com and lets talk! </div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-57907621403267356602018-02-13T05:46:00.002-08:002018-02-13T05:47:00.927-08:00The Importance Of Routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYytpc7OBEzb73-aloVDzuNJqrSrfLE1Z77AiAdJVq60r5j4DNtI4t4fSZZ2Ob042EGofuCTz75-MKPXWrbEs9R44oR4iF3PdNCNueEAg3mfcm_eR8he5DN8Qk6fyB96GSGF2_laSn9jM/s1600/MB-68-200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYytpc7OBEzb73-aloVDzuNJqrSrfLE1Z77AiAdJVq60r5j4DNtI4t4fSZZ2Ob042EGofuCTz75-MKPXWrbEs9R44oR4iF3PdNCNueEAg3mfcm_eR8he5DN8Qk6fyB96GSGF2_laSn9jM/s1600/MB-68-200.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
"Routine? But I'm a creative person! Won't all that structure kill inspiration"? I hear you say!<br />
<br />
Yes we Artists love chaos and drama! <br />
Our biggest fears are all about not actualizing that radical creativity in the world.<br />
But its usually emotionally driven fear and anxiety about it all that tangles us up and gets in our way!<br />
We tend to resist the very thing we want in some invisible but powerful way.<br />
<br />
You know those overwhelming goals that you can't seem to get started on? The best solution to all that resistance is a structured daily routine in which you work away at climbing the"Big Mountain" every day... by taking tiny "manageable" steps.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AODaCX4oQ_o/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AODaCX4oQ_o?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Songwriting. Vocal technique, Mediation, Physical Fitness, there are all sorts of useful things you can be "doing" instead of worrying and stressing yourself and all those around you.<br />
<br />
Daily specific work can keep our most self destructive patterns at bay.<br />
<br />
<b> PRODUCTIVITY BECOMES A HABIT!</b><br />
<br />
Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and stay focused on the task at hand for 3 or 4 days. You'll see how your habit of discipline can become the single most important factor in your sense of forward motion!<br />
<br />
Questions about Career Strategy, Voice and Stage Technique?<br />
<br />
Message me at micah@singersplayground.com.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/" target="_blank">http://www.singersplayground.com</a><br />
<br />Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-51039257975425927042017-03-30T06:23:00.000-07:002017-03-30T06:23:55.277-07:005 Career Tips For Aspiring Singers!<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIisfbbBIcApgRdcF7JE2hkN7CTsvLSLaMI_xVJFosR4ryvS7jkeu69I59TeJhPhb5AxrRa2Hz3B5mC8rqr1kcrc-2BNfvZgZGIUECC8vrgZHxsRmZyBBbL2rgtezBEca0VnrjdiTKipg/s1600/_MG_8178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIisfbbBIcApgRdcF7JE2hkN7CTsvLSLaMI_xVJFosR4ryvS7jkeu69I59TeJhPhb5AxrRa2Hz3B5mC8rqr1kcrc-2BNfvZgZGIUECC8vrgZHxsRmZyBBbL2rgtezBEca0VnrjdiTKipg/s320/_MG_8178.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
Hello Singers!</div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
I get asked for career advice from up and coming artists all the time. Here are a few things every aspiring singer should be thinking about career wise:</div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br class="" /></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
1) Work your voice so you are getting the most out of your instrument! Raw talent is never enough. Keep working on your craft so your voice is always growing and becoming the best it can be. </div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br class="" /></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
2) Make sure your live show is top notch. No-one is surviving in the music business these days without a fantastic live show. You want audiences talking about it and telling their friends. Otherwise you are going to have a hard time making a living!</div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br class="" /></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
3) Be who you are. Often it can take many years of experimentation to find out what really and truly works best for you in terms of material, production, direction etc. Dig in and make sure you are being authentic in what you are giving to us. Audiences can smell it when we are faking it. We crave authenticity and integrity more than anything else these days! </div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGQiO18oW0r5jq1DPl6ns5GYOPWZTKQR68AcwV_qrdvcZncgTYMFPPXj8pgCALXfEYpiZxfCLPDYTKBCLkjcN0sMbMRukFwz4wv-2mGKuP9aki1u_kcjknMminTfskdKHoTP4vb3kFFA/s1600/MICAH+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGQiO18oW0r5jq1DPl6ns5GYOPWZTKQR68AcwV_qrdvcZncgTYMFPPXj8pgCALXfEYpiZxfCLPDYTKBCLkjcN0sMbMRukFwz4wv-2mGKuP9aki1u_kcjknMminTfskdKHoTP4vb3kFFA/s320/MICAH+1.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br class="" /></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
4) Understand who the audience for your music is so you can figure out how best to market to them. If you are a Jazz artist like myself you are looking at a speciality market, (i.e.: people who like fine wine, are college educated, own their own homes and have grown children etc) Identifying your audience will make a whole bunch of decisions much easier, such as where to perform and how to best target the people who will be most interested in learning about you and your music!</div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br class="" /></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
5) Lastly don’t rush to build a team around you (managers, label, agents etc) Its always better to go slowly and build a team of true believers who really get what you do and want to be there for the long run rather than the low hanging fruit that are easy to attract! IF you aren't finding that higher level folks are attracted to working with you have a long hard look at your own development, thats generally where the problem lies!</div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
OK there are a few things to be thinking about, hope you find that helpful! I'm always happy to consult and can be reached through micah@singersplayground.com </div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
Cheers</div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px;">
Micah Barnes</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-27008298103008019952016-11-01T10:27:00.001-07:002016-11-01T10:27:51.011-07:00 FINDING THE PERFECT PR PERSON (OR WHERE DO THE UNICORNS LIVE?)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cQ4JN2TH0wJO0pvSkAsaPrYkeexzH1yCGOsshr2E2XUZEWN5gvpDYPYOq69z8mIYud9x6dLQAHstLF5EVDvWpjp5P3u2uJQ9msfNfnyDGTiMo9S_lli-xDc3d2MqoxtKcHIzCLj5UxE/s1600/IMG_6958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cQ4JN2TH0wJO0pvSkAsaPrYkeexzH1yCGOsshr2E2XUZEWN5gvpDYPYOq69z8mIYud9x6dLQAHstLF5EVDvWpjp5P3u2uJQ9msfNfnyDGTiMo9S_lli-xDc3d2MqoxtKcHIzCLj5UxE/s320/IMG_6958.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The one thing that everybody agrees on in the music industry is that there is no ONE publicity person who is good at everything.</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
A lot of established PR people only have relationships in the dying world of old school media where journalists are losing their jobs and print space is declining every day. Some PR folks have terrific relationships with media but can't write a proper press release to save their life. Some are fantastic at expanding your footprint on social media platforms but can't translate that story to TV, Radio and Print. Some are really believers and passionate about their clients but simply don't have the skills to find them coverage. </div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
ALL of these PR may have a place in your journey. It's all about defining what your current goals are and hiring the PR person who can help you reach them at this time. </div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Where should you be spending your marketing dollars then? At the beginning of your career the smart money will be spent on the online content (pics, video's etc) that keep a growing audience engaged while YOU handle the day to day posting on your social media platforms. (When we pay marketing people to do our daily posts it usually means we sacrifice developing our own unique voice and our brand online and that can hurt us in the long run.) When you have a BIG event like a CD launch or a batch of tour dates then it makes sense to contract the services of a PR person who can take your online story and focus old school media on what you are doing. (Beware of ongoing PR contracts without an end date, that is usually of more benefit to the PR person or firm than to the artist or act.)</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Our job as the artists hiring a PR person is to have a clear understanding of what our current needs are. If we are a local act then we want a PR person who can excite local media to get turned on and become champions of what we do. If we are looking to break nationally then we want a PR person who has the national contacts and relationships. When meeting and interviewing possible PR folks that we are thinking about working with we want to be asking them a lot of questions such as what acts have you enjoyed working with etc. Get THEM talking about their world and listen carefully for what they tell you about their successes. An honest approach is always best, if you have concerns bring them up and see how the PR person reacts. If they admit their strengths and weaknesses you are in a good position to move forward knowing what area both of you are expecting to focus on!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakIAfHPARzzes48DTk53U3n_TQeiaFTa3fJ4ZFW6BDB8GSKHKxWE4nbT1RjvYTfEaT-T3PqvFqUN3VqfQG2ycw2pqwYa2ACIHLG1lFibWHjTnQciShazmqr7jsopeue1ZFBnbOj2crTI/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakIAfHPARzzes48DTk53U3n_TQeiaFTa3fJ4ZFW6BDB8GSKHKxWE4nbT1RjvYTfEaT-T3PqvFqUN3VqfQG2ycw2pqwYa2ACIHLG1lFibWHjTnQciShazmqr7jsopeue1ZFBnbOj2crTI/s1600/images-2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Almost all PR people will warn their clients up front that hiring their services is no guarantee of coverage. Most clients will hear this as fair warning. BUT watch closely because any PR person worth the money will have trusted and true media relationships that should result in immediate coverage, (if only to impress the new client!) If you don't get any coverage in the first round thats a sign that the relationship isn't going to work. I recommend moving on quickly with a simple polite conversation about it. (Keep in mind that the pool of resources in this industry is small and you may well be in a position to need that PR person again in the future, so no name calling and no sour grapes. It wasn't a good fit, simply move on!)</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
When are you ready to start paying a PR person? As soon as you have more than a few shows in one market your marketing could probably benefit from the assistance of a publicity person who knows local media and can help position your story for coverage. But this is assuming that you have already become adept at audience building through social media. Thats how you build your brand in the marketplace NOT by spending money on a PR person. The PR person you hire is there to translate an already existing story to the TV, Radio and Print mediums. The 1st key to building your success is always going to be how you focus your brand on the various social media platforms that best target your demographic…</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="mailto:micahbarnes@sympatico.ca" target="_blank">Career Strategy Sessions with coach Micah Barnes</a></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-63186338997038364922016-10-24T08:36:00.004-07:002016-10-24T08:37:24.194-07:00FINDING A MANAGER: (LOOKING FOR BIG DADDY TO SAVE US!)<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWCTU5d5_fkDd3nqXgNrKJ0Rfl8e7XgzS2Y82eJIAJl4cf0l9-XjwVc93sUpNP_YZScl6g8GmXAwRAi1ekkVitdj5KCNkMj26Gc0im5lnqZNm3rqm4bdv5-5ouCPJlpoialnSeb2GnpI/s1600/MB+sitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWCTU5d5_fkDd3nqXgNrKJ0Rfl8e7XgzS2Y82eJIAJl4cf0l9-XjwVc93sUpNP_YZScl6g8GmXAwRAi1ekkVitdj5KCNkMj26Gc0im5lnqZNm3rqm4bdv5-5ouCPJlpoialnSeb2GnpI/s320/MB+sitting.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
Taking responsibility for our career is scary for artists. Most of us don't have the skill set, we only have the desire. This business asks us to be the best singer we can be, the best writers the best live performers etc. And thats a LOT of stuff we have to get GREAT at before we are ready for the world stage. Most of us don't want to include business skills in that package. It just seems to hard, too daunting and too difficult. So we get stuck looking for BIG DADDY (OR MOMMY) to save us.. a manager who will be the answer to all our dreams and make it all magically happen. THAT is mistake number ONE!!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
MOST MANAGERS HAVE NO REAL POWER</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
You think that this new person on your team believes in you and will now take care of everything that you hate to do. Booking shows, making sure an audience is going to be there, finding musicians, arranging band rehearsals, finding the right producer for your project and basically making all the important decisions about what is coming next etc. The manager who signed on to do all of this "grunt" work is generally NOT the same person who has worked for many years successfully in this industry and is connected to the labels, agents, PR, publishers etc who can really help your career. That doesn't mean that having someone who believes in your rolling up their sleeves and helping out is a bad thing. BUT before making any lasting ongoing agreements it is wise to consider whether their strengths will best serve you in the short term or the long term and make sure there is room for a new powerful manager to come on board once you've created more leverage for yourself!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
MANAGERS ARE JUST PEOPLE</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
Beware believing that any one manager can be responsible for everything "clicking" in your career. Almost all managers have strengths and weaknesses. It's good to know what they are before building up big expectations which will lead to terrible disappointment.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
Some managers are really good at getting you gigs..some never touch that part of your career and will leave that to you or an agent. Some managers have a special knack at putting together recording deals for artists. Some are excellent at designing a marketing approach. The truth is that most will not be good at everything and it's YOUR job as the defacto manager to see the holes and get proactive to fill them yourself or with other members of your team.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
YOU ARE ALWAYS THE ACTUAL MANAGER</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
Successful artists always retain control of their forward motion. If you remain in a position of responsibility you will always be protected from the worst outcomes of someone else's bad decisions. YOU are the one watching the company store. Your career and your future are no one else's responsibility but your own. A manager acts as a guide and as an advisor. Regardless of how powerful or well connected your manager may be your hand never leaves the steering wheel! Why? You are the person who must ultimately live with the decisions you make as a partnership. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ96R0mDhXnNfXTowOMenrAv_D29KlL9AJCHETa7-6u1B85IOwhm0M4P0FbLl2x7HfioDaB3E-OkPzNKS85y9XKg28zpSTJir6QDxAU2r7_znGhFIXznvqzI0ugLQg5Abpb8Qim6t2hOw/s1600/10397821_10155608122850314_1678717761939315808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ96R0mDhXnNfXTowOMenrAv_D29KlL9AJCHETa7-6u1B85IOwhm0M4P0FbLl2x7HfioDaB3E-OkPzNKS85y9XKg28zpSTJir6QDxAU2r7_znGhFIXznvqzI0ugLQg5Abpb8Qim6t2hOw/s320/10397821_10155608122850314_1678717761939315808_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
IT STARTS WITH A QUESTION</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
I almost always suggest artists play the field for a while before signing anything with a manager. Better to start with dating before any real "commitment" happens on either side. A lot of times the relationship starts when an artist is stuck and looking for a specific solution and reaches out to a manager that they may know and trust and have access to ask that all important question. "Can you give me some input about this decision I have to make"? If things go well the artist may be invited to "call anytime with anything you need help with". If things progress and a certain amount of trust is built up then a relationship may start to get deeper. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span>BUILDING THE TEAM: MANAGEMENT (DON'T CALL US WE'LL CALL YOU!)</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
Seeking management is one of the main things artists feel they should be "doing". But thats not a useful goal to the working artist. How come? Interestingly enough most successful artists I know have had their managers seek them out. Why? Because as artists they were already doing the music and making the audience and creating the energy and buzz around their work and their career, enough so that a manager seeking a new act to work with would end up hearing about them through their network.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
People in the music industry talk to each other. There are listening and watching for the truly "special" and "unique" artists that stand out.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
