The Whole Picture

                                                                                                 

                                               

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….

 ..ALL of these activities are actually an integral part of your music making.

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...

             How badly do you want a career in this business?

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.

Social media is an expanded and much improved delivery system for exactly the same effect. Whats the resistance about?

                                                             

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. 

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. 

Your old job has been redefined. Either grow with it or lose out to those who have figured out how to adapt!

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. 

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!

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. 

Well there is a new instrument that can communicate your music to a larger audience than you have ever dreamt possible. 

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?

Career Strategy Session for Artists

Official Singers Playground Website

The Warm Up: Part One

                                                                   

   
Hey Folks! I answer a lot of questions from singers about how to warm up for a show.

The most frequently asked questions are:

1) How long a proper warm up should last?

2) What are the key elements of a good warm up?

3) How long before a performance should one warm up?

    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.

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.

                             Peace and mental preparedness 
                     are the keys to a great performance folks!


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.

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.

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.
 Therefore the "warm up" becomes even more essential, an island of peace and solitude in the middle of all the chaos.

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"?

          Schedule your peace of mind body and spirit daily!   
                .....And you will fly when you are onstage!

Private Sessions w Micah Barnes

Workshops in Torono, New York and Los Angeles

Official Singers Playground Website :  http://www.singersplayground.com

Mastery As A Daily Challenge

Why is it SO damn hard to do a little practice every day?

       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.
          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".
But of course that takes practice.

           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.

        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!

So, what is keeping you from daily mastery?

Private Voice Sessions with Micah Barnes

Upcoming Workshop Nov 30th with Micah Barnes

Micah Barnes on Twitter 

Interview with former Nylon and multiple Juno winner Billy Newton-Davis!

First a bit of history, what years were you a member/ what albums did you record with the guys?

I was with The Nylons “I believe from 1991-1993.

I recorded “Live To Love” with them. I think it is a very cool and modern collection of songs.

How did you come to join the group?

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.

A Capella has it's own set of challenges. What was your experience/growth like in that area?

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!

The Nylons have always maintained a busy touring schedule, were there adjustments for you in handling the physical regime?

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.

Are there any secrets you can share with us that you have used for maintaining vocal, physical and spiritual health?

Vocalizing faithfully! Doing some kind of physical exercise. Reading books of all kinds re: my spiritual journey. Lemons heal my voice!

Are there any concerts or experiences that stick out as particularly memorable from your Nylon years?

Yes when we performed in my hometown of Cleveland!
What song would you say remains a special Nylons memory for you.

I love the chestnuts...!! Of course and always! I love “Grown Man Cry”, and I love Don’t Look Any Further”......

The Nylons form a special brotherhood or fraternity?

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!

  What are you looking forward to the most in these upcoming shows?

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!!!!

Billy will be joining The Nylons along with Micah Barnes and Mark Cassius for a reunion concert Friday May 30^th as part of the SING festival at the Distillery inToronto!

Buy tickets at: http://tickets.youngcentre.ca/single/psDetail.aspx?psn=7556

An interview with Broadway Star and former Nylon Mark Cassius!

Micah: First a bit of history, what years were you a member/ what albums did you record with the guys?

Mark: I was a member from 1997-2005 I recorded 2 CDS, "A Wish for You" (2nd Christmas album) and "Play On"

How did you come to join the group?

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.

A Capella has it's own set of challenges. What was your experience/growth like in that area ?

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.

The Nylons have always maintained a busy touring schedule, were there adjustments for you in handling the physical regime?

Because of the rigors of my prior theatrical years, I was pretty ready for the physical demands. 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.

I had to get careful with rest and how I spent time off.

Are there any secrets you can share with us that you have used for maintaining vocal, physical and spiritual  health 

Vocally, when I have nothing to sing or say, I stay quiet.

Physically, I exercise using full range of motion, stay connected to my body, for it is the vessel that carries my junk.

Spiritually, I watch and pray. I don't know who God is, but I've realized that faith doesn't require that knowledge.

Are there any concerts or experiences that stick out as particulary memorable from your Nylon years?

Whenever we went to Madison, Wisconsin, which was where I made my Nylons Concert debut, something magical would happen.

There would be magic in the air that I just can't explain.

Our Holland tours were pretty extraordinary too, old world charm mixed with new world adventure.

What song would you say remains a special Nylons memory for you?

Two come to mind right away "Kiss Him Goodbye" and "Up on the Roof"

The Nylons form a special brotherhood or fraternity,  what are you looking forward to the most in these upcoming shows?
Reclaiming and re-establishing same. Experiencing the timeless treasure that is making and sharing our music. Being in harmony.

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

 In June, Mark will be starring in The Drayton Entertainment  Production of "Damn Yankees", role of "Mr. Applegate" (The Devil)

Climbing Mountains

                                                                                 

When the mountain in front of you seems too steep to climb we can end up feeling helpless and desperate and overwhelmed.
 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.

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
             
                                           Perfectionist Don't Practice

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.

What can you do right now that will take you one step closer to your goal?

 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.

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?

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.
However you can make your climb easier.. by taking little steps everyday.

Want to work one on one with coach  Micah Barnes ? The next Singers Playground Workshop in Toronto is March 30th! Please get in touch at micah@singersplayground.com

READY TO TAKE THE ARTIST IDENTITY CHALLENGE?

       WHO ARE YOU? or rather....WHO DO YOU WANT US TO THINK YOU ARE?
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!

 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.)
I would suggest this homework assignement to help you move towards more clarity in this area.

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.

                                                                       

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.

Ready? Lets GO!!!!!

1)What is this song about? Subject matter?

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?

3)How does the production arrangement details help the song express the subject matter?

4)Who is the target audience for this song (race, age, interests,style of music etc)

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?

6) Did the "look" of the artist change over the course of the album marketing?
If so, how did each new look add to the communication of the artists brand?


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 micah@singersplayground.com

VOICE TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP, PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP AND CAREER STRATEGY WORKSHOP with MICAH BARNES  at WINTER PLAYGROUND 2014
INFO AND REGISTRATION HERE: SINGERS PLAYGROUND