Singing talent is a commodity just like any other line of work, but like a few select fields, the talent pool for individuals who can really deliver is somewhat limited. Starting with that premise knowing that many of you reading this article are most likely interested in studio work and singing in commercials, I will try and promote a few concepts that have helped me through the years and hopefully will help you as well.

Always remember the old adage that those who try hard are usually the luckier ones in life – not always, but because they are out there trying in whatever line of work it is and because they have a multitude of Fishing reels in the water, they usually end up with the bigger catch. Your fishing reel is going to obviously be your singing reel. What does your singing reel sound like that is your business card and aimed at trying to get you established as a session singer? It better be good – not the “I just cranked this out with a few riffs off a keyboard into a computer” good, but one that really facilitates the strengths of your voice and minimizes your weaknesses. Let’s face it, we all have some singing weaknesses to a certain degree or other. And you will find that you are usually called on for studio work where you shine and where your strengths prevail. At ReelMusician.com, we strive to always look at each singer and create custom jingle singer reels based upon the singers own unique set of singing characteristics – If you have any questions at all on your jingle reel, don’t hesitate to contact ReelMusician .com for an honest evaluation. But just remember to have an incredible sounding reel that truly sets your voice and vocal accomplishments out from the rest.

Let’s look at some various factors involved in your career. How much time are you currently putting into practice, vocal coaching, etc? I will suggest to you that you ought to be putting in at least 30 – 45 min’s a day minimum and this can be done in the shower, car, or in a vacant room free of distractions. You want to maximize your strengths and figure out where your weaknesses are. This is critical. I will also tell you that finding a good vocal coach, at least one that truly understands commercial singing and not just the theory they’ve been taught and continue to teach, will be hard. Most vocal coaches stress breathing exercises, posture and so forth, and that’s great, but I will tell you that many of the best singers that I have come across, break all of the golden singing rules and make a great living. I’m not suggesting that there are not better breathing patterns than others, nor will I negate a well postured singer, but coaches who truly teach the nuts and bolts of studio and session singing and not from a textbook, are extremely rare. Make sure you have a well informed and current vocal coach. For any questions regarding vocal coaching or obtaining a good vocal coach, you may contact the author.

Mariah Carey- Greatest Voice Of All Time Part 2 (Studio)

Your next step in you journey to becoming a successful jingle and commercial singer is going to be your relational connection with folks already established in the industry and your ability to put your incredible sounding demo in the hands of producers. You are going to want to start out by figuring out who the main players are in your area in terms of studio singers and contact those that look like you are not going to be in direct competition. You wouldn’t want to be helping someone who might be taking your studio work away and neither will they. I will tell you that singers in general, like to help up and coming singers in the field and investing time in relationships with key session singers will be rewarding with your singing success.

Following up with jingle houses, industrial music houses and studio engineers and producers will take a little investigation, but the conversations you have with session singers will undoubtedly have already given you more than enough names and companies to send your demo reel off to. Your reel ought to have your name, telephone number, year and season of the creation of your demo on virtually any thing that is sent out to producers. Your CD better have this in bright bold colorful letters on the front, the inside jacket and the actual CD. I’ve mentioned it before, but you are really better off sending a a hard copy CD rather than mp3, even though there is no cost associated with email, because 1) you don’t have permission to send via email and 2) it helps to actually see your name and reel, which by the way, can go into their car for review on their way home from work and an mp3 can not without burning a CD of it. If you are tired and extremely busy, are you really going to waste your time on someone you don’t know has clue or not about delivering the singing goods – probably not and neither will they most likely. Don’t email your demo as of yet. I would wait until you have established a relationship with the producer and submit follow up pieces if they ask for it.

I’ve mentioned this before, but having a second follow up reel can be a great boost for singing work and re-establishing your name by once again having your CD cross their desk one more time. This is great for a producer who almost called you for a singing session, but for whatever reason didn’t, and for the producer who somehow lost your CD and never really gave it a listen – In either case, it’s a great idea. I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to hearing about your singing success!

Tom Gauger

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Spring and summer are quickly on their way, and you know what that means. When the weather warms up, the top artists in the industry begin touring again, wowing music fans across the land with live shows and concerts, many of which will be appearing this year in a city near you. Whether you are a rock ‘n roll fan, a smooth Jazz listener, a country music fan, a deep groove Reggae lover, or a pop music fanatic, this upcoming 2007 concert season is highly unprecedented and there’s sure to be a show that you simply can’t miss.