Sometimes it's the combination of talent and looks and drive that clicks, sometimes it's because the artist has something really "fresh" in their approach. Sometimes it's simply dollar signs that get the manager interested... </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
but it's always the manager who takes an interest first almost NEVER the other way around in my experience.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
START A RELATIONSHIP!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
SO..if you are seeking a manager there's nothing wrong with starting a relationship with a couple of well placed folks where could bounce your challenges and ask questions. Usually the manager is watching carefully to see what kind of a person the artist is. Will you make the managers life difficult? Do you follow through on suggestions? Are you taking responsibility for your own forward motion?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
There are a million new acts trying to break into the publics consciousness each year. How do you get heard about the din? </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
By doing what you do the best you can do it. Pretty simple really. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
Do what YOU do so well that you attract the team you need to bring it to the world.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/coaching.html">Private Career Strategy Sessions with Micah Barnes</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/795714753864818">Nov 6th Toronto Singers Playground Workshop </a></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-82214556647711707102016-10-16T08:01:00.003-07:002016-10-16T08:03:02.739-07:00 Developing Our Own Material: (Being Willing To Suck!)<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsigX2uAuRJLUd6V84VYYbS3whPFR98e0BBzu9elxVWK9fATJySGEexlgd12ixCTpq5NPGLmZQ5Mdun98YAUiVmhKKZfhyvq70o96ifq6hC5gj2VylAegbcLtNuRXMHKVtPMZfWU60Ug/s1600/IMG_6958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsigX2uAuRJLUd6V84VYYbS3whPFR98e0BBzu9elxVWK9fATJySGEexlgd12ixCTpq5NPGLmZQ5Mdun98YAUiVmhKKZfhyvq70o96ifq6hC5gj2VylAegbcLtNuRXMHKVtPMZfWU60Ug/s320/IMG_6958.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
We're not all composers. But we all know a good song when we hear one. Maybe thats what stops us from taking those first awkward steps towards developing ourselves as songwriters? The first couple of songs we write can feel tentative, unformed and generally leave us feeling like we'll never become songwriters, with our first attempts unfinished and unheard. Thats normal and a natural part of learning a new skill set, it's really challenging to compare our first attempts with our favourite songs. We're bound to come up short. However there are some ways that we can deepen our craft and get better at it, if we are willing to suck for a while.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<b> No One Gets There Overnight!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
The key is to know your emotional life well enough to be able to boil our feeling in a given situation down to a few simple lines. Many a great song has been born when a singer trusts their collaborators enough to bring a few snatches of lyric to a musical composer, a producer, a band mate etc and allowed them to help finish it into an actual song. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Sometimes we can stay in the process and help steer and shape the outcome, sometimes it's best if we get out of the way and let the more experienced "professional" finish the job. That doesn't matter, what matters is that the final product will have some of our emotional life in it's DNA. That will make the song feel closer to our emotional centre and much easier to perform!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b> We Deepen Our Skill Set Over Time!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
However if we are going to become composers there will be a drive to do better, to learn the craft, to co-write with more experienced composers, to learn the tricks etc. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQC5B4E_5ak5YfWJgXZiP3M2NSwVBSLHIMMdhgbDhF3vi8SNKuKEIwKRFpfErEIC-oqDi_SPaITvdsc9bMTYmzD-u3qMGnW2O4BpBZQQJmd58Ak3SoIiqMuJufAFVfU0Dug0ENp5rjR0/s1600/images-6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQC5B4E_5ak5YfWJgXZiP3M2NSwVBSLHIMMdhgbDhF3vi8SNKuKEIwKRFpfErEIC-oqDi_SPaITvdsc9bMTYmzD-u3qMGnW2O4BpBZQQJmd58Ak3SoIiqMuJufAFVfU0Dug0ENp5rjR0/s1600/images-6.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b><i>Practical Coaching Advice: </i><i>Breaking the Negatives</i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because we haven't "finished" songs that we feel proud of it stops us from investing in the journey. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">BUT in truth the only way we ever get there is to BEGIN! Those few tentative steps we take are </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: medium;">the most </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: medium;">important ones! </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Here are a few suggestions to get you moving!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">*Keep a "lyric" journal by your bed. Fill it with your dreams and unfigured out feelings..</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">grab a hold of any pieces of lyric that float in for you first thing in the morning. Write and DO NOT worry about how it might become useful as a song.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="font-family: helvetica;">
<span style="font-size: large;">*Read poetry to discover the power of language separated out from music. Dive into the world of the word and discover your affinity to expressing through language.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;">*Learn to play some simple songs on the piano or guitar and get used to singing to an instrument that you are playing. That will go a long way towards allowing your first tentative composing efforts!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="font-family: helvetica;">
<span style="font-size: large;">*If you can't seem to finish songs bring them to a more experienced collaborator and pay attention to the way that they help build the final song from simple building blocks!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<i><b>Songwriting looks hard.. but is in fact very simple. Its ALL about trusting your instincts and following you heart. </b></i><i><b>Of course the more experience you have at "problem solving" during the process the easier it gets! But you will never get to your destination unless you START YOUR JOURNEY! </b> </i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/795714753864818">SINGERS PLAYGROUND WORKSHOP IN TORONTO</a></i></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-40843915827233155712016-08-10T12:21:00.001-07:002016-08-10T12:21:32.597-07:005 Things to Think About When Looking For A Vocal Coach<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVjWBZA9nzP3mTsxjV-H_q07bBwFKhQptDDQr_US0EWSI9JuD3uXK77EMO-E5yQr8noxw55dAKlHE1sjaMzxWx0I_lhD8n9ogdDjZ7h794JcDVW5AHuD_CDn76Dn5wKAJb0fOn_MF0Jg/s1600/e8918456fc5a449abbeda74539381423.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVjWBZA9nzP3mTsxjV-H_q07bBwFKhQptDDQr_US0EWSI9JuD3uXK77EMO-E5yQr8noxw55dAKlHE1sjaMzxWx0I_lhD8n9ogdDjZ7h794JcDVW5AHuD_CDn76Dn5wKAJb0fOn_MF0Jg/s320/e8918456fc5a449abbeda74539381423.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The singer’s relationship with a coach is a potentially life changing one. It’s not just about getting better at hitting your high notes. A good voice coach works with a singer on their most intimate fears and deepest challenges, digging down into the places we are scared to go to on our own, so it’s very important that we be able to put our absolute trust in our coach. </span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Where Do I Find A Vocal Coach?</span></strong></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The best approach is to ask other singers who they have benefitted most from working with, keeping in mind that not all singers are looking for the same thing from a coach. Sometimes the most established or well-known coach isn’t necessarily the perfect coach for your needs. I would stay away from coaches who promise immediate results and start by reaching out to the coaches whose reputations are rock solid within the music industry.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How Will I Know If A Coach Is Right For Me?</span></strong></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ask them a ton of questions! There are just as many different kinds of coaches as there are singers! I highly recommend “shopping” for the right coach for your needs. There are some coaches who teach a specific vocal technique, or who are more knowledgable about a certain style of music. Although reputable coaches can usually handle most issues that singers need support on, every coach has a speciality or two. You’ll want to know if it’s a good fit before booking a batch of sessions in advance! It’s always best that you start by having a real conversation, either on the phone or in person, so you can get a feel for their personality and get a sense of what their focus is, and then I would recommend booking a single session and seeing how it goes. </span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When Should I Actually Be Working with a Coach?</span></strong></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The answer is long before you think you need to! <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="https://zeddrecords.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png" style="background-image: none !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; height: 1em !important; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0.07em !important; max-height: 1em; max-width: 940px; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: -0.1em !important; width: 1em !important;" /> The challenging thing about being a voice coach is that we usually meet a new singer when they are crazily stressed about an upcoming performance or recording session, vocally exhausted from singing with bad technique, or under a lot of pressure from their manager, agent, label or financial backers to make some kind of change in their vocal approach. Any experienced coach worth the money should be able to make a noticeable difference in a short period of time, however the best coaching (and learning) happens slowly and over a stretch of time, so this kind of “emergency” is not the ideal circumstance to make a lasting change to a singer’s technique. In my experience it’s the singers who come to work with a coach many months in advance of a new tour or recording or showcase opportunity that are able to go the deepest and benefit the most. Besides most of us learn best when there is a little bit of breathing room in the schedule. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVptWSaQyAkfLn21GlNWNrvJ4jOspGGIE4M450SBHFfUkeKKtHSuvjK50UxRLCfcUS_N6TdiiKGcpbpcxsY_YURDa_eI9T_V03sTpJnl76XQFQT62snH6WWTNhxZHNsYxibhy8fmSt6Y/s1600/Coach+with+Chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVptWSaQyAkfLn21GlNWNrvJ4jOspGGIE4M450SBHFfUkeKKtHSuvjK50UxRLCfcUS_N6TdiiKGcpbpcxsY_YURDa_eI9T_V03sTpJnl76XQFQT62snH6WWTNhxZHNsYxibhy8fmSt6Y/s320/Coach+with+Chair.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What Should I Be Working On With A Coach?</span></strong></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you are experiencing vocal exhaustion, then more than likely your technique is not supporting you properly. Working with a coach to bring your technique into sharper focus is usually the first order of business. Proper breathing, voice production, vocal placement, physical tension, proper warm-up, there is no end to what we can be working on when it comes to deepening our singing technique. </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sometimes we need support on our live performances and want to work on our material selection, finding the right keys and the songs that suit our voice best. Some coaches have more experience dealing with the issues of the “working professional singer” than others. The key is to be sure that your coach has a good grasp of the area of music that you are looking to specialize in. Many singing students end up trying to please the coach by working on material that is outside of their area of interest. Always keep your own instincts alive as you work towards a clearer understanding of what suits you and your style best!</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What Do I Do If It’s Not Working Out?</span></strong></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sometimes a singer and a coach don’t click personality wise, sometimes we don’t feel comfortable with a coach’s teaching methods, and sometimes we simply aren’t seeing the results that we were hoping for. Before automatically blaming the coach, I would suggest that every singer take a look at whether they have been actually following the suggestions and doing the daily work that it takes to change one’s vocal technique. Sometimes we just don’t have the time or ability to properly focus on the work we are being asked to do, but usually we end up procrastinating out of fear. (In my experience many singers who find they aren’t able to focus on daily exercises end up blaming the coach’s methods when they don’t see enough results.) I recommend an honest conversation with your coach about “how it’s going” whenever possible. If you honestly don’t feel that things are working, find a way to gracefully move on and try working with someone new. Keep in mind that coaches are used to singers moving on. It happens all the time and you don’t have to feel guilty or bad about it. Just make sure you don’t repeat the same work habits with the next one! <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="https://zeddrecords.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png" style="background-image: none !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; height: 1em !important; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0.07em !important; max-height: 1em; max-width: 940px; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: -0.1em !important; width: 1em !important;" /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I hope these “5 Things to Think About” have helped you in terms of what to be thinking about when looking for a coach. The right coach is out there for every singer! Good Luck! </span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">– Micah is the founder of Singers Playground (<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">www.singersplayground.com</a>) which has supported the next generation of artists with vocal, performance and career strategy in Los Angeles, New York and Toronto since 1996. Micah’s masterclass and private sessions have brought a deeper command of their craft to thousands of artists across all areas of the industry and genres of music. His special interest is in coaching singer-songwriters, having travelled the world as a member of A Capella act The Nylons and as a chart topping solo recording artist himself.</em></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Micah Barnes Coaching Highlights:</span></strong></div>
<ul style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Created and taught curriculum for the Seneca College “Performing Singer-Songwriter” program, Toronto 2015</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Worked extensively as voice coach Golden Globe-nominated Tatiana Maslany on hit BBC America TV series “Orphan Black”, 2014-2016.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Vocal coach for cast members of the Tony Award winning Broadway productions of “Matilda”, Pippin”, and “Pricilla Queen Of The Desert” 2012-13, New York.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Vocal Coach for Universal Recording artist and “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” star Blake McGrath for his national tour, Toronto.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Created and taught curriculum as head of Voice Faculty for Aboriginal Voices Program at the Banff Centre for the Fine Arts, 2010-12, Banff, Canada.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Vocal and Performance Coach on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit CBC TV show “How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria” CBC. 2011, Canadian TV.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Assistant Vocal Coach at Elaine Overholt’s Big Voice Studio (Award-winning movie musicals “Chicago” and “Hairspray”). 2010-2011, Toronto</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Vocal Coach for Nina Dobrov ( NBC’s “Vampire Diaries”) for her work on the MTV Feature Film “American Mall” 2009, Los Angeles.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2007-2010 Micah designed the curriculum and served as Voice faculty at The Centre For Indigenous Theatre, Toronto</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1998-2006 Micah served as faculty for The Highways Performing Arts University developing and teaching performance workshops for musical and theatrical artists, Los Angeles. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Micah travels between Toronto, New York and Los Angeles on a regular basis to work with clients as well as coaching private sessions online. His Singers Playground performance workshops which he developed at The Highways Performing Arts University in Santa Monica have helped thousands of artists deepen their skill set as performers on both sides of the border.</em></div>
