4 answers
Aleena
Student
1
Question
Updated
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How to a popular singer How to in the 10% of singers that make it to the big stage??
How to be a popular singer in a short amount of time.
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4 answers
John Haltom
1
Answer
Morris, Illinois
Updated
John’s Answer
Get your name out there, On social media audition for talent shows like America's got talent. Go to karaoke bars. Get your name out there. With the people stay humble. Another way you can do it is find a really talented Band get your songs out there Play the clubs
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
118
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
While not impossible, I can promise you that it would be very difficult No body gets on the "big stage" in a "short time". Unless you consider half a decade a "short time". Here's the thing about the music industry. If you want to make it, it WILL take TIME. I started my music career as a freshman in high school. I am now technically graduated college age and I'm STILL working to get to work with the big artists consistently. You need to work hard, persevere, work every day, and truly love what you do or else this industry isn't for you. I'm sorry for the hard truth, but there it is. No matter where you go; music, theater, on stage, behind the stage. It doesn't matter. You can't bank on going viral the first time you make something or audition somewhere. If you want to do music, your first songs will be terrible. Mine were. Even Taylor Swift's were. If you want to go into musical theater, you will have to start local/ regional. I would be very very surprised if any casting director on broadway will want to work with someone who hasn't had professional experience yet. Start small and work your way up.
Give yourself 2-5 small goals every year and work your hardest to achieve those goals. Make the goals small. DEFINETLY don't have "play the Super Bowl" or "collab with Billie Eilish" as top on your list for this year. Instead, shoot for smaller. Maybe- perform at 3 open mics a month. OR write 2 songs a week. Be consistent, and keep practicing. THAT is how you make it in the music industry on any side.
Please don't let my words discourage you. I was very discouraged when I first started out too. It will be a lot of work in the beginning, but you will see yourself getting better and you will see your dreams start to become reality.
Give yourself 2-5 small goals every year and work your hardest to achieve those goals. Make the goals small. DEFINETLY don't have "play the Super Bowl" or "collab with Billie Eilish" as top on your list for this year. Instead, shoot for smaller. Maybe- perform at 3 open mics a month. OR write 2 songs a week. Be consistent, and keep practicing. THAT is how you make it in the music industry on any side.
Please don't let my words discourage you. I was very discouraged when I first started out too. It will be a lot of work in the beginning, but you will see yourself getting better and you will see your dreams start to become reality.
John Graham
Music Producer
55
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Aleena!
First of all let me say I totally agree with Thomas regarding what it takes to be a popular singer. For the vast majority of people trying to break into the business, it's a long slow slog. If you watch shows like The Voice or American Idol, you know from listening to the stories of those contestants that it's very rare to become an overnight sensation - and there is no formula for that - but it does occasionally happen (see Lanie Gardner links below). Also, even if you become a great singer - there is no guarantee you will become famous.
That said, there are some things you can do to improve your chances:
Practice your vocals, learning to perfect your technique. You can do this with a vocal coach, or if you're still in school - join the choir, glee club, or musical theater groups to gain experience, and ask your teachers for pointers on improving your voice.
Try singing cover songs of your favorite artists, or other artists whose voices you respect.
Try writing and singing your own songs. There's a great book for $5 on Amazon Kindle called 'The 30-Minute Songwriter' by Robin Frederick, who also has lots of other songwriting books and videos on YouTube about the process - here's a link https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=songwriting+robin+frederick
Learn to perform in front of others by singing at church, open mic nights, local competitions, and get yourself out there. Ask for feedback about your performances. Regarding feedback, try to take what is said as constructive criticism and ignore comments from non-singers and haters (who always seem to be out there).
Try singing different styles and genres and then start choosing two or three that you feel really suits your sound and spirit.
Develop a "brand" for yourself - your own style, look, dress, way of relating to your audience. On this last point, your audience is vital - so be humble and kind in your dealings with them.
After you've had some time to develop, try recording in a studio, either your own or a professional one. Professional studio time in my area (Seattle, Washington) runs about $100 per hour. There a several great benefits that can come from this experience. Many studio professionals (audio engineers and producers) provide coaching that will help you improve your performance and more fully understand what makes a great vocal.