Check out the guide below on acts you can check out this summer. This has been a year of great music so be sure to get your tickets to your favorite acts as early as possible to ensure great seats and the best concert experience you could possibly have.

Rock ‘n Roll Fans:
This upcoming season is going to be a great one for you die-hard rock fans out there; many of the best rock and roll bands are touring this year, so you definitely have some exciting choices. Some of the bigger names in Rock and Roll show business that are touring include:

*Best Buy Presents The Police, Live in Concert; tickets for this tour are on sale NOW. There are dates all across the United States beginning in June 2007, from Seattle, Washington to Hershey, Pennsylvania.

*Ozzfest; tickets not yet on sale. See the legend himself Ozzy Osbourne and many of the heavy metal greats at the legendary Ozzfest tour, held at venues all across the United States

*Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath): Tickets are on sale NOW. They are in Canada in March and will be ending in New Jersey in May.

*Rage Against the Machine and Wu-Tang Clan: The L.A. band Rage Against the Machine is reuniting and will join the Wu-Tang Clan for three shows called ‘Rock the Bells’ festival.

*Roger Waters of Pink Floyd; tickets are on sale NOW. Roger Waters from Pink Floyd are legends unto themselves; see Waters in a venue near you with dates scheduled all across the United States beginning in May 2007.

*Genesis: Phil Collins and company are touring the world right now and will touch down in North America in September 2007. Don’t miss this awesome reunion while they make their way across the land.

*Steve Miller Band & Doobie Brothers: The Steve Miller Band, classic rock band of the 70’s, is in the middle of a reunion tour and will be performing many shows with the Doobie Brothers all the way through July.

*Steely Dan: Walter Becker and Donald Fagen are at it again and are touring this May for their Heavey Rollers 2007 concert tour.

Country Music Fans:
The summer is always a great time for country music, and this summer is bound to be no different. This summer, you will have the chance to check out many of Country music’s finest acts, including:

*Kenny Chesney; tickets are on sale NOW. Kenny Chesney is one of Country music’s greatest acts, and you will have the chance to catch him from the months of April, May, and into the end of June. Kenny Chesney is appearing from coast to coast this year, with acts from Omaha, Nebraska to Selma, Texas.

*Tim McGraw and his wife Faith Hill will be touring together again for Soul2Soul 2007, one of the most popular country tours of all time. tickets are on sale NOW.

*Keith Urban: tickets are on sale NOW. The Australian country singer is going to be touring across North America.

Reggae Fans (World Music Fans):
Reggae is a representation of a particular culture, and not just a style of music. Check out Reggae’s finest acts this summer in a venue near you. Two of the best roots reggae acts out this summer will be:

*Stephen Marley (some acts featuring Jr. Gong); tickets on sale NOW. Stephen Marley, one of the Marley reggae greats is appearing this summer in venues across the nation, from cities in Florida to Texas. Check out Stephen Marley’s show from the months of March through the end of May.

*Steel Pulse; tickets scheduled for one show in Atlantic City, New Jersey. If you can manage it, don’t miss one of the true Rasta acts left in show business.

Jazz and Blues Fans:
Jazz is about attitude, and passion. What a better way to show your passion for jazz then to attend many of the indoor and outdoor jazz events that are going to be held this summer. Jazz concerts are a summertime favorite, also a genre of music that is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. This summer, take advantage of some of the jazz favorites that will be out:

*Keb Mo; tickets on sale NOW! Don’t miss Keb Mo’s awesome show; his tour kicks off in Atlanta, Georgia in March.

*Harry Connick, Jr.; tickets on sale NOW! Connick is one of Jazz’s greats, with a sound and the look to match. Check out Harry Connick, Jr. in concert in a city near you this summer.

*Joss Stone, the Grammy Award-winning English soul, R&B, and blues singer is also touring this spring 2007. She’ll be visiting both American and Canadien cities on her tour.