<div class="flare-horizontal flare-position-bottom flare-backgroundcolor-light enablecounters enabletotal countloaded countloadfinished" data-humbleflarecount="5" style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; min-height: 60px; padding: 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline; width: 940px;">
<span class="loading" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"></span><span class="flare-total first" style="-webkit-transition: 0.5s; background-color: white; border-right-color: rgb(80 , 80 , 80); border-right-style: solid; border-width: 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #505050; display: inline-block; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11px; height: 45px; line-height: 1em; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; min-width: 55px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 7px 0px 0px; position: relative; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; top: 12px; transition: 0.5s; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"></span></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-14918331564308634912016-08-04T08:42:00.000-07:002018-03-13T05:33:06.719-07:00Top 5 Tips for Singers from Vocal Coach Micah Barnes<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4-kv6rjd34CQP7deHDOtl7TtZCo9NdDn56OKEf0Pep_zR5C_NLEJmw7mq4sj4duSI0B3jBaTfh75H77yu42kBYXHht5j5xmbfYhGxrdLM_A5i7p6WKu2cJckZQa5ldUtlBK0Le4onl0/s1600/Micah+Barnes+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4-kv6rjd34CQP7deHDOtl7TtZCo9NdDn56OKEf0Pep_zR5C_NLEJmw7mq4sj4duSI0B3jBaTfh75H77yu42kBYXHht5j5xmbfYhGxrdLM_A5i7p6WKu2cJckZQa5ldUtlBK0Le4onl0/s1600/Micah+Barnes+.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Tip #1 The most important secret to being a good singer is in working your breathing. If you can breath without tension then there will be no "difficult" note or challenging song that will be outside of your ability to sing it. Breath is always the answer. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Tip #2 Your job as a singer isn't to impress anybody with your voice but instead to make a powerful relationship with your audience. We're not interested in high notes or lung power, we want to get to know the singer as a person. If you are really and truly communicating with your audience they will be yours for the rest of your career. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Tip #3 Know your material well enough that you can really inhabit it onstage or in the studio.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Don't just memorize the lyrics, really take the time to understand where the song lives in your own emotional experience. If you are living the song while you are singing then I guarantee your audience will come along for the ride.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Tip #4 Be smart about what you choose sing! Take the time to figure out what key to sing a song in and which material suits your voice best ...and stick with whats most comfortable for you when the pressure is on. If you aren't sure what you sound best singing ask your closest friends for their input. Certain voices lend themselves better to certain songs and styles and if you are armed with that knowledge you can put your best foot forward when "important folks" are listening.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAHybC5zv-QQ4F4Cc855eFB3WBAkkJQVUH0JJEdvlWhEVI7kxtZhyphenhyphenfchwagDrQ8QmD530NiGRHGQuWfbbdosbtUT2IGbKVMCTDqxVyFV0AqQchbN4tMX4vLsRTAqfeHaY3D0dAB2zynM/s1600/Barnes+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAHybC5zv-QQ4F4Cc855eFB3WBAkkJQVUH0JJEdvlWhEVI7kxtZhyphenhyphenfchwagDrQ8QmD530NiGRHGQuWfbbdosbtUT2IGbKVMCTDqxVyFV0AqQchbN4tMX4vLsRTAqfeHaY3D0dAB2zynM/s1600/Barnes+Garden.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Tip #5 Don't be afraid to ask questions and take advice career wise. It takes a village of support to make any real success story, so don't get stuck because you're not sure how to go about the next steps. Ask everyone you can and be willing to reach outside of your comfort zones to get the results you are looking for. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Being willing to take risks is a singers greatest asset…</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Ask about Micah's private coaching and upcoming workshops at <a href="mailto:micahbarnes@sympatico.ca">Singers Playground</a>! </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-75837436516993912262016-04-19T07:05:00.000-07:002016-04-19T07:05:10.640-07:00 Talking On Stage or "Help! I Don't Know What To Say"!<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8NXEZeX7w2W-R4w9KCJ7Ma5EZOF-lu6wG3wj77rWZAioY1aSLQu5c8nLQmFgP5Zr41_1LafMcx1dnmGTRTLZXu6hqvjgLhrV0J5SxUi7ndVe7-1hZ8V02LmSy_MZbJ5zNrGdZA7WhvA/s1600/_MG_8178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8NXEZeX7w2W-R4w9KCJ7Ma5EZOF-lu6wG3wj77rWZAioY1aSLQu5c8nLQmFgP5Zr41_1LafMcx1dnmGTRTLZXu6hqvjgLhrV0J5SxUi7ndVe7-1hZ8V02LmSy_MZbJ5zNrGdZA7WhvA/s320/_MG_8178.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
After all the practice we do to prepare the music most of us are caught in a terrible bind when we hit stage and suddenly have to talk to the audience between songs. As good as our musical performance may be, if our stage craft doesn't include preparation for the conversation with the audience we have left a huge part of our performance up to chance. And that usually leads to feeling awkward, saying stupid stuff we didn't mean, long wandering intro's that kill the vibe etc. The worst is "this next song is called blankety blank, I hope you like it". Although thats where most of us go, it's so cliche and in no way allows the audience feeling engaged or interested. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
My first piece of advice is don't leave the stage patter to chance. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b> You Are The Party Host!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
This is your opportunity to tell your story, let us into your world and who you are as a person and as an artist. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
If you think of yourself as hosting your show the way you might host a party, it will help you make some decisions around what you choose to talk about. Imagine yourself hosting an informal evening at your residence, greeting your guests at the door. What you say and your manner of speaking lets them know what to expect for the evening. If you give them a little guided tour, taking their coats and asking what they would like to drink you are preparing them for a very different experience than if you tell them to throw their coats on the bed, grab a drink in the kitchen and enjoy themselves.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Your stage patter is going to let the audience know what kind of a party to expect.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b>Bring Them Into Your World!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Every thing you say reveals more about who you are. Thats why we go to see our heroes in concert. We are eager to know more about who they are and what makes them tick. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
So it's good to give the audience a window into your world. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
YES They will want to know about your day. What your reality has been about before stepping on the stage. It will reveal more about who you are and why they might want to listen to your material.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
YES They will want to know how you came to write a song. What you are trying to express and communicate in that piece of music. You are handing them a key to unlock the material when you explain your process. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Most importantly be yourself. Who you really are is always going to be the most interesting to the world.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Not your idea of what might be entertaining or engaging.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Your honesty and integrity about who you are is the biggest gift you can give your audience.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFBKe2Vsp6uUPbVOWk4smUdKEOtMzCLKWQNIJHGul0FlVLYNKPx1ZAq4lgG84uifG7H-kl4xgVlPG9mQVWSoVE3tXWBvfuY1pBeXPSZPmsLuD539GaukH_uWk-CoKjUU_tcxUGWM5nG4/s1600/11896084_958290770860006_2649628952553516448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFBKe2Vsp6uUPbVOWk4smUdKEOtMzCLKWQNIJHGul0FlVLYNKPx1ZAq4lgG84uifG7H-kl4xgVlPG9mQVWSoVE3tXWBvfuY1pBeXPSZPmsLuD539GaukH_uWk-CoKjUU_tcxUGWM5nG4/s320/11896084_958290770860006_2649628952553516448_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b>My Stage Fright Shuts Me Up!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Most of us find that our nerves are most evident when we have to speak on stage. The best advice I can give is to make sure you PLAN out what you want to say so you have a basic road map of where you are going. Writing it out and rehearsing it through in advance will give you confidence and provide a place of safety when your mind goes blank. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
If writing out what you are going to say feels too scripted for you at least plan what you want to cover in your intro's, otherwise the possibility of talking too long, or not being able to talk at all because of nerves can happen to the best of us!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b>Do I Need to Be Funny?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
No you do not need to be funny. BUT a lot of us use humour to diffuse our nerves and that can end up to be both entertaining for the audience and a release of the pressure valve for us. IF humour works for you when you are nervous on a first date or at a party then it can work on stage too. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Being awkward and shy, or goofy and ridiculous are all human and can work to our advantage when we aren't feeling confident. The idea is to be as real as possible with your audience within the context of performing for them. They will always be attracted to the truth more than your pretending not to be nervous or scared.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<b>Keep Solving The Problem!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
So, there are some ideas about how to approach talking on stage. Learning to be relaxed and confident as we talk to the audience is a process and we don't get good at it all at once. There is no right way to prepare for this, no hard and fast rules about how to prepare.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
I suggest you see performers in concert as much as possible for a period of time while you are working out your stage patter. That will give you a lot of ideas about what works and what doesn't and suggest new ways of communicating that you might not have thought have.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
As you try different approaches take note of what seems to work and listen to the feedback you get from the audiences. They will tell you whats working simply by their level of attention and engagement IF you are listening and paying attention to them!</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
And isn't that what communication is all about?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Micah Barnes coaches private and group workshops in Voice and Performance in Canada and the USA. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
For further information please log onto <a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/">Singers Playground</a> or click here to <a href="mailto:micahbarnes@sympatico.ca">CONTACT MICAH BARNES </a></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-39632004367916976852016-03-23T05:29:00.001-07:002016-03-23T08:49:56.116-07:00The Plague Of Perfectionism: Singing Without Fear<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxA9TlEPOcRQjr_kRNBeS-PVkehftBAA_f_tnAYx1hMDGTmnEV6D3svW8D_0OyvH0CfvHHszrWWN6FqN1yIHg31P0vexvCVCWP9CBvcHgZSIojxMjmTse703HKKROVKDhlmrF2PKAqfg/s1600/Coach+with+Chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxA9TlEPOcRQjr_kRNBeS-PVkehftBAA_f_tnAYx1hMDGTmnEV6D3svW8D_0OyvH0CfvHHszrWWN6FqN1yIHg31P0vexvCVCWP9CBvcHgZSIojxMjmTse703HKKROVKDhlmrF2PKAqfg/s320/Coach+with+Chair.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Why do we do what we do? What would posses us to open our mouths in public without knowing exactly whats going to come out. A guitarist has practiced his licks and can pretty well predict that the music will happen. We only have our own bodies to make sound with, a sore throat, or too much cheese at lunch can stop the notes from happening: it's no wonder singers can feel so fragile, vulnerable and full of such human fear. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b> Diva warning! Diva warning!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
So we find ourselves worrying and anxious a lot of the time, creating a position and attitude of fear around our performing that doesn't serve us well. That vulnerable feeling has us reaching for safety much of the time, just so we can feel secure that we can do the job well. Reaching for safety can mean making some smart choices like singing the songs we know well, singing in the keys that are comfortable. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b> Are You Limiting The Possibilities?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Sure, go for safety if it makes you feel more confident. Be well rehearsed. Have the songs well memorized. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
That is all reasonable and makes practical sense.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
However a lot of us go further than seeking security. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
In our search for safety we seek to control the sound coming out of our mouths so there are no surprises.. in short we become perfectionists about our sound. That creates physical tension as we seek to control our voices..and more vulnerability as we listen and judge our performance and find that we are not living up to our own expectations!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
This is the awful endless trap that many singers find themselves in where the act of singing becomes an exhausting self defeating exercise in judgement, expectations and failure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nD3yCwCxqq0qqoq2knQUJlLEpVOE2R_7N71N313W398ZgkMSjFzDo6QytEsB2zHMPjhUIVebUXhaYaoxtBaL6y8gVn99IRetjYh6sGZb8tyPCU5qVB3PB3g8gTSonFDlF7HYTiWHZ68/s1600/MB+sitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nD3yCwCxqq0qqoq2knQUJlLEpVOE2R_7N71N313W398ZgkMSjFzDo6QytEsB2zHMPjhUIVebUXhaYaoxtBaL6y8gVn99IRetjYh6sGZb8tyPCU5qVB3PB3g8gTSonFDlF7HYTiWHZ68/s320/MB+sitting.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b> Communication Is The Goal</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Perfection is a weird goal for a musician given that our real job is to express music, which is supposed to be a creative act! The quest for perfection is not an open space that allows the music to speak through us. Perfection is something we humans never get to no matter how hard we strive. AND we limit the possibilities of our expansion and discovery when thats our goal, blocking the relationship we are seeking to build!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<b> Stop Listening To Yourself!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
When we listen to ourselves, when we try to shape the notes so they sound exactly like we want them to, we end up focused on ourselves. When we are listening to ourselves, busy correcting ourselves, we often end up feeling inadequate and out of control, and we can no longer feel the music or sit inside the emotional life of the song or feel any kind of connection with our audience. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Of course not, we are hard at work inside a locked system that won't allow us any breathing room to make mistakes, i.e. be "alive to the music".</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<b> Let The Music Speak!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Letting go of trying to be perfect is a challenge to the insecure singer. BUT unless we get out of the way and learn to allow the music to speak through us we're not actually doing the job right. We want that freedom to let go of "results oriented" singing and some of us will work towards it all of our careers..</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
