This blog is by singer/songwriter/producer, Benita Charles Music. She shares her thoughts and views on life and music. She resides in Harlem, NY. Her debut CD, Moments In Love: Volume 1 is now available on CD Baby and iTunes.
Tip #13: How To Handle Technical Difficulties and Interruptions
*Remain calm.
Things sometimes happen during a performance. It could be a technical problem with the equipment or some other problem beyond your control. It's best to keep your cool and assess the situation.
* Act Professional.
It's best to be courteous to the technical staff that are working on the problem. They are doing the best they can. Acting rude doesn't help the situation.
* Think of creative ways to handle the situation.
Work the crowd during the interim. Depending on what the problem is, you can make it a part of the show.
I hope these tips are helpful. Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
-- Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Hope for America: I am so grateful for the hope of America. With so much negativity that has been spewed through our airwaves for the past couple of weeks by Republican Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump. Our president, Barak Obama has reminded us that as long as there is hope, we can't go wrong! I'm truly going to miss him. He is a great orator, leader and example of someone who can handle pressure under fire. Despite all of the obstacles he faced, he still remained professional and in control. He is such an inspiration to all of us!
"Even when the battle seems lost, do not quit!" -- President Barak Obama
President Barack Obama's Full 2016 Democratic National Convention Speech
Our First Lady gave an phenomenal speech at the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016! She's poised, graceful and articulate. She spoke with passion, conviction and her own words!
This is truly a speech that would go down in history!
Benita Charles Music at Morningside Park (upper Manhattan)
Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #12: Project your voice when you sing.
* Project your voice when you sing so that your audience can hear your message.
* Projecting your voice shows your audience you have confidence when you sing.
* Proper Posture: Stand up straight and breathe properly and sing from your diaphragm. This will help you sing properly and project your voice when you sing
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
-- Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
A special thanks to all who attended and supported my Music For Peace Concert today in Morningside Park (upper Manhattan)!
It was an incredible day of music, friendship and unity. With so many tragic things happening in the world, it was so wonderful to bring some peace, love and joy!
I am so grateful for the incredible musicians who played with me today: Karyn Oliver, Peter Archer and Claude Draillard. They gave their talents and wonderful spirits today to help make this affair a huge success. From the bottom of my heart, I am eternally grateful!
One special moment happened when a gentleman who was jogging in the area, heard us singing "Give Peace A Chance" and he stopped and shared his story. His name is Jrome Andre and he is a recording artist who have been working on putting together a positive album of cover songs to help heal the world. He shared with us that he recently lost a loved one to violence in Atlanta. He looking to make a difference in the world with his music. It was so incredible to experience first hand the power of music!
I'm so grateful that my cousin, Jason Thompson and his friend Patrice attended and supported the concert. It was so wonderful to see family there.
I couldn't have asked for perfect occasion! It was truly a day of love, unity, peace and joy!! Thanks to all my fans for your continued support of my music!
-- Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Music Heals The World: We are living in turbulent times and civil unrest. It has been a rough summer with all of the recent tragic events that's been happening n the United States and abroad. We need relief. As we continue to pray for the world, we will unite on one day to lift our voices to the heavens and spread love through music.
On Sunday, July 24th, I am honored to host a sing-along at Morningside Park in upper Manhattan (110th Street and Morningside Ave.) in New York City as part of the Music For Peace event. On this day, we sing Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah at 12:00 pm and join people all over the world in song, unity and healing. Join me and all my friends at the park in song for a once in a life time experience! Music provided by Peter Archer. For more information, visit: http://benitacharles.com.
Location: We're
going to be near the 110th St. & Manhattan Ave. entrance of the
park. When you walk down the stairs, we will be on the far left side.
There's a lot of nice trees there.