Try making videos for YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo, Reddit, and social media to help build your network.
Offer your singing services on Freelance job sites like SoundBetter, Fiverr, and Airgigs to start building a clientele.
Finally, don't ever give up. If music is truly what you love - you'll do anything to keep doing it - and the more you practice and perform, the better you'll get. Good luck on your journey!
P.S.
Here are a few links to Lanie Gardner's extraordinary story. I'm sharing this one because it's current. She got a very lucky break with a viral YouTube video in 2020 when she was 21 yo, and is just now starting to get some real opportunities - opening for a headliner, signed to a label, releasing an album. Just remember this is very rare.
The Dreams YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/V1LhC1zGouc?feature=shared
Lanie One Year Later: https://youtu.be/cumz226J1YM?feature=shared
Vocal Coach Review: https://youtu.be/qRNSqePOGm8?feature=shared
Lanie recent Chicago announcement: https://www.abc57.com/news/summers-spotlight-lanie-gardner-is-coming-to-laporte
Lanie Biography Video: https://youtu.be/ocJM439BZmA?feature=shared
Lanie Biography: https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1562291-lanie-gardners-age-height-parents-boyfriend-net-worth/
First of all let me say I totally agree with Thomas regarding what it takes to be a popular singer. For the vast majority of people trying to break into the business, it's a long slow slog. If you watch shows like The Voice or American Idol, you know from listening to the stories of those contestants that it's very rare to become an overnight sensation - and there is no formula for that - but it does occasionally happen (see Lanie Gardner links below). Also, even if you become a great singer - there is no guarantee you will become famous.
That said, there are some things you can do to improve your chances:
Practice your vocals, learning to perfect your technique. You can do this with a vocal coach, or if you're still in school - join the choir, glee club, or musical theater groups to gain experience, and ask your teachers for pointers on improving your voice.
Try singing cover songs of your favorite artists, or other artists whose voices you respect.
Try writing and singing your own songs. There's a great book for $5 on Amazon Kindle called 'The 30-Minute Songwriter' by Robin Frederick, who also has lots of other songwriting books and videos on YouTube about the process - here's a link https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=songwriting+robin+frederick
Learn to perform in front of others by singing at church, open mic nights, local competitions, and get yourself out there. Ask for feedback about your performances. Regarding feedback, try to take what is said as constructive criticism and ignore comments from non-singers and haters (who always seem to be out there).
Try singing different styles and genres and then start choosing two or three that you feel really suits your sound and spirit.
Develop a "brand" for yourself - your own style, look, dress, way of relating to your audience. On this last point, your audience is vital - so be humble and kind in your dealings with them.
After you've had some time to develop, try recording in a studio, either your own or a professional one. Professional studio time in my area (Seattle, Washington) runs about $100 per hour. There a several great benefits that can come from this experience. Many studio professionals (audio engineers and producers) provide coaching that will help you improve your performance and more fully understand what makes a great vocal.
Try making videos for YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo, Reddit, and social media to help build your network.
Offer your singing services on Freelance job sites like SoundBetter, Fiverr, and Airgigs to start building a clientele.
Finally, don't ever give up. If music is truly what you love - you'll do anything to keep doing it - and the more you practice and perform, the better you'll get. Good luck on your journey!
P.S.
Here are a few links to Lanie Gardner's extraordinary story. I'm sharing this one because it's current. She got a very lucky break with a viral YouTube video in 2020 when she was 21 yo, and is just now starting to get some real opportunities - opening for a headliner, signed to a label, releasing an album. Just remember this is very rare.
The Dreams YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/V1LhC1zGouc?feature=shared
Lanie One Year Later: https://youtu.be/cumz226J1YM?feature=shared
Vocal Coach Review: https://youtu.be/qRNSqePOGm8?feature=shared
Lanie recent Chicago announcement: https://www.abc57.com/news/summers-spotlight-lanie-gardner-is-coming-to-laporte
Lanie Biography Video: https://youtu.be/ocJM439BZmA?feature=shared
Lanie Biography: https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1562291-lanie-gardners-age-height-parents-boyfriend-net-worth/
Lefty Luciano
Music Production
8
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Lefty’s Answer
Becoming a successful singer and making it to the big stage requires talent, dedication, hard work, and strategic planning. While there's no guaranteed formula for success in the highly competitive music industry, here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of achieving your goals:
1. **Develop Your Talent**: Focus on honing your vocal skills and musical abilities. Take singing lessons, practice regularly, and work on improving your technique, range, and style.