The biggest challenge of all is to drop our desire for perfection. It doesn't serve us and it doesn't serve the music!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<span style="background-color: #ccffff; font-family: "geneva" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Micah Barnes founded The Singers Playground in 1996 in order to support the next generation of artists through workshops, seminars and one on one coaching and is truly delighted to get to work with so many talented artists in both Canada and The United States.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<span style="background-color: #ccffff; font-family: "geneva" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/">Upcoming Workshops/ Ongoing Private Classes</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-51903366664409718822016-02-18T05:53:00.001-08:002016-02-18T05:53:48.383-08:00Building A Showcase Set: Practical Tips Part 2!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM3b0JrTZmG9GAxEstdmyniar_kWr4gYm68D7jl-2fyRJYDenfc4gac6Cz9VQSwzJUAxjDYMv5etUVibpRYyL1USglCPAQOqjSkc_0DfRiVToFVNncJiKw1noMm_UsTByVSy1zKPQtG0/s1600/MiMi+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM3b0JrTZmG9GAxEstdmyniar_kWr4gYm68D7jl-2fyRJYDenfc4gac6Cz9VQSwzJUAxjDYMv5etUVibpRYyL1USglCPAQOqjSkc_0DfRiVToFVNncJiKw1noMm_UsTByVSy1zKPQtG0/s1600/MiMi+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3Mf6E3D_hAgwgGdY8W8rnUc0FbnYryprN_Wyd7j8O49v5O4VwDHdXR0fGPO6znOs83mQUo2nKSCSI2M0q2tQmsTD9KkQXyVA7_7WIgt0wbpwaPWaZljpscGdnxQbcsLJ3BEIA2UbBK0/s1600/MIMI+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3Mf6E3D_hAgwgGdY8W8rnUc0FbnYryprN_Wyd7j8O49v5O4VwDHdXR0fGPO6znOs83mQUo2nKSCSI2M0q2tQmsTD9KkQXyVA7_7WIgt0wbpwaPWaZljpscGdnxQbcsLJ3BEIA2UbBK0/s1600/MIMI+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf0Cc_ZUw2iWcX-afMG6aySUPr2Uj8be4q2kJKmAIOlRrFGRLTEP__snwr8O4i7PA7eNHzV3tbjnXhwNyeqoVvJOnxS3jRdmhdtIo3XdAn4byE2vw-w4D5kCcb2h4j7nkOAV1TALbt7w/s1600/MiMi3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf0Cc_ZUw2iWcX-afMG6aySUPr2Uj8be4q2kJKmAIOlRrFGRLTEP__snwr8O4i7PA7eNHzV3tbjnXhwNyeqoVvJOnxS3jRdmhdtIo3XdAn4byE2vw-w4D5kCcb2h4j7nkOAV1TALbt7w/s1600/MiMi3.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b> What Kind Of A Ride Are You Taking Us On?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Once you have created a basic sketch of your showcase set sit back and take the time to ask yourself some important questions. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
*What kind of a ride are you taking the audience on? </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
*What emotional experiences are you asking them to join you on?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
*What do these songs tell the audience about who you are and your identity?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
IF it becomes clear that the songs are all similar in tempo you will want to consider switching some of the songs in order to build momentum as things progress through your set. If the subject matter of your songs in very similar this might be the time to consider a well placed cover song to help open up the emotional landscape a little!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
You may need to go back and retool your set thinking of the audience and their experience as your focus. Remember the showcase set isn't about YOUR feeling good it's about THEM feeling good!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
As uncomfortable as this process might be, you want to include the imagined "industry professional" (who has seen and heard it all) in your thinking! </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b>But I Don't Know What To Say!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
What about talking between songs during a showcase set? </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
YES we need to get to know who you are, what you are like, whether you take yourself too seriously, whether you are able to be relaxed about the whole thing etc. </div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large;">Be very clear on what you want to cover subject wise, ……..</span><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large;">rehearse the "patter"as much as the songs! </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Know where you are going in your intro's, otherwise the possibility of talking too long, or not being able to talk at all because of nerves can happen to the best of us!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
My advice for any artist who is coming up to an important showcase would be to play a dozen shows (open mic, opening the show for pals etc) with your stage patter as your biggest focus! </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
The audience will forgive you a lot if your killing it musically but there's no guarantee thats going to happen so I recommend plotting your words as carefully as you do your songs!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuWASI9pD_KlDQfVZcMhWWJRndv3p0O5PeU1f7udBeencW7Z81_AYmm5dmhiFcpnOgFjqMhOH7-F4dlIeFZdZVPFa4f1FXnvv4V8FHaJP8nLBkQsEjvN0qhI5biUNeV6lYjbscwqm-Qo/s1600/10397821_10155608122850314_1678717761939315808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuWASI9pD_KlDQfVZcMhWWJRndv3p0O5PeU1f7udBeencW7Z81_AYmm5dmhiFcpnOgFjqMhOH7-F4dlIeFZdZVPFa4f1FXnvv4V8FHaJP8nLBkQsEjvN0qhI5biUNeV6lYjbscwqm-Qo/s320/10397821_10155608122850314_1678717761939315808_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b>Preparation is Everything! Don't Fake This One!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Start your preparations early enough so there is no last minute frenzy to memorize, finalize or reorganize your set.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
You want your showcase set built and ready to be rehearsed everyday weeks and weeks in advance of your show.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b>Practical Tip 1:</b> Don't practice by yourself and think that between you and the mirror you have the whole thing figured out. Take to the open mics, local stages and coffeehouses etc. Use your closest friends and family and perform your showcase set for them and ask for honest feedback. You may not take all the advice but you will certainly have more knowledge about what is working and what isn't.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b>Practical Tip 2:</b> I recommend folks start technical warm ups for your showcase show starting a month in advance. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Do the daily practical work of a physical and vocal warm up over and over so that on show day you already have a ritual that works for you. The idea that on show day you will simply do your warm up and that will be enough is ludicrous and dangerous thinking. Make it a habit and your voice will be a well oiled machine by the time you slide into show day!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b>Everyone Gets Nervous: It's How You Handle It That Counts!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
You should know the songs in your set so well that you could perform them upside down in a snow storm and still come off like a powerful relaxed performer. Industry folks know what nerves look like and might be in a forgiving mood but it's the winners in the business that practice like crazy and handle their nerves in a way that allows them to stay present and engaged in communicating their material. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<b> A Final Word</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
You can't be anyplace you are not, so don't fret about not being as fully developed as you would like to be as an artist at the time of your showcase. Your job right now is to make sure you are creating the best possible representation of where you are at at this present moment.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
AND no fear your showcase will keep changing so it's not frozen once you've built it. You will be working on it for the rest of your career! Good Luck!!</div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b>More things to keep in mind and practical tips coming !</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Micah Barnes is a voice, performance and career coach whose Singers Playground workshops and private sessions have helped supported thousands of up and coming artists. For more information please have a look at <a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> Singers Playground</a> or e mail <a href="mailto:micahbarnes@sympatico.ca" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Micah Barnes</a>!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxfDYdQUwuOG-BqhTMxvYJiCxVBZCjly5J1KEDyYLNpVCYCdTguRRtl7fdDuWvdaKl5b5oPaMZSRczm4DP9wpw2VPBJgsxtVRo63bx8z1t2X3canMrfB7_amMopHBrMIsYqcYDUUtKzA/s1600/blog-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxfDYdQUwuOG-BqhTMxvYJiCxVBZCjly5J1KEDyYLNpVCYCdTguRRtl7fdDuWvdaKl5b5oPaMZSRczm4DP9wpw2VPBJgsxtVRo63bx8z1t2X3canMrfB7_amMopHBrMIsYqcYDUUtKzA/s320/blog-header.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-32121978201744894712016-02-06T07:18:00.000-08:002016-02-06T08:03:06.598-08:00Building A Showcase Set: Some Practical Tips (Part 1)<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwhT-RpZqsJp5JzORWD2HlXOd-f9gjdW2y4KdXpa7K3xJIS694ii4puGDVa0fxEVe0t83ocDKgiYaoWFoM-tcFHoongd_PsvrIrw3v92w1pR6Fv7afCTa41Tf74CR0NXK-od_vWP_PKI/s1600/mbarnes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwhT-RpZqsJp5JzORWD2HlXOd-f9gjdW2y4KdXpa7K3xJIS694ii4puGDVa0fxEVe0t83ocDKgiYaoWFoM-tcFHoongd_PsvrIrw3v92w1pR6Fv7afCTa41Tf74CR0NXK-od_vWP_PKI/s320/mbarnes.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Giving an audience of industry folks a snapshot of who we are as artists is a daunting task. However I challenge you to do the hard work of distilling your world down to a short set of 5 or 6 songs. Its a very useful exercise that will teach us a whole lot about what we have to offer our audiences. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Don't worry about getting it right the first time. The "perfect" showcase set is a rubicks cube that will take time and lots of trial and error to figure out!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b>WHAT KIND OF PARTY IS THIS?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Some practicals: start with the most important songs, the top and bottom of your set. Once you know how you are starting and ending it will help you choose /build the rest of the songs in your set.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Opening number. Yes It says "welcome to my party" but it also has to tell us what kind of party we are arriving at! </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Your opening song wants to give us a sense of where we might be going for the next 20 minutes to half an hour.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
It should announce the style of music to follow, but also your identity or personality as clearly as possible.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<b>2ND TUNE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE 1ST!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Your second tune is more important than you think. It must deepen the story. Unless you give us a new angle or a new level of who you are as an artist we will be bored. Industry audiences like to feel like they've seen it all whether they admit that or not. Its a LOT easier for them to be unimpressed than to be excited about a new artist. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
If they think they have "gotten" who you are they will start shmoozing for sure. Once we have a sense of what landscape an artist is going to inhabit we either stay and hang out there or we move on and start "working the room". </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
VERY few artists can hold an industry showcase past the first song unless what they do next is surprising, interesting, </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
So make sure your second song deepens the story in some way and doesn't just continue along the same road as your opening number.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<b>GIVE THEM SOMETHING THEY RECOGNIZE</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
You want a cover tune in your set. Meet your audience half way with something we know. Most of us do not want to "waste time" with a cover song in our showcase set. Trust me on this one, you want cover song in your set. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
We may not ALL be as in love with your songs as you are SO if you impress us with how you handle a familiar piece of material it will go a long way towards winning us over. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
BUT if you do a cover, take time to make sure it's a GREAT fit for your style and really make your version fresh and your own. You may have to experiment with many many songs before finding the right fit. It will be worth it in the long run!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Where should the cover song sit in your set? Not at the top of bottom, (unless you do something spectacular with the material). Third song may not be a bad place for it. By then the audience may be getting tired of hearing new material and want something familiar. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTWYSSFHf-hWD_or2lYe3rSdo4NkDADAbn-tjpK9PWgM1T_I2XEnx9iMWootVZRkcTzYVjCTTB-vZb63UJCEdzqJR81dDHJDNtMJ577nowRN02IJbzxlpbUJIozbGiOmTbWRbA53LAgo/s1600/MB+sitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTWYSSFHf-hWD_or2lYe3rSdo4NkDADAbn-tjpK9PWgM1T_I2XEnx9iMWootVZRkcTzYVjCTTB-vZb63UJCEdzqJR81dDHJDNtMJ577nowRN02IJbzxlpbUJIozbGiOmTbWRbA53LAgo/s320/MB+sitting.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<b>YOU ARE ALMOST BACK IN THE GREEN ROOM!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
The last few songs in your set will want to be the strongest you have. Choose the songs your audiences ask you to perform every show, the songs you know have a little magic in them. If your industry crowd is still listening to you by the last few songs they will want to hear your "big numbers" and will be waiting for them. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Ending tune is going to be the one you want them to walk away singing. No rules about it being fast or slow etc here. If your fans are telling you about their favourite song.. listen to them and try that song as your ending tune, see how it works in that place. </div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Encore. Yes you will need an encore. The chances of an industry crowd giving you an encore are very small but if you are killing it and they are rousing for one more, it's your chance for the winners lap! Give them something really fun, or deep, or powerful that you know will have them celebrating you as their new discovery!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<b>More things to keep in mind and practical tips coming !</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Micah Barnes is a voice, performance and career coach whose Singers Playground workshops and private sessions have helped supported thousands of up and coming artists. For more information please have a look at <a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/"> Singers Playground</a> or e mail <a href="mailto:micahbarnes@sympatico.ca">Micah Barnes</a>!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxfDYdQUwuOG-BqhTMxvYJiCxVBZCjly5J1KEDyYLNpVCYCdTguRRtl7fdDuWvdaKl5b5oPaMZSRczm4DP9wpw2VPBJgsxtVRo63bx8z1t2X3canMrfB7_amMopHBrMIsYqcYDUUtKzA/s1600/blog-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxfDYdQUwuOG-BqhTMxvYJiCxVBZCjly5J1KEDyYLNpVCYCdTguRRtl7fdDuWvdaKl5b5oPaMZSRczm4DP9wpw2VPBJgsxtVRo63bx8z1t2X3canMrfB7_amMopHBrMIsYqcYDUUtKzA/s320/blog-header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-48451614946133623882015-12-16T13:04:00.000-08:002015-12-16T13:08:38.194-08:00 MAKING A RELATIONSHIP WITH AN AUDIENCE Part 1<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwouLCHjhN_UuBHmCuq6mwuVQvGQyA7gvcG75TU2Akz29tJLBVU5m7N79_mHYJK6wXOtud9a5OP1RbFyu8GhKk1mlXFJ7SPU1zbE05skbHH3T6qVSGeujE4pP84QO_sXtQPn42B7N07TQ/s1600/Micah+Barnes-24.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwouLCHjhN_UuBHmCuq6mwuVQvGQyA7gvcG75TU2Akz29tJLBVU5m7N79_mHYJK6wXOtud9a5OP1RbFyu8GhKk1mlXFJ7SPU1zbE05skbHH3T6qVSGeujE4pP84QO_sXtQPn42B7N07TQ/s320/Micah+Barnes-24.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
OK, so your songs are the best they can be, your voice is the most open and relaxed it can be. Your body is energized and ready. You've got all your material memorized and the you've marketed your show effectively so that there is an audience coming.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Now comes the MOST important part…... </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Making a relationship with your audience. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Without that all of your hard work is going to remain invisible. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Because, as much as we may be impressed with you as a performer, we won't actually care on a personal level. Sure, we may tweet about you and take a pic or two at the show but we won't necessarily go home with your spirit imprinted in our consciousness. We won't become 'FANS FOR LIFE"!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
And that my friends is the ONLY way you will have "won" your audience over. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Good isn't good enough in todays market you need to be GREAT! </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
We only fall in love with performers because we believe they are extraordinary. Superhuman if you will. But that means having MORE courage, MORE determination. and MORE focus than your average human being. Correct?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
And THAT my friends takes some digging down and doing some really hard work on your part.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7dXNbXWOMwe7cGcUFoKUgMSHHpdmWBds12yCo-eUpKimL3U0NmZ-hhApyzBqb3WIkcDdo5Frtj10r41DpuoHX32Z_Nh94JoWoYgdIlAC-dXOobp8YUY-1lKK1amSWb81W62Itge3w44/s1600/Micah+Barnes-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7dXNbXWOMwe7cGcUFoKUgMSHHpdmWBds12yCo-eUpKimL3U0NmZ-hhApyzBqb3WIkcDdo5Frtj10r41DpuoHX32Z_Nh94JoWoYgdIlAC-dXOobp8YUY-1lKK1amSWb81W62Itge3w44/s320/Micah+Barnes-25.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
OF COURSE IT'S PERSONAL!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Making a relationship with an audience begins with knowing yourself, what your strengths and weaknesses are...and where you hold back…in life.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Because although we use our voices to communicate the way a guitar player uses his guitar to make music in fact what we are actually playing is our emotional life. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
