We are beavering away behind the scenes – updating our MySpace book, finishing a book on the use of Facebook for musicians, and, most excitingly, a site revamp and the full-on ‘how to make it’ year long course. Honest!
I was writing a section of that today and thought I’d use that thought process to just bang up this post with the snappy title.
In the 52-week course, we’ll take you from whatever stage you’re at, to releasing a record and getting a fanbase and industry attention. No matter who you are or your level of talent. We aren’t going to be able to teach you everything that you need to know about how to play or write in that course (although there will be lots of advice in those areas) but we will teach you to look at you, your band or crew, your talents and your strengths and weaknesses in those areas. With honesty and impartiality – about yourself. A difficult thing to do.
You see, the vast majority of people we see who think that they are going to ‘make it’, get a deal, or just be able to make enough of a living to survive as a working musician, are horribly deluded. They just aren’t good enough. And no amount of tweeting, MySpace building, networking or whatever, is going to make any difference. You can’t market rubbish to the top.
But, what you can do, is look at your act dispassionately and try to work out what needs improvement. All too often, artists never do this. They’re convinced that they have everything right and that they will be huge.
In fact it’s those that can have this introspection, and then the nerve to up their game and make the necessary changes, that will succeed.
My title is aimed at the front-man of a band who knows deep down that he’s in that situation. If you’re supposed to be carrying the band and you know that, in truth, your voice isn’t good enough, it’s either just not in key or strong enough or you know that it doesn’t have a sufficiently distinct tone, or you know that you don’t have the real ‘x factor’, or that your on stage performance is weak – what are you going to do about it?
Should you persevere for years, deluding yourself, or should you face it and make a change.
Perhaps you can improve your voice with training – for example, I’ve recommended this Brett Manning Course to people with great success – and everyone I have ever worked with has been to a vocal coach at some point. Maybe you need help writing songs (but you have to realise and admit that first!) – and if so, there are plenty of ways you can learn to do that.
Whatever it is (stage craft, the ‘look’ of the band, the quality of the recordings etc) it may be possible to improve it with work and training. In many cases.
But sometimes, it’s just not right and never will be. You aren’t a front-man and will never make yourself one and you’ll be eternally unhappy trying to be something you’re not. So, what then?
Well, better to go (to stab yourself in the back) and let the band change and evolve. Hopefully you’ll naturally fit into another role. A different instrument. Or maybe you’re now the manager.
Again, whatever it is, you need to be the right man (or woman) for the job.
I hope this makes sense. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t believe in your ability, your music and your eventual success (this is absolutely crucial) but you also need a dose of realism, so that you’re continually assessing every aspect of your ‘game’ to make sure that you’re giving yourself and your act the very best shot possible.
And, if, deep down, you know that you aren’t cutting it, then learn to change and improve……… or move aside.
StumbleUpon
email
TumblrRelated Posts:
We respect your privacy and will never trade, sell or spam your email address.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve struggled with this myself when it comes to my vocals. I have a passion for writing songs and performing the songs I write. I wanted to release an album 5 years ago, but I took a step back and realized I wasn’t ready. I took the Brett Manning course you mention in this article, took a year of vocal lessons, and made a conscious effort to improve my vocal performance. This year I finally released an album that I’m proud of, and I’m glad I waited.
I’m still not there yet, though. I’ve already got plans to take my songwriting and vocals to the next level for my next release.
The key is to not kid yourself, but to not give up either. If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen, but it takes work.
Matt – I agree entirely.
I’m not saying give up if you’ve got the guts to face any deficiency in your skills and work to perfect them. As you say, don’t kid yourself.
As much as anything, work at it, or move aside.
It’s also great to know that Brett’s course worked for you. I have had several client’s use it rather than a one-to-one vocal coach and they’ve had great results too.
Keep it up and I wish you very success.
Ian
{ 1 trackback }