Popular Music Fans:
Pop music really is a revolution, and when the springtime and summertime hit, so do the stars. Pop music fans will delight in many of the acts set to hit the stage this summer; of many Pop music greats, some of the more popular acts that are bound to sell out quickly include:

*Billy Joel; tickets on sale NOW! If you know Popular music, you know that Billy Joel is one of music’s legends in any Genre, so be sure not to miss him this year. Billy Joel has sold more than 100 million records in his career, and he has acts scheduled from coast to coast, but not many shows so you had better catch him in a city near you while you can!

*Gwen Stefani, her Harajuki Girls and the Sweet Escape Tour; tickets are on sale NOW! Gwen Stefani has always been a legend; from the lead songstress of the popular band No Doubt to her current role as pop/rock singer and fashion designer. Don’t miss her incredible show, with acts from Las Vegas, Nevada to Holmdel, New Jersey.

*Morrisey: Morrisey is the former Smith singer and will be supported by Kristeen Young on his 2007 tour.

*Michael Jackson: The King of Pop is rumored to be attempting a comeback and may very well be setting up shop in Las Vegas to do multiple shows similar to Celine Dion. Jackson representatives are negotiating a deal which will see him joined on stage by all the other members of the Jackson Five. Besides the Vegas shows, Michael Jackson may also do a string of gigs across America.

As you can see, whatever your interest is musically, there are live shows out there just waiting for the summer to emerge, and this is only just the beginning. Hopefully your favorite acts will be touring this summer and you’ll get the chance to experience them live. Be sure to check online for updates, tour information and concert rumors.

Jason Oconnor

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We were up to about our 7th song in the set when I noticed our rhythm guitarist had broken a string. About 60 seconds later I myself break a string. No problem, me thinks I will get my spare Gibson SG, be playing again in 45 secs. I look around. No SG- my rhythm player grabbed it for himself, too lazy to change a string on his guitar!!! Ok, so I think I will very quickly change my own string with the help of our stage roadie. Another 20 seconds goes by. Old mate breaks another string on MY spare guitar. The drum and bass extension solos, singer doing a bit of improvisation over the top, no problem until bass player blows his A string. As many of you would know most AC/.DC songs are in A. He switches to the E string 5th fret- not as nice a sound but it’s cool enough in an emergency. We are going to be okay I thought until the drummer has broken his snare skin!!!! This can’t be happening!! Just can’t be!! Apollo 13 didn’t have this much coincidental bad luck!!! By now my string is replaced so we have a 3 string bass, one guitar, a singer looking remotely pissed off and looking for a rock to hide under, and a drummer gesticulating widely for help with his snare but the show goes on. Old mate rhythm player is back on deck and the bass player is going to play 3 strings for at least the next 2 songs until, the roadie goes to truck and get the spare bass (not often bass players break strings!!).

Finally the snare skin is replaced   all guitars are back working. We start up exactly in the spot where we first lost a string and continue as if nothing happened. Never break the song, just pile on the improv in the middle section because the show must goes on!!! Ironically, the song we were playing was “Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be.”

Now I can see everyone with stage experience saying “well they should have changed their string before the gig!’ Truth was we changed our strings every night, bass strings every 6 gigs!!! We all bought our strings from one supplier and we just got a faulty batch. 

The moral:
always have spare strings closely accessible, a spare guitar where possible, drummer, at least a spare snare skin or maybe a spare snare drum and also spare kick drum skin and a singer who can remain nonplussed when all hell breaks loose around him!!

Because the show must go on!!

Axebay

I couldnt believe what I did next. I think I did it out of desperation, I needed Nick. Life was worthless without him. M: (gets on her kness) Nick PLEASE (calmly) I BEG you! On my knees! I BEG YOU! At leat out of pity give me a chance! (Hugs his legs) N: Miley please (Tries to pull her up) dont make a fool out of yourself! I dont love you! M: Please Nick, you dont know what you are saying! (my dead world, died once again) N: (pulls her off of him forcefully) Bye Miley (leaves her crying) ~~~ Okay, this was just one of the worst day of my lives. Our first real gig, and this girl needs to come! Why would Nick kidnap her? And why does she pretend to hate him? It is OBVIOUS she is drooling over him. It makes me so jealous, during the whole ride I said nothing, except for the few times that Rick tried teasing me. *At the club* S: You must support my father, and please lather the infurigle because- M: Oh god! I cant stand this (turns around and heads in to the club in the backdoor) I walked in and bumped into Nick who was setting up all the instruments. N: (rolls his eyes) Where is Selena? M: Outside N: You left her outhere? Alone? M: Yes, yes I did! N: Why? M: Because she was driving me insane! She called me a poor uneducated girl? How can you love someone like that? N: (drops the drums) Miley! How could you be so stupid! (starts to walk towards the exit) M: (rolls her eyes) Oh yeah, I am the stupid one. dont worry Nick, I’ll go get her, just finish setting up I went outside <b>…</b>