If you aren't willing to be truthful your audience will be robbed of the essence of your songs. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
If you don't like confrontation that will show up on stage. If you are uncomfortable telling the truth about your feelings…If you are someone who is uncomfortable with vulnerability or perhaps uncomfortable showing self confidence, courage or strength, all of that will show up on stage. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; min-height: 29px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Making your inner life accessible to strangers night after night in venue after venue until it becomes "normal" to get on stage and allow your true self to be there is a process. Most of us stop that process once we are satisfied that we are able to "put a song across", but have we really created an intimate relationship with our audience? </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
AND HOW DO WE BECOME MORE COMFORTABLE BEING OUR HONEST SELVES IN FRONT OF THE AUDIENCE?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
...Con't in Part 2</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px;">
Micah Barnes works privately with singers at the SINGERS PLAYGROUND studio and in group workshops at The Winchester Street Theatre. Next Toronto workshop is Jan 16th check http://www.singersplayground.com/workshops.html for details!</div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-10808829489505562562015-03-02T05:54:00.005-08:002015-03-02T05:55:10.811-08:00The Whole Picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OxIy7PzSbME/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OxIy7PzSbME?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
</div>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">For those of you who are still resenting anything in your career that doesn't have to do with the music..such as learning to better communicate through social media, working at better understanding your brand and at finding a like minded community for your music, I have this to say….</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b> ..ALL of these activities are actually an integral part of your music making.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b>Music is communication. A campaign asking for funds through a crowd funding project is an opportunity to communicate who you are and what your music is about to a larger community of people. Audience building through "the ask" is now a staple of the well planned career. And you are still mad about having to use Facebook and Twitter or Instagram to build your fan base? Hmmmmm...</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b> How badly do you want a career in this business?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b>In the old days we all thought designing, xeroxing and stapling up hand made posters around town was an honest part of a musicians gig. You wanted to play to a full room, so you could get your music heard, get booked back into the venue and get your name out there. The handbill was designed by you and was a way of communicating who you are.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b>Social media is an expanded and much improved delivery system for exactly the same effect. Whats the resistance about?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsztfsy21dmoe6Qk8wxizmTzS_97k8a1mbDhnyfcupHAegBIqC83eEED7x6g3vzfBqMIhyuypM0WoPByGqIgEWigYFWmJZRkjAUrXvv2I8YEsBIalVoeR9sqVMDbsypnnQx86kcwABkQ/s1600/1610871_10155429009940314_773819201559106917_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsztfsy21dmoe6Qk8wxizmTzS_97k8a1mbDhnyfcupHAegBIqC83eEED7x6g3vzfBqMIhyuypM0WoPByGqIgEWigYFWmJZRkjAUrXvv2I8YEsBIalVoeR9sqVMDbsypnnQx86kcwABkQ/s1600/1610871_10155429009940314_773819201559106917_n.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b>Those of you who don't understand how to build content for the web and have resisted it's possibilities are dealing with a bigger issue. You're not seeing communication in all of it's various incarnations as your job. And you are wrong. </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b>You are finding yourselves isolated because you desire an old system that doesn't exist anymore. How are you different than the fat cat record label guys who found themselves out of a job once the internet trained us to expect music for free and all the labels folded merged and/or downsized. </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b>Your old job has been redefined. Either grow with it or lose out to those who have figured out how to adapt!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b>These days musicians are asked to learn the whole picture. Its not enough to practice in your bedroom and garage, or simply post cover tunes on you tube and wait to be discovered. Our job is much more exciting and interactive. </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b>Yes perfect your instrument and your technique but also create a community around your music, or find the community that already embraces what you do! Its as important to your job as singing in tune!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeKiFGeFqIoVltfKbk4v_jjot7ueXqxAVfh20zCSpTvph6kXcbkhbWhTblbEX0MXsdwcXLJJc0ha-ClXpBPEq2R0lbXgbcfnpz6_6Nu-yaRsB5ii6k4feNKnCw46yr7aEGGty0VJS0eI/s1600/10403702_1546524688940716_833998735455190887_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeKiFGeFqIoVltfKbk4v_jjot7ueXqxAVfh20zCSpTvph6kXcbkhbWhTblbEX0MXsdwcXLJJc0ha-ClXpBPEq2R0lbXgbcfnpz6_6Nu-yaRsB5ii6k4feNKnCw46yr7aEGGty0VJS0eI/s1600/10403702_1546524688940716_833998735455190887_n.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b>Your job as a musician is communication. If we told you there was a new instrument that would communicate the music you feel in your heart better and more accurately wouldn't you attempt to learn it? Of course you would. </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<b>Well there is a new instrument that can communicate your music to a larger audience than you have ever dreamt possible. </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">There will always be music. The folks who adapt to the new world are the ones that win in this new paradigm. Their music will get heard. Will yours?</span></b><br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<a href="mailto:micahbarnes@sympatico.ca">Career Strategy Session for Artists</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">
<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/">Official Singers Playground Website</a></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; min-height: 22px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-45163705238029438592015-02-05T13:00:00.005-08:002015-02-08T06:52:17.487-08:00 The Warm Up: Part One<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6rwhxvDkhD4BH5X2w_bnTDQk5-wqTjYVBD_3Ug9wz1bcR1vW2C8yTQsVv1R9gtoeQarHkwBsP32Sxc_BY6gY1TsGvdAv1i6GIlmMbx-3ncDUYl0DL3yjuMovF2mOU1zDSVC2nLDrbbc/s1600/1609961_10155003900990314_7664363577025114014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6rwhxvDkhD4BH5X2w_bnTDQk5-wqTjYVBD_3Ug9wz1bcR1vW2C8yTQsVv1R9gtoeQarHkwBsP32Sxc_BY6gY1TsGvdAv1i6GIlmMbx-3ncDUYl0DL3yjuMovF2mOU1zDSVC2nLDrbbc/s1600/1609961_10155003900990314_7664363577025114014_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Hey Folks! I answer a lot of questions from singers about how to warm up for a show.<br />
<br />
The most frequently asked questions are:<br />
<br />
1) How long a proper warm up should last?<br />
<br />
2) What are the key elements of a good warm up?<br />
<br />
3) How long before a performance should one warm up?<br />
<br />
These are all good questions and I'm always happy to discuss what preparation we can do to support our performances, so we're going to have a look at these issues in a series of blog posts.<br />
<br />
Just a note: Some of the elements of a solid physical and vocal warm up are posted in a series of video's up on my website. Please have a look, these video's have helped thousands of singers around the globe approach performance with a deeper sense of peace and preparedness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ReRQvmv-xRg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ReRQvmv-xRg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Peace and mental preparedness </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> are the keys to a great performance folks!</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
In fact the most important function of the warm up is not actually the technical warm up of your voice, although that certainly is important, nor the physical warm up, as essential as that can be to supporting your performance. In my opinion the most important factor in a good warm up is that it is a ritual that focuses your mind body and spirit and allows you space to focus inward as you prepare to take the stage.<br />
<br />
The life of a performer can be chaotic, full of last minute decisions, overwhelming fears and anxieties and challenges to the ego and one's sense of peace. How delicious that we are allowed a moment when it all must stop and make room for us to sit and breathe. To stop "doing" and to simply "be". A kind of clearing house for the psyche.<br />
<br />
Therefore when people ask how long they should warm up my answer is usually "until you are peaceful". Now I recognize that this is a real challenge on a show day in the middle of all the crazy preparations of set list, stage clothes, comp list, travel to the venue, soundcheck etc.<br />
Therefore the "warm up" becomes even more essential, an island of peace and solitude in the middle of all the chaos.<br />
<br />
Time is always tight on a show day and we will drop the warm-up unless it's scheduled like a rehearsal. So ask yourself. Aren't you worth giving yourself a chance at a relaxed easy time on your show day? Isn't your music worth getting behind and supporting? Isn't it time you did your best on stage instead of "the best you can do under the circumstances"?<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Schedule your peace of mind body and spirit daily! </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> .....And you will fly when you are onstage!</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="mailto:micah@singersplayground.com">Private Sessions w Micah Barnes</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/workshops.html">Workshops in Torono, New York and Los Angeles</a><br />
<br />
Official Singers Playground Website : http://www.singersplayground.com<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-83270849762730419552014-10-27T18:03:00.000-07:002014-10-27T18:04:13.971-07:00Mastery As A Daily Challenge<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1vNk923bt3SOpfZcuFu1FGjxJsrR3l2NVWeVl_8tF7y8-kBMwrrnviFc_4RDsn5mpy2nxin4_u4WjnbroUXMqA-MogRIJfmroXww7rw2ojB_MBa7NnqM_lWtGUmhkiia6ddty6P4Y8k/s1600/MB+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1vNk923bt3SOpfZcuFu1FGjxJsrR3l2NVWeVl_8tF7y8-kBMwrrnviFc_4RDsn5mpy2nxin4_u4WjnbroUXMqA-MogRIJfmroXww7rw2ojB_MBa7NnqM_lWtGUmhkiia6ddty6P4Y8k/s1600/MB+7.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Why is it SO damn hard to do a little practice every day?<br />
<br />
I have always resisted daily practice in my own life and career. Mostly because it is so damn uncomfortable to have to face learning something new. It means admitting I'm not good at something. Sound familiar? Practicing something we're not good at means facing ourselves with the truth.<br />
It still does freak me out, but I have gradually become more accepting and understanding of the process. How? By doing the really scary uncomfortable act of practicing a little bit every day. Things that are new to us always feel difficult until we get comfortable with the new information. Eventually the materials you are looking at stop being "something I'm bad at" and become "something I'm working on".<br />
But of course that takes practice. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ReRQvmv-xRg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Daily practice is recommended for vocal technique because doing a little bit everyday means it's going to become a habit eventually (like the gym or yoga or cooking for ourselves etc). When we wait to have a really big session say once a week we run the risk of being overwhelmed by how bad we're doing and having to walk away. Or having it be cancelled for a variety of reasons which wrecks havoc with our confidence as see our "mastery" gradually slipping further and further away.<br />
<br />
Regular voice technique sessions are the way to build up confidence. In our craft. In ourselves. It's all about ego after all. Those who get ahead, in the Arts, in Sports, in Life show us that "facing our fears" everyday is the way to gradually build up real confidence in what we are doing. That confidence shows up, on stage, in rehearsal, in the studio… and in our business dealings. Others can feel our increased mastery just as we do!<br />
<br />
So, what is keeping you from daily mastery?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/coaching.html">Private Voice Sessions with Micah Barnes</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/workshops.html">Upcoming Workshop Nov 30th with Micah Barnes</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/micahbarnes">Micah Barnes on Twitter </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-74806825479704739462014-05-21T17:05:00.002-07:002014-05-21T17:05:38.289-07:00Interview with former Nylon and multiple Juno winner Billy Newton-Davis!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKccSZ_i3F_itCwkxagS0wjfPGXJT1aZAeUs2WtV0InjuUqZ_Bqdq_afZJ_gJSDutCCwa4AC465SiEArDVh5RtrZcACOB-voMv2NKXKxV0-LDF8GTb-HZV8litsWF5qRqr1OE0gp0QMU/s1600/Billy+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKccSZ_i3F_itCwkxagS0wjfPGXJT1aZAeUs2WtV0InjuUqZ_Bqdq_afZJ_gJSDutCCwa4AC465SiEArDVh5RtrZcACOB-voMv2NKXKxV0-LDF8GTb-HZV8litsWF5qRqr1OE0gp0QMU/s1600/Billy+1.jpeg" height="106" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;">First a
bit of history, what years were you a member/ what albums did you
record with the guys?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>I
was with The Nylons “I believe from 1991-1993.</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>I
recorded “Live To Love” with them. I think it is a very cool and
modern collection of songs.</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><br />How
did you come to join the group?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>I
was with the same management team that The Nylons were with at the
time. Marc Conner’s became very ill and died. I auditioned and
the guys asked me to join. I knew the group as well. I did some
wardrobe for them, and brought in several stylists so they were
familiar with me, and my work. Marc’s shoes were tuff to fill, but
the guys really embraced me. Working with them changed me as a
performer.</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><br />A
Capella has it's own set of challenges. What was your
experience/growth like in that area?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>My
Dad was a singer. He use to rehearse with his Bud’s on Sunday
afternoon’s. They sang A’capella. So I am very accustomed to
the sound and feel of that genre. My growth came when I started to
train my voice on a regular basis. I had serious voice issues. I
had to learn to just pull back. I was from the New York stage, and
you had to belt. I learned less is more! </b></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEuJdI9lj8Gp0wyLZLgv0FYyi3qOi536TYmknTiy1kaIQAv4wi5ZcabO64xRXYfqS_TPK2yYkCdN6S6ByjKCFTZc2bEG28JiQQYZzvsiLlu7HBWo0hqndlpFMwarQQ3iFSzjts3v_rm4/s1600/Billy+and+Micah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEuJdI9lj8Gp0wyLZLgv0FYyi3qOi536TYmknTiy1kaIQAv4wi5ZcabO64xRXYfqS_TPK2yYkCdN6S6ByjKCFTZc2bEG28JiQQYZzvsiLlu7HBWo0hqndlpFMwarQQ3iFSzjts3v_rm4/s1600/Billy+and+Micah.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;">The
Nylons have always maintained a busy touring schedule, were there
adjustments for you in handling the physical regime?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>Yes
I had to learn how to travel. I had to lock myself up in hotel rooms
because touring was fun and we went to some very exciting and exotic
places. Silence, sleep, hydration and nourishment are the key. </b></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><br />Are
there any secrets you can share with us that you have used for
maintaining vocal, physical and spiritual health?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>Vocalizing
faithfully! Doing some kind of physical exercise. Reading books of
all kinds re: my spiritual journey. Lemons heal my voice!</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><br />Are
there any concerts or experiences that stick out as particularly
memorable from your Nylon years?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>Yes
when we performed in my hometown of Cleveland!</b></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><br />What
song would you say remains a special Nylons memory for you.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>I
love the chestnuts...!! Of course and always! I love “Grown Man
Cry”, and I love Don’t Look Any Further”......</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><br />The
Nylons form a special brotherhood or fraternity?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>Yes
I think it is a very special group of performers that become Nylon’s.