2. **Build Your Repertoire**: Expand your repertoire by learning and performing a diverse range of songs across different genres. This will showcase your versatility as a singer and help you connect with a wider audience.
3. **Create Original Music**: Write and record your own songs to showcase your creativity and artistic vision. Invest in quality recordings and production to ensure that your music stands out.
4. **Perform Live**: Take every opportunity to perform live, whether it's at local venues, open mic nights, talent shows, or community events. Building a strong stage presence and connecting with audiences is essential for success as a singer.
5. **Promote Yourself**: Use social media, online platforms, and networking to promote your music and build a fanbase. Share your performances, recordings, and updates regularly to engage with your audience and attract new followers.
6. **Collaborate with Others**: Collaborate with other musicians, producers, songwriters, and industry professionals to expand your network and reach new audiences. Building strong relationships within the music community can open doors to opportunities and collaborations.
7. **Seek Professional Representation**: Consider working with a manager, agent, or music industry professional who can help guide your career, negotiate deals, and provide valuable advice and support.
8. **Stay Persistent and Resilient**: The music industry can be challenging and competitive, so it's important to stay persistent, resilient, and focused on your goals. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or rejection, and continue to work hard and strive for improvement.
9. **Educate Yourself**: Take the time to educate yourself about the music industry, including its trends, business practices, and opportunities. Stay informed about new technologies, platforms, and strategies that can help advance your career.
10. **Stay True to Yourself**: Stay authentic to your unique voice, style, and artistic vision. Don't try to emulate other singers or chase trends—instead, focus on expressing yourself genuinely and connecting with your audience on a personal level.
While making it to the big stage as a singer requires talent and hard work, it also requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt and evolve. By following these steps and staying committed to your craft, you can increase your chances of success in the music industry.
1. **Develop Your Talent**: Focus on honing your vocal skills and musical abilities. Take singing lessons, practice regularly, and work on improving your technique, range, and style.
2. **Build Your Repertoire**: Expand your repertoire by learning and performing a diverse range of songs across different genres. This will showcase your versatility as a singer and help you connect with a wider audience.
3. **Create Original Music**: Write and record your own songs to showcase your creativity and artistic vision. Invest in quality recordings and production to ensure that your music stands out.
4. **Perform Live**: Take every opportunity to perform live, whether it's at local venues, open mic nights, talent shows, or community events. Building a strong stage presence and connecting with audiences is essential for success as a singer.
5. **Promote Yourself**: Use social media, online platforms, and networking to promote your music and build a fanbase. Share your performances, recordings, and updates regularly to engage with your audience and attract new followers.
6. **Collaborate with Others**: Collaborate with other musicians, producers, songwriters, and industry professionals to expand your network and reach new audiences. Building strong relationships within the music community can open doors to opportunities and collaborations.
7. **Seek Professional Representation**: Consider working with a manager, agent, or music industry professional who can help guide your career, negotiate deals, and provide valuable advice and support.
8. **Stay Persistent and Resilient**: The music industry can be challenging and competitive, so it's important to stay persistent, resilient, and focused on your goals. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or rejection, and continue to work hard and strive for improvement.
9. **Educate Yourself**: Take the time to educate yourself about the music industry, including its trends, business practices, and opportunities. Stay informed about new technologies, platforms, and strategies that can help advance your career.
10. **Stay True to Yourself**: Stay authentic to your unique voice, style, and artistic vision. Don't try to emulate other singers or chase trends—instead, focus on expressing yourself genuinely and connecting with your audience on a personal level.
While making it to the big stage as a singer requires talent and hard work, it also requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt and evolve. By following these steps and staying committed to your craft, you can increase your chances of success in the music industry.