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It is quite fascinating today when I see some parents letting their child or children tell them (the parent) what they want to do or what they’re going to do. Or even what they won’t do. Do you let your child tell you want they’re going to do? I’m from the old school. Back in the day if I told my parents what I was going to do or want I wanted to do in detail I would have been slapped right in the face and put in my place as a child. Yes, it is necessary for children today to have a say so in their activities today. But, by the same token you as a parent have to be the one shaping, molding and directing your child’s life. Until your child begins helping take care of the home including but not limited to; paying some of the bills, buying groceries, buying their own clothes etc. then you as the parent have all decision making that’s best for your child or children. There are some things of course you can let your child decide to a certain degree. Like if they want to play a particular sport or participate in some other extra-curricular activity.

Some parents today want to be their children friends. That’s o.k. to a certain degree; there’s certain limits; and a time and place to be-friend your child. For instance, say you were both out having fun at a store or some place of recreation. But then if parental decisions need to be addressed, then don’t look to your child to make a decision which is your responsibility as a parent. As a parent today you want to make sure you are in control of your child’s life until they reach the age of majority which in some states is either 18 or 19 years old (check your state laws for accuracy).

Reason being once your child reaches a certain age they will be constantly telling you all the time what they will do or what they will not do and you could find yourself being intimidated by your own child. You don’t want that. Your job a parent is shaping and molding your child to become a splitting image of yourself. Hopefully your demeanor and your attitude is one that is warm, welcoming and friendly. Your children will mimic your behavior patterns. So if they see you being considerate and kind they will do the same. Yet, if they see you clowning and acting a fool trust me, they will imitate you.

I know we have all these child custody laws granting children their rights. Which is cool; but as long as you are providing the necessities for your child or children then do not be intimidated by the judicial system. Learn the system for your benefit and for the benefits of your children.

Who’s the Parent you or your Child?

Your child or children are an asset to you and not a liability. Look, Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of your womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3. If you are struggling with your parental rights and responsibilities sign-up to receive tips on life in general and I can help you with your parenting concerns.

Copyright © 2007 Clark A. Thomas

Clark A. Thomas

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Some singers catapulted to stardom rather quickly, some sparkled, flickered a little and then faded into obscurity while most singers stayed the same for years if not forever at mediocrity level?

Why is it that most singers never make it big in their singing career, not to say becoming superstars? Well, for starters, most singers begin their career as a lounge singer, singing in small clubs and belting out cover versions of established and popular singers. They selection of songs will be dictated by their audiences and so they must cover a wide genre of songs.

At one moment, you can enjoy a Barbara Streisand ballad and then the next song will be a fast Chaka Khan number followed by latin inspired Michael Buble’s ‘Sway’. Yes, it is good to be versatile and able to sing songs of various styles and genre. In fact it is even admirable if you can sing a Celine Dione number and sounded like Celine and then a Frank Sinatra swing sounding like ol’ blue eyes himself.

However, as a famous vocal coach, Brett Manning once said, ‘I have coached dozens of young women who can now sing almost exactly like Celine Dion. But then again, who wants a counterfeit when the real Celine Dione is already available?’ This quote is taken from Brett’s article ‘How to build a successful singing voice’.

In other words, most singers just take it as part of their job to sound like the original cover versions of songs and never try to create a distinctive sound and style of their own. Now, if all singers sounded alike, how would you get noticed and recognized for who you are? How to make it big as a singer when you can only sing other people’s song and imitate other singer’s style of singing?

Let me ask you a question, how many times have you heard a song being sung and immediately able to identify the singer although you have never heard that particular song performed by the singer? Many times isn’t it? Why? Because every prolific singer’s voice and style are like their thumbprint. It is distinguishable from the rest of the pack. That is why they stand out and get noticed.

If you want your singing voice to get noticed and make it big as a singer, develop a distinctive style and voice of your own. After all, you have sung so many singer’s style that you can use these influences to develop your own and stand out from the crowd.