You are encouraged to be yourself, but it is a family affair. We
all have a sense of each other, and we all get each other. To see us
in rehearsal is something special. Claude is a great leader!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVygIy3_YUr4RJqj04-N3zo49jSPhMn0sSG9jgsmFI918XHHsA0qRfFj8cpAfvE9A4Cj2nM2o4Bp5dTulE1SVOcf0ShiHld1pTyae7DBPEfWe2uw2nwPiZepoyeSihuJnRixwokbQBelU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVygIy3_YUr4RJqj04-N3zo49jSPhMn0sSG9jgsmFI918XHHsA0qRfFj8cpAfvE9A4Cj2nM2o4Bp5dTulE1SVOcf0ShiHld1pTyae7DBPEfWe2uw2nwPiZepoyeSihuJnRixwokbQBelU/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;">What
are you looking forward to the most in these upcoming shows?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>To
be singing with one of the greatest groups in the world. It is an
honour for me to be a part of one Canada’s treasures! And I like
all of these guys a lot!!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>
</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>Billy
will be joining The Nylons along with Micah Barnes and Mark Cassius
for a reunion concert Friday May 30</b></span><sup><span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>th</b></span></sup><span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>
as part of the SING festival at the Distillery inToronto! </b></span>
</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>
</b></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b><span style="color: #11131a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Buy
tickets at:
</span></span></span><a href="http://tickets.youngcentre.ca/single/psDetail.aspx?psn=7556"><span style="color: #344a80;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://tickets.youngcentre.ca/single/psDetail.aspx?psn=7556</span></span></span></a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, serif;"><b>
</b></span>Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-67270850565011501872014-05-14T12:18:00.000-07:002014-05-14T12:19:53.400-07:00An interview with Broadway Star and former Nylon Mark Cassius!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszcPQFtc_dIkw9Y6TTvqA28FJbGQ-QK-YiNtcEcxwtQAIju4M02QHVffqulT4QYJOsxYZuCFy9qc5CDu4rsC_z65LFbexyh4fwTaWPQzJQkpUFZXjTuPiFl2PvvM1jBL6Mf7FcwOXHtU/s1600/_DSC0890Mark_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszcPQFtc_dIkw9Y6TTvqA28FJbGQ-QK-YiNtcEcxwtQAIju4M02QHVffqulT4QYJOsxYZuCFy9qc5CDu4rsC_z65LFbexyh4fwTaWPQzJQkpUFZXjTuPiFl2PvvM1jBL6Mf7FcwOXHtU/s1600/_DSC0890Mark_2.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Micah: First a bit of history, what years were you a member/ what albums did you record with the guys?</span><br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Mark: I was a member from 1997-2005 I recorded 2 CDS, "A Wish for You" (2nd Christmas album) and "Play On"</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">How did you come to join the group?</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">I believe I was recommended by arranger, Charles Cozens and casting director, Stephanie Gorin.The group found me as I was finishing the Toronto run of "Ragtime".I had thus far dedicated my career to Musical Theatre and was ready for a change.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">A Capella has it's own set of challenges. What was your experience/growth like in that area ?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
I had spent many years as a choir boy in my youth, rediscovering "blend" with such stylistic variety, was one of the most exciting challenges.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
The Nylons have always maintained a busy touring schedule, were there adjustments for you in handling the physical regime?</div>
<div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Because of the rigors of my prior theatrical years, I was pretty ready for the physical demands. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">My love of travel made me adapt with ease at first to the frequent weekend jet aways, but it did eventually start to wear me down.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
I had to get careful with rest and how I spent time off.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Are there any secrets you can share with us that you have used for maintaining vocal, physical and spiritual health </div>
<div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Vocally, when I have nothing to sing or say, I stay quiet.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Physically, I exercise using full range of motion, stay connected to my body, for it is the vessel that carries my junk.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Spiritually, I watch and pray. I don't know who God is, but I've realized that faith doesn't require that knowledge.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBILTAJkCwHhiihpXZaAC8NmkX9PxFX-vbAHDD1g7IgPwhBeGQsodZhMjrzRO2B8c9TO5JyaBEFDCQC47x9jR-awRZDEjORrTTDVQMOjOgAitRhk4y53fu2qG7pQQ8B70RPfjiNVLsxVk/s1600/sc00c5a028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBILTAJkCwHhiihpXZaAC8NmkX9PxFX-vbAHDD1g7IgPwhBeGQsodZhMjrzRO2B8c9TO5JyaBEFDCQC47x9jR-awRZDEjORrTTDVQMOjOgAitRhk4y53fu2qG7pQQ8B70RPfjiNVLsxVk/s1600/sc00c5a028.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Are there any concerts or experiences that stick out as particulary memorable from your Nylon years?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Whenever we went to Madison, Wisconsin, which was where I made my Nylons Concert debut, something magical would happen.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
There would be magic in the air that I just can't explain.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
Our Holland tours were pretty extraordinary too, old world charm mixed with new world adventure.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
What song would you say remains a special Nylons memory for you?</div>
<div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Two come to mind right away "Kiss Him Goodbye" and "Up on the Roof"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
The Nylons form a special brotherhood or fraternity, what are you looking forward to the most in these upcoming shows?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Reclaiming and re-establishing same. Experiencing the timeless treasure that is making and sharing our music. Being in harmony.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Mark will be joining The Nylons along with Billy Newton Davis and Micah Barnes for a reunion concert May 30th as part of the SING! Festival. Tickets available at http://www.torontovocalartsfestival.com</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"> In June, Mark will be starring in The Drayton Entertainment Production of "Damn Yankees", role of "Mr. Applegate" (The Devil)</span></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-91557992088151837022014-03-14T06:45:00.001-07:002014-03-14T06:45:34.613-07:00Climbing Mountains<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwGLQ9OJboG80xU_EjIFF-GXk0gCB6H8HtOjuYoinBhnU3910JQY3TEEhlC_fxu3pAws0pBw8lTW_lyxzCySzSmQjrdNWgsy1ClfR2xw1t7-0vUwjEZAth_CVl1UnOcXAjfvKUIqX-Ns/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwGLQ9OJboG80xU_EjIFF-GXk0gCB6H8HtOjuYoinBhnU3910JQY3TEEhlC_fxu3pAws0pBw8lTW_lyxzCySzSmQjrdNWgsy1ClfR2xw1t7-0vUwjEZAth_CVl1UnOcXAjfvKUIqX-Ns/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When the mountain in front of you seems too steep to climb we can end up feeling helpless and desperate and overwhelmed.<br />
Sorting through the details of a career there will always be times you will be feeling desperation.. and fear that you are in danger of losing your dreams.<br />
<br />
Successful artist are often driven by this fear but the difference that they do something about it on a daily basis. Successful people face fear head on… and one of the most effective ways is by creating and sticking to a regime of self improvement and deepening our skill sets whether that be outreach to potential business partners, practice on our instrument, song writing, physical exercise, vocal practice etc<br />
<br />
Perfectionist Don't Practice<br />
<br />
We can't stand to be bad at something. It can be so acute a feeling that we never even give ourselves a chance to get better at it! It's important that we don't get tangled up in fear and let it stop us from the step by step daily work that is needed to grow into the artist you are seeking to be..Daily work on ourselves creates an inner core of security and self assuredness knowing that we have done everything in our power to be ready to meet our dreams.<br />
<br />
What can you do right now that will take you one step closer to your goal?<br />
<br />
There are times in our careers that involves very steep learning curves, like when we have a new manager, a new label, a new musical direction, a big opportunity to get ready for. You want to have the habit of slowly climbing up the mountain as part of your tool kit. That will mean your used to learning new skills and feeling a little overwhelmed. It will ensure a better outcome to whatever opportunities come your way.<br />
<br />
Is your voice where it really needs to be? Are your songs as strong as they need to be? Are your performances really the most successful they can be?<br />
<br />
This business moves fast and we don't have time to catch up with it sometimes. As soon as we climb one mountain another emerges to challenge us! We may always feel a little overwhelmed a little insecure and a little rushed. Thats the nature of the music business. We have to make friends with that fact.<br />
However you can make your climb easier.. by taking little steps everyday.<br />
<br />
Want to work one on one with coach <a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/index.html"> Micah Barnes</a> ? The next <a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/workshops.html">Singers Playground Workshop in Toronto</a> is March 30th! Please get in touch at <a href="mailto:micah@singersplayground.com">micah@singersplayground.com</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecLWoYRvL61GikzYrvwU_7bVjPBR3_8b1ioiqpQ3lq2OWuZJfaJnTeHbjn7HcKj58iPidQ5VkP5y7PuwRLVVrVTz97dGhmYdPt5RV0n-FxhJ0LPvyi0KRFVUV8rCsXQykS_7hJeITI9M/s1600/MB+sitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecLWoYRvL61GikzYrvwU_7bVjPBR3_8b1ioiqpQ3lq2OWuZJfaJnTeHbjn7HcKj58iPidQ5VkP5y7PuwRLVVrVTz97dGhmYdPt5RV0n-FxhJ0LPvyi0KRFVUV8rCsXQykS_7hJeITI9M/s1600/MB+sitting.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-13217066813203649272014-02-17T13:34:00.002-08:002014-02-17T13:36:06.481-08:00READY TO TAKE THE ARTIST IDENTITY CHALLENGE?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2z1VdvzUlxt77giAZ8EamHYguH8uVrNJz3r9His66Filgyw3v4Dkcn4Lfrds6mSsiGn2jnZMBu53liCPUmUT0cjOjMMbApBKjjhyEJcC-PH1Ngf9AZgwMGFgQ5qyG2AueoAAo_y1tkQ/s1600/drake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2z1VdvzUlxt77giAZ8EamHYguH8uVrNJz3r9His66Filgyw3v4Dkcn4Lfrds6mSsiGn2jnZMBu53liCPUmUT0cjOjMMbApBKjjhyEJcC-PH1Ngf9AZgwMGFgQ5qyG2AueoAAo_y1tkQ/s1600/drake.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
WHO ARE YOU? or rather....WHO DO YOU WANT US TO THINK YOU ARE?<br />
Used to be the labels decided who you were going to be in terms of public perception and the branding of an artist. These days the artists and their team are responsible for creating and expressing their own brand identity...and communicating it to their target audience in creative ways!<br />
<br />
When we are looking to solve basic issues of brand identity it's a good idea to see how other successful brands have been built,(usually song by song, video by video, tour by tour etc.)<br />
I would suggest this homework assignement to help you move towards more clarity in this area.<br />
<br />
First think of who has been a breakthrough artist in your style of music in the past few years. Someone who has done a good job of marketing their brand..Some obvious examples would be Katy Perry's Teenage Dream in Pop or Kasey Musgraves "Same Trailer, Different Park" in County.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF1rC9at3sv4w7L6WEL9LMyK2XVgWniVABS1r_qgv4iY-O3Hueb8z4dbIvin3DcF6PrYHi14raaBPDFFeauzx_61iDLxc-kjc1uHmraL0ZrCgzelYd8gzDqMjmK_eSKBL7dWOZRaiktA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF1rC9at3sv4w7L6WEL9LMyK2XVgWniVABS1r_qgv4iY-O3Hueb8z4dbIvin3DcF6PrYHi14raaBPDFFeauzx_61iDLxc-kjc1uHmraL0ZrCgzelYd8gzDqMjmK_eSKBL7dWOZRaiktA/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
Your Homework assignment (should you wish to take the challenge!!) is to analyze your chosen artists hit album track by track answering each of these questions below.. by the time you are done you should have a much better sense of how the brand identity has been achieved and helped established the artist in their market.<br />
<br />
Ready? Lets GO!!!!!<br />
<br />
1)What is this song about? Subject matter?<br />
<br />
2)What are the details in the lyric that bring the listener into the artists world and make us feel like she's somebody that we know and care about?<br />
<br />
3)How does the production arrangement details help the song express the subject matter?<br />
<br />
4)Who is the target audience for this song (race, age, interests,style of music etc)<br />
<br />
5)How does this song build the "story" of who the artist is as a person and what they stand for? What new aspect of their personality does this song express?<br />
<br />
6) Did the "look" of the artist change over the course of the album marketing?<br />
If so, how did each new look add to the communication of the artists brand?<br />
<br />
<br />
For those who wish to explore these issues in a more in depth way, I am coaching a Career Strategy Workshop Sunday Feb 23rd in Toronto where we will be looking at the bigger issues involved in identifying YOUR brand and helping you figure out the first steps of communicating that brand in the market place. Contact me at <a href="mailto:micah@singersplayground.com">micah@singersplayground.com</a><br />
<br />
VOICE TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP, PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP AND CAREER STRATEGY WORKSHOP with MICAH BARNES at WINTER PLAYGROUND 2014<br />
INFO AND REGISTRATION HERE: <a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/workshops.html">SINGERS PLAYGROUND</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-35925978665056628622014-01-20T07:01:00.002-08:002014-01-20T07:01:54.558-08:00 Marketing 101 for Artists<br />
<b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdM0Wj12gGJwGCTDsYz2OYilfdLS9IcmhWhtmpLd0fWzQ48DfIC0yLN2TjF2ZDCekiq8rexwESbBKM6CspS9dRapIB5oKZTMGNehRjtbuD9Go1URxkZlP5BHJizsdvNHCkduU84xfx8_M/s1600/audience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdM0Wj12gGJwGCTDsYz2OYilfdLS9IcmhWhtmpLd0fWzQ48DfIC0yLN2TjF2ZDCekiq8rexwESbBKM6CspS9dRapIB5oKZTMGNehRjtbuD9Go1URxkZlP5BHJizsdvNHCkduU84xfx8_M/s1600/audience.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Career strategy coaching is one of my passions. I find that many artists have no idea how to think about marketing themselves and end up stuck without momentum in their careers. Here are a few simple pointers to get you thinking about marketing.</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Why do I have to worry about this"? I can hear many of you saying to yourselves.I know, it's confusing, we're bad at it and it takes time away from what we love to do..making music..right?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YES all that may be true BUT without knowing at least the core elements of how to market ourselves our music (and our careers!) we will join the millions of other artists who cant figure out why their careers aren't going any where.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> WHO IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE?</span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is the single most important thing an artist needs to know about Marketing? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Its simple. Who is your audience?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thats the number one question labels, managers, producers and agents will be asking you when you are seeking their support and help.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing who your audience is will help you (and your potential team) make all of the important decisions. Decisions like what should you wear in your photo…what venue should you be performing in…what other artists should you be performing and recording with..and a million other details all of which stem from the simple fact that you are a brand. A brand that you need to understand or you won't understand how to communicate your music and expand your audience.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your job isn't to figure out everything about how to market yourself but you wont be able to start working with a team that can help you until your thought about exactly who your fans are going to be.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Who is your Audience now?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't mean who would you LIKE your audience to be.. I mean when you play shows and look out at the folks who have come out to hear you what kind of folks are actually coming out? Besides your family and best friends and if thats ALL who's coming out then you need this Blog more than you thought :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">IF you and your band play rock n roll and your audience is young men who like to drink beer and party and rock out then your marketing will look very different from the Jazz Diva whose audience may want to sip fine wine and dress for an expensive meal in an elegant bistro. Right?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These two acts appeal to a different age range with very different passions and interests (and a VERY different pocket book!)…and consequently your pictures, online postings, video's, posters, newsletters, web site etc EVERYTHING THE POTENTIAL FAN SEES OR READS OR HEARS about your act will have to target them in specific ways that attract them to both you and your music.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> WE DECIDE IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE!</span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These days everybody is taking in mountains and acres of information every which way and we decide if something is of interest to us very very quickly. The wrong "indicator" and we have already decided that this music isnt of interest to us. So what they first see and what you present about your act is very very important.....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.......ESPECIALLY VISUALLY!! Those details of design and art direction are all elements of "branding" that we have to consider when looking to create a sustainable career in this business.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sounds like a lot of details to handle doesn't it? Sure. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your job isn't to figure out everything about how to market yourself..its always better to have support and help with this important part of the creating success in the music biz....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> but you wont be able to move forward working with a team that can help you until you've thought about a few of these basic questions..</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting with exactly who your fans are going to be? And what do they care about?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Please contact <a href="mailto:micah@singersplayground.com">Micah Barnes</a> for information on one and one skype and in person bookings!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/">Official Singers Playground Website</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Upcoming Toronto WINTER SESSIONS AT THE PLAYGROUND!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Performance Workshop Feb 22nd Voice Technique Class and Career Strategy Seminar Feb 23rd</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-2187284296786674372014-01-18T07:32:00.000-08:002014-01-18T07:32:04.557-08:00 HILARY WEAVER on "Preparing To Tour"<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande';"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg3IuYch4oQZpMdrIZAXftuwvbTxHs-LY5atSrjVFalJvwar0thfL-tG3wn8ItigdpGRL2Go8WZjH37QrHiebRYrR_9Q3wErOQ774efxTB4fptqSKpTd2kw-22K1slIXgFNkSB3p28fk/s1600/Hilary.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg3IuYch4oQZpMdrIZAXftuwvbTxHs-LY5atSrjVFalJvwar0thfL-tG3wn8ItigdpGRL2Go8WZjH37QrHiebRYrR_9Q3wErOQ774efxTB4fptqSKpTd2kw-22K1slIXgFNkSB3p28fk/s1600/Hilary.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande';"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande';"> </span>"The best time I have ever had in my life"</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>Recently Singers Playground client Hilary Weaver had the opportunity to join Danny Fernandes recent tour of Ontario, Canada. Having worked extensively with Hilary on her voice technique and career strategy over the past few years I was impressed with her determination to make the most of the career opportunity. We recently sat down with the up and coming rock pop artist to discuss how she prepared for the shows.</b></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;">
<br /><b></b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>Micah: For those who don’t know you Hilary.. what kind of music do you make and who is your fan base?</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Hilary:I am a pop/rock singer songwriter based in Toronto whose influences are to Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson and Pink. My fan base is mostly a younger audience of 12 to 25 year olds. </div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>You are already an instinctive kick ass live performer but this touring opportunity came up fast for you didn’t it? </b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
This tour experience was a very last minute decision and offer. For this tour I had less than a month to prepare for a 9-show tour opening the show for the already established Danny Fernandes. </div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>Had you been doing live shows in the month’s prior?</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
No I hadn’t, the last show I had done was probably back in January of 2013, so almost a year later. </div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>Yikes.. thats a long time since you had been on stage. What were you the most worried about in terms of getting ready?</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
I was worried about so many things! I am a huge perfectionist and am extremely hard on myself. So when it came to preparing for this tour I was worried my vocals wouldn’t be up to proper standard, I was worried I wasn’t going to have enough time to get in some kind of shape to be able to do a show night after night and also how I was going to look on stage. </div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>You must have felt very rushed to have to decide about all the various things like Clothes, Fitness, Voice, Material, personal of the Band, rehearsal time etc!</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
You have to think and decide about everything! Even the finest details have to all be figured out. The one thing I had to do for tour was figure out 9 different outfits for each individual show, including jewelry and shoes. I had to make sure I was running and getting my cardio up so I wouldn’t be out of breath on stage. Every single day I had to vocalize and run through the songs for the show and practice exactly what I was going to say between each song. Figuring out the band and making sure we were all-together and had no mistakes. Let just say there is a lot to think, decide and worry about. </div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>The 'brand" or identity of an artist is expressed so many ways but none more importantly as in what clothes we wear on stage.Can you tell us the process of deciding about your outfits for this tour?</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
I would have to say the timing for this tour was quite good. Before for my CD Release I had gotten a stylist to help me and move me a little out of my comfort zone and I thank her for that because she actually helped me find my style in that one session. That’s why I was able and confident to do all the shopping for tour myself. My theme was very much old vintage rock and roll / musician shirts with lots of leather and studs. So I did about 3 bottoms and 2 leather jackets, with 9 different musician shirts. Dressing yourself is a lot about knowing who you are and expressing that with what you wear, and being confident doing it! </div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>Sounds like you smartly chose to focus your fans on the music you play and a powerful image.</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>What about choosing which material you were going to perform for this tour?</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Picking the songs was the easy part! We had a certain length of time for our set so we picked what we thought would be strongest songs. Debated back and forth on the order and finally decided to do an Up Beat – Ballad – Up Beat as our approach. </div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>What about deciding what kind of band you were going to use for this tour. Of course finances are often a consideration here, what with travel and accommodation costs.</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
For this tour, being an indie artist, money was very tight. We had many factors to figure out as for what might look best on stage and present me in the best possible way as well as weighting out the cost. As I am sure a lot of you know hiring musicians are not cheap! We thought at first a guitarist and keys with track would be good, and then it was like well maybe drums and keys with track are better. It was a big toss up. You had to think about the fact that drums are a big instrument to take on tour with you and would guitar be the best? We finally decided that the best thing would be to just have keys for an economical perspective and then the keyboardist can play the tracks on stage herself as well. Even though I usually play with a full band. </div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>What specific daily preparations did you make in terms of bringing your card and vocal chops up to speed?</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Vocalizing and cardio would be for 40 minutes a day at least. I really had to make sure I was on top of that everyday because I had such a short time to get ready for such a huge gig! I also needed to actually run the show exactly how I was going to do it and exactly what I was going to say between each song so I didn’t have to think about it. You see a huge difference when you do all of those things. </div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XKpsgYzz7pi3XeaJ_wMM6qqJyGSkPU3ZJYjhQFBhwW1UuM4INgzPemAybMXfr8RuDMeI-NF2bkz6JWGHJaFTpuZ2abLPKtkfFY7_D0US2b6gVegH8w6MHTMYY5PrNj0uXkvrlYshGIU/s1600/Hilary+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XKpsgYzz7pi3XeaJ_wMM6qqJyGSkPU3ZJYjhQFBhwW1UuM4INgzPemAybMXfr8RuDMeI-NF2bkz6JWGHJaFTpuZ2abLPKtkfFY7_D0US2b6gVegH8w6MHTMYY5PrNj0uXkvrlYshGIU/s1600/Hilary+2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
'YOU KNOW YOURSELF BEST AND YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED"</div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>How did the tour dates go for you overall?</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
The tour went absolutely amazing! It was probably the best time I have ever had in my life. It was definitely a highlight in my career. I proved so much to myself and to others, that I was actually able to do back to back shows and handle my first tour! </div>
<div style="font: 21.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 25.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>I know the tour was hugely successful for you and built a new fan base for your music across Ontario, what would you do differently next time in terms of prep?</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Of course I wish I had had more time to prepare and be in even better shape then I was on tour, but that was the circumstances. Next time I probably would spend the extra money to have a full band on tour to have a better real and live show. But honestly otherwise I don’t think I would have changed really anything. </div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<br /><b></b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>What advice would you have for other artists who are doing multiple tour dates?</b></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 28.0px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
The best advice I can give is from what I have learned from my own experience. Give yourself enough time to be in the best shape overall with your voice, doing your cardio, and getting your band together. Be extremely organized even down to the littlest details and make sure everything is set in place so there is no stress or anything to worry about. I did all my planning right away and didn’t waste any time at all. The best thing I can say is you know yourself best and you know exactly what you need or at least you should! Make that a priority and everything will fall right into place. </div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Check out Hilary's world online (see below) and watch for upcoming career strategy, voice technique and performance workshops at Singers Playground at <a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/"> Singers Playground</a></div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Cheers!</div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Micah Barnes</div>
<div style="font: 23.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<a href="mailto:micah@singersplayground.com">micah@singersplayground.com</a></div>
<div style="font: 21.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 25.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 21.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 25.0px;">
HILARY WEAVER</div>
<div style="color: #0f01ee; font: 21.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:hilaryweaver@me.com">hilaryweaver@me.com</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #0f01ee; font: 21.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.hilaryweaver.com/">www.hilaryweaver.com</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #0f01ee; font: 21.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/hilaryweaver">www.twitter.com/hilaryweaver</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #0f01ee; font: 21.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/officialhilaryweaver">www.facebook.com/officialhilaryweaver</a></span></div>
<div style="font: 21.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 24.0px;">
<br /></div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-52110868553980158642013-07-09T12:55:00.001-07:002013-07-14T19:21:06.756-07:00Working On Yourself As The Product!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkWse3QTpLUZMf9zOlrWsn8qemlzdeOmZoVB8SlLC5pB336FkLDiS3oASNMFCy79gnii5QCQkfNK8iRXvAY0P9CvOgbPcSKjasWhuv9k7bb95Bo7wams0NkveNZTH1-nabJzHRri51Qk/s1600/MICAH+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkWse3QTpLUZMf9zOlrWsn8qemlzdeOmZoVB8SlLC5pB336FkLDiS3oASNMFCy79gnii5QCQkfNK8iRXvAY0P9CvOgbPcSKjasWhuv9k7bb95Bo7wams0NkveNZTH1-nabJzHRri51Qk/s320/MICAH+1.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<br />
Creating career opportunities for our selves as artists is an important focus. The singers who end up with longevity in their careers are the ones who dig in for themselves and develop themselves into the best possible product they can be. If your career isn't where you want it to be yet.. my questions would be:<br />
Are you truly willing to work your voice until it's a communicative instrument?<br />
<br />
Are you working on your live show to make sure you are meeting your audience with the best you can be?<br />
Do you understand your brand identity and how to reach your targeted demographic?<br />
<br />
Key Questions To Ask<br />
<br />
"Does your singing voice communicate who you are"?<br />
Are you maximizing your instrument? Are you able to sing your show night after night without compromising your voice? Could you strengthen and improve your technique?<br />
<br />
" Is your material right for you AND the very best it can be"?<br />
Finding the right songs is essential to launching a career. You have to know what you sing best and what your audience wants to hear you sing!Whether you write them or not doesn't matter but your material has to set you apart from the rest of the millions of singers who are trying to establish themselves in the market place… Brand identity is very important in terms of choosing material so you have to know what you communicate best to an audience ...which means test marketing your material before spending a lot of money recording it.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Are the music producers you are working with helping create the kind of recordings that support your next steps career wise"?<br />
A lot of singers throw money at established producers hoping for a hit song without a clear sense of what they are looking for. The song and arrangement and production all have to be in alignment with your brand and what your next steps are in your career. Producers are not magicians they don't make stars can only support an identity you have built yourself.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Do you actually understand who you are as an artist"? <br />
Who is your target market and what do you represent to them? Do you know what they care about and how best to reach them? If you solve these questions you will have solved the biggest challenges in any career.<br />
<br />
YOU Solve The Problems!<br />
<br />
Are the music industry people you are hoping to attract being asked to solve huge problems in your project or are you asking them to help support an already existing momentum?<br />
YOU have to build it…then they will come.<br />
<br />
As a coach I am always watching to see how much of the ground work an artist is willing to do for themselves. The ones that get out there and do the market research and test the product with live shows and video's and social media campaigns etc are the ones who really understand who they are and what they represent to their audience. Thats what it takes to attract a team and to create momentum in a career.<br />
<br />