Till next time, happy singing.

Chris Chew

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What is the main reason for getting a dog? If it is for the kids in your house, you have to remember that children cannot possibly take full responsibility of the dog. Once the novelty of a cute puppy wears off, this responsibility is pushed to the adults (and this happens most of the time). It is important that you educate your child on the importance of being a responsible pet owner. The job doesn’t end after the dog has got its dinner. It’s a lifetime commitment.

Can you afford the time to take care of your dog? If you don’t, getting a dog isn’t really a good idea. Dogs require as much attention as we humans do. They love companionship. That’s why they say dogs are man’s best friends. Are we able to reciprocate the kind of friendship they are offering us?

Are you able to take of it financially? There are many dog expenses, such as dog food, toys and clothes. You have to take it for vaccinations as well. On top of it, your dog should also have a regular checkup. And if it ever falls sick, there is also the medical fees to worry. Your dogs should also be sent for regular grooming to maintain its cleanliness and overall well being.

Do you know how to train your dog? Most of us don’t. So it brings us to the next question. Are we willing to learn how to train our dogs? Do we have the time? Do we need to engage a professional dog trainer, the services which might otherwise be expensive?

As long are you are committed to do the job well, I don’t forsee any difficulties. But you must bear these questions in mind before you get a dog. An impulsive decision might result in undesirable consequences.

George Yeo

(2008 UPDATE) A friend and fellow slave wrote a very good article for people, who have ever thought of getting ducks as pets. mrflapper.com ) Many of you have commented on this video, lots of questions regarding keeping ducks and what not. Let me explain a little about this video.. This video was taken over 2 years ago when I got my first ducks. It was a bad experience overall. These ducks were ordered from a Hatchery, delivered through mail, the first mistake of many to come. I was lucky to receive all my ducks alive and well, but not so many ducks have this luck – I ordered 12 ducklings, a friend of the fam wanted some to so I figured we could share the order. 7 of the 12 were given away once fully feathered, most of which did not survive, many drowned others got sick, they were living pretty much wild on his property and these ducklings are all Domestic Animals. They need your care. Of the 12 I kept 5, one of which, my favorite was killed and eaten by “nice” dog.. It was devastating, he somehow escaped the pen and got too close to the dog, who was just being a dog. 4 Survived and grew. All was ok till one of the, the Pekin suddenly became sick, when I noticed she was sick it was way too late, She had ingested what we think was the avocado leaves from our tree and it poisoned her. I noticed her in a corner not eating or moving. She let me pick her up which she never did and started having seizures. she died in my arms at 4AM. I was devastated. So much so my parents started to worry and picked any excuse to get rid of them. If you know anything about ducks is the mess they produce and back then my family wasn’t putting up with it. Even though I slaved over them, cleaning their pens sometimes 4 times a day! They decided there were too many fly’s for their comfort. Even though our dirty neighbor whose house was full of cats was to blame they blamed it on the Ducks and I had to give them away. The remaining 3 ducks, went to another family friend with a private pond. Time pased and they got older and got friends all was well till one day the 2 Cayuga’s (black ducks) went missing. They did not come back to their pen that night.. The following morning they found one of them, dead. Hidden under a bush injured. Something had got him and he tried to hide, instead he just died from the injuries. A day later they found the pile of feathers and innards of the other. This experience has really taught me a lot, and I hate it that it took the ducks poor life to make me learn. Ducks are probably the hardest most time consuming, most expensive pet to keep! I have 2 ducks now, a couple years later. Both were rescued in their own way. I’ve had the oldest for almost 2 years now. This time around the ducks are my priority, everything I do or think to do revolves around them. Looking and learning more ways to make sure everyone is okay with their presence. They own me, I don’t own them. No one understands this. Animals are NOT disposable! They are NOT experiments! Sure they are cute babies, but wait till they get older.. Sure! it was only 3 bucks in the feed store.. Get ready for the the thousands of dollars you spend. Their predator proof pen alone is cost over 400 dollars and its not even what I would want it to be! 50 dollars for food everytime they scraf down a bag, Ducks CAN’T live off bread. All I am saying is, think carefully before getting ducks as a pet.. Infact forget about it. Unless you’re willing to sell your soul, don’t.

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