Artists who are armed with that kind of knowledge stay in control of their careers over the long haul and THAT my friends is the secret to success in this business!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/workshops.html">Upcoming Performance Workshops</a><br />
<br />
<a href="mailto:micah@singersplayground.com">Private Sessions with Coach Micah Barnes</a><br />
<br />
.Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-38044461942492923732013-06-22T05:08:00.000-07:002013-06-22T05:08:00.883-07:00When Fear Is In The Drivers Seat<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjg0qmY-OpTVhnA-LcpR6uZiNIkwvN6lTxQBJKzl7_LWe1Z9Uab0IvlXKab_sQS-sYFLZPcHSn8bj6tmgdO-fh2OXQL2LPYEWezMP4vYjh4jX0SfeXJ5JyjJR_7ZhNFL9UX1RpQ-y4mbc/s1600/Micah+Dec+11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjg0qmY-OpTVhnA-LcpR6uZiNIkwvN6lTxQBJKzl7_LWe1Z9Uab0IvlXKab_sQS-sYFLZPcHSn8bj6tmgdO-fh2OXQL2LPYEWezMP4vYjh4jX0SfeXJ5JyjJR_7ZhNFL9UX1RpQ-y4mbc/s320/Micah+Dec+11.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Artists come up against themselves in ways that regular folks just don't have to.<br />
<br />
When we seek to express ourselves musically we are asked to reveal our deepest parts while inviting the whole world to judge us.<br />
<br />
Thats not the reality, but often thats how it feels to us.<br />
<br />
No wonder we can become so kooky and difficult to work with.<br />
<br />
Ask anyone in the music industry who works with us and they will tell you that there is nothing harder than trying to support an artist in their work.<br />
<br />
We are control freaks but we don't want to take responsibility for anything.<br />
<br />
We want it to all go perfectly but we're scared to rehearse and prepare.<br />
<br />
We are desperate for the world to love us but we don't have any faith in ourselves at all.<br />
<br />
<br />
No One Is Safe On The Road!<br />
<br />
<br />
Artists frequently have "out of control" ego's. Not only is fear driving the vehicle but it's desperate to get us to some perceived goal and isn't paying attention to the road! Thats why there are so many casualties in successful careers.<br />
Often the industry folks who try and support us are met with distrust, outright anger and arrogance, sometimes even emotional violence.<br />
<br />
The truth is we are just vulnerable and scared behind all that noise and so if there is someone who is supposed to be responsible for our forward motion and they don't do exactly what we want them to do we panic and lash out.<br />
<br />
Why? Their behavior confirms our suspicions. Our worst fears are answered. We're not good enough, thats why they don't believe in us… and so we become angry.. Instead of asking the basic questions.<br />
"What are the challenges you are facing in supporting my career..and what can I be doing to make this easier"?<br />
<br />
It takes a grown up to take responsibility and become a powerful artist who has integrity in what they do. It means our sense of self isn't on the line every time there is a road block or a challenge in front of us.<br />
<br />
Taking Responsibility For Our Forward Motion <br />
<br />
How do we work on our fears about self to lessen it's impact on our lives and our careers?<br />
The best thing we can do is to sit down and write a list of our largest fears.<br />
Whats the worst case scenario? What scares us the most?<br />
Not making it?<br />
Not getting famous?<br />
Never making money?<br />
Not Being Good Enough?<br />
<br />
All of these career goals are tied up in self issues. Our sense of self is on the line here and we're asking our career to give us validation and a sense of being OK. Potentially a great motivator but potentially fraught with danger for both ourselves and the people who work with us.<br />
<br />
Does Your Ego Have The Steering Wheel?<br />
<br />
Have a look at what is driving you.... and you will have the answer to the question of why your career is not where you want to be.<br />
<br />
If ego is driving the vehicle.. then fear and panic has the steering wheel.<br />
<br />
Quick decisions that can negatively impact your forward motion and take a long time to recover from will be made.<br />
<br />
If a sense of faith and trust in both yourself and the universe is present.... then you can experience your career as a wonderful journey with lots of opportunities to learn and grow along the way. <br />
<br />
Which reality would you rather experience?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/workshops.html"> How's Your Live Act? July 20th Singers Playground Performance Workshop</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="mailto:micah@singersplayground.com">How's Your Career? Ask About Career Strategy Sessions</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="mailto:micah@singersplayground.com">Contact Coach Micah Barnes about Private Career, Performance and Vocal Sessions</a><br />
<br />
<br />
AND...Please pass this BLOG on to those you feel might benefit!<br />
cheers<br />
Micah Barnes<br />
Singers Playground<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091352520371446762.post-16337266894944733192013-05-29T22:27:00.000-07:002013-05-29T22:27:56.162-07:00MEET CABARET ENTERTAINER WARREN JAMES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Warren James has a big warm voice, which makes sense since he's got a big warm heart! In this guest interview Warren talks about his roots on the gulf coast, how his search for a life of integrity lead him to Canada and what inspires him to make every performance a "Big Show"!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gkLXysROewwCWsFbXlE9Lc5Dnwa9etkAl_8UD-9neTaKJYIXZt4blb5NuGTQLGxFJcFsO3DPu19I3hz7qjzt6V_ZHMfoUP7RpfS00N0KIR9PaSLuh2VLMqYWjdFgerYU1C6mJv9Jmjc/s1600/_MG_4222touch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gkLXysROewwCWsFbXlE9Lc5Dnwa9etkAl_8UD-9neTaKJYIXZt4blb5NuGTQLGxFJcFsO3DPu19I3hz7qjzt6V_ZHMfoUP7RpfS00N0KIR9PaSLuh2VLMqYWjdFgerYU1C6mJv9Jmjc/s320/_MG_4222touch1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Micah: You come from the Gulf Coast which has a rich history musically and culturally. What influenced your artist identity coming from there?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Warren: My parents and my grandparents all seemed to be musicians. My MiMi and PaPa used to play the piano together in clubs on the Gulf Coast - one on each end of the piano and they never needed sheet music. My father played the piano by ear and was a master of the trumpet and almost all of the horned instruments. For a while he headed up a Dixieland Jazz band and he and my Grandfather played the big clubs from New Orleans to Mobile, AL. Living in and around New Orleans in my earlier years I had opportunities to see some amazing artists like Harry Connick Jr. and I remember seeing him make a video in the French Quarter. He was a brilliant influence on me then and still is today. Other strong influences included a rich vein of powerful gospel music since that style is very strong in the South. </span></div>
<div style="color: #680900; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>How did growing up with your family influence you musically?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Both my parents and grandparents were natural musicians and my mother was trained as an alto singer and played the piano as well. My sister played the flute in high school, and was a classically trained pianist and competed in several competitions during my younger years. My younger cousin today is a professional jazz pianist in New Orleans so clearly music was a huge part of our lives growing up. Every time we had a family get together or holiday gathering just about everyone had an instrument in their hand. The neighbors knew our family had a gathering because you could here the noise for blocks around. It was an interesting upbringing.</span><span style="color: #007316; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #680900; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>What attracted you to music when you were young and what music did you hear?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In the beginning I was exposed more to contemporary Christian music than anything else. Growing up in the heart of the Mississippi Delta and "Bible Belt Country", going to church was a weekly ritual. We were very much involved in the church orchestra which was a huge deal. I was quickly influenced by voices of Steve Green, Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty who were all big voices back in the 80's and 90's. I learned how to develop the same sound and tone that both Sandi Patty and Steve Green carries in their voices. I recall my first song to sing by Sandi Patty was "Upon This Rock". My father later introduced me to artists like Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. At University, I studied vocal performance and was part of several musicals. I played the part of "Frederick" in the Pirates of Penzance and "Curly" in Oklahoma……those were great roles. Later in life I discovered (or rediscovered) big voice powerful singers like Tina Turner and Shirley Bassey and seeing them both live here in Toronto rekindled my interest and love of the power of singing.</span></div>
<div style="color: #680900; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #680900; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>When did you know you had a talent for singing and entertaining?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I think this was instilled in me at a very young age. When I was about 9 years old, I sang "My Tribute" (To God Be The Glory), a song written by Andrae Crouch to a large gospel church congregation. It was an overwhelming and exciting experience. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">That was the first time I remember performing but I soon became very interested in performing for others. In high school a friend and I started performing at weddings and other venues. Shortly after high school and in my early years at University, I formed two gospel singing groups of my own and we performed in many churches across the South. </span></div>
<div style="color: #680900; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>You have a lot of experience performing. What situations gave you the opportunity to grow the most in your younger years.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Being in theater throughout my university days was a huge learning experience for me. You had to not only sing but also act in a role of person you had to get to know. I found it challenging at the time to do both but quickly learned over time that I needed to just let my voice carry me through the part. I also toured with a national gospel singing group just after graduating from high school - a three month tour through Western Canada, Alaska, and California. We did a show everyday and that really taught me how to endure grueling schedules and keep going even when you are completely exhausted. It was also living out of a suitcase and traveling on a bus for three months…..it was about 50 performers so you really got to know them very well - it was a super experience. </span></div>
<div style="color: #680900; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>You've said that you came to Canada on the rainbow railroad. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>What influenced your decision to emigrate to Canada?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Finding the love of my life was the real driver in deciding to come to Canada. We spent several years in a long-distance relationship and the strength of that experience and the times I spent in Toronto and other parts of the country led me to believe that Canada was part of the greater plan for me. Every step and experience along the way has played a significant role in assuring me that I'm in the right place now and everything I value is here now. My family and my life have been here for the past 15 years and I have never been happier.</span></div>
<div style="color: #680900; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>What has being in Canada meant for your blossoming as a person, and as an artist? Are you more able to be comfortable being "out" here?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I have never felt more free or more at home than I do now living here as a proud citizen in Canada. I always felt a bit out of place growing up and living in the various places I did before coming to Canada. The Gulf Coast, New Orleans, Dallas, and Memphis - all places I’ve lived before, have their charms but Canada has allowed me to become the person I was meant to be and to live the life I was intended to live. I have found warmth and acceptance and happiness here. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Can you talk a bit about working with Micah and Singers Playground and what (if any) help that has been to your understanding of yourself as an artist?</b></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">For me, the experience has been around keeping it ‘real’ when it comes to understanding the this industry, music and performing. If you want things to happen in this business, you have to do the work, be authentic, and transfer your real passion into your work. No one is there to do it for you and you have to pour yourself into the role. It takes commitment, you have to believe in yourself, and you need others around you that believe in you too.</span><span style="color: #007316; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #680900; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #680900; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>You have some very powerful ladies as your musical influences and you're not afraid to "cover" their songs. What makes you so courageous?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Shirley Bassey, Barbara Streisand and Reberta Flack have been the most influential female voices in my life. They all deliver intense emotion in their songs and you can’t help but experience the message behind each song they perform. I’m drawn in by the power in their voices and the presence they hold on the stage and enjoy feeling that I can, to a degree, deliver some of that powerful influence to my own audiences. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Courageous? Maybe but for me, it’s more about just wanting to deliver the same level of intense emotion and power that they project in their voices. </span></div>
<div style="color: #680900; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>You give powerful performances that feel built for the concert stage.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Where would your ultimate concert be and who would be sharing the bill?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I've dreamed of sharing the stage with Shirley Bassey ever since I saw her perform at Carnegie Hall in New York. She has been the biggest inspiration to my current singing career and if I could only meet her for a moment I would express my sincere appreciation for her talent and influence she has had on myself and many many others. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Performing with John Barrowman would be very close to performing with Shirley Bassey since I believe he has been strongly influenced by many of the same inspirations I have had. His style is compatible with my own and he also has a wonderful performing ability to engage the audience. I think the British entertainment scene has some amazing talents that we can really learn from here in North America. </span></div>
<div style="color: #007316; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>How did you choose the songs on your CD? </b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Tough question to answer! There were so many songs I wanted to share with others but ultimately it came down to which songs were important to me for my own personal experiences, songs that tell the story I want to tell. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">For example the title track “This Time,” while written for Shirley Bassey in 2009 speaks volumes to me about introspection, renewed love, and regained self confidence. These are not just personal themes that I have identified with, but universal themes that we can all personally identify with. </span></div>
<div style="color: #007316; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">What can audiences expect at Hugh's Room?</b></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I think the audience can expect to be overwhelmingly surprised by powerful voices! Where else on June 5th in the city of Toronto, can someone go and hear such a unique group of performing artists with such rich backgrounds and cultures? There's going to be a little bit of everything in this show. Everyone who comes out is going to get a taste of what they enjoy as well as be exposed to something new. I am so excited to be sharing the stage with such unique amazing talent all in one night. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thewarrenjamesshow.com/">Warren James Website</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://hughsroom.com/2013/02/micah-barnes-the-singers-playground">Reservations for the June 5th Concert at Hugh's Room</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.singersplayground.com/"> Details about upcoming June 15th Performance Workshop</a></div>
</div>
Micah Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473540571708236072noreply@blogger.com0