About the Music For Peace Movement
The Music For Peace Movement is the brain-child of National touring solo artist, Marci Geller. Marci was inspired to create this event after watching a
video of Rufus Wainwright with the Choir! Choir! Choir! singing Leonard
Cohen's Hallelujah. She stated, "It not only brought tears to my eyes, it gave a
momentary sense of belonging to something greater. It inspired me to
want to keep putting out good energy and helping us all to heal." Thus, the Music For Peace Movement was born.
Concerts are scheduled around the world in New York, California, Tennessee, Canada, Ireland, and Mexico. They will be simultaneously live streamed to be viewed by hundreds of people around the world.
Pray for World Peace: Today, I'm sending love, light and prayers to the
people of France and Turkey. I pray for comfort for the loved ones of
those who perished in the recent tragic events this past week. I pray
for restoration and peace. There's power in prayer!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Benita Charles Music at Jackie Robinson Park (Harlem, NYC)
Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #11: Sing in front of an audience.
* Performing in front of an audience will take your talent to the next level.
* Performing in front of an audience will help you get paid gigs.
* Performing in front of people who don't know will test your abilities.
7 ways to gain live performance experience:
1) Family functions
- Sing at family gatherings such as BBQs, family reunions, weddings and special occasions)
- Sing as often as you can in front of your family/friends to get experience
- This is usually your first experience singing in front of a live audience and your family can be a kinder audience than most.
2) Church
- The church choir is an excellent way you can learn how to sing with a group and in front of an audience.
- The church choir will help you develop your ear because you have to listen to others when ou sing.
- The church audience is usually a kind and encouraging audience which can really put singers at ease during performances.
3) Open Mics
*An open mic is a show that anyone can sign up and perform with a live band.
- Open Mics are an excellent way to get live performance experience without a huge investment on your part.
- Open Mics will help you gain experience singing with a live band
- Be sure to sign up early because there's usually a huge wait time to sing at the most popular open mics.
4) Talent Shows
- Competing in talent shows is an excellent way to gain experience singing in front of an audience.
- Preparing for a talent show and performing will take your talent to another level.
- Watching other talent performers is a great way to learning winning techniques.
5) Artist Showcases
*An artist showcase is a show an independant producer promotes with a select number of featured artists.
-Performing in an artist showcase is great exposure for the artist performing on the roster.
-Performing in an artist showcase will allow the singers to perform at high-end venues.
-The performance time is longer for an artist showcase than an open mic.
6) Self-Produced Shows
*A self-produced show is a show the artist produces, invests and star in.
-This show will help the artist develop leadership skills as a producer.
-The artist has complete artistic control with a self-produced show.
-The artist will often keep a large portion of the profits for this type of show, depending on the agreement with the venue.
7) Live streaming on the internet
*The internet has opened a whole new way artist can perform and connect with their audience in real time.
-Performing live on the internet will allow you to engage with your audience like no other way before.
-It will also help you build an audience world-wide.
-If you're videos or live stream go viral, you will go mainstream for greater exposure for your artist brand.
-Current live stream sites: Facebook Live, Periscope, Ustream, Concert Window, Busker (new) and more.
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
-- Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Awesome connections: It was so great to meet Ankh Ra and the lovely Stacey Eden!
Beautiful soul: It was so great to meet Mr. Ankh Ra, vocal coach to the
stars and of MTV's Making of the Band. He had such a beautiful spirit.
We will meet again!
Knowledge is power: It was great meeting Amadeus of Platinum Boy Music
at the Music 101 College Tour at the Wix Lounge in NYC. He was a great
host and moderator.
Benita Charles Music at Battery City Park in NYC (lower Manhattan)
Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - The Recap Show (First 10 Tips)
This show is a review of the first 10 tips we discussed that builds your talent (voice). Your talent is your foundation to becoming a professional singer.
10 Singing Tips that help build your Talent:
1) Start learning songs.
*Sing as often as possible (at least 3 times per week).
*Start with songs you like.
2) Warm up your voice.
*Always warm up your voice before singing.
*Sing an easy song first after you warm up your voice.
3) Prince tribute show. (Study Prince's Artistry)
*Prince was the ultimate artist/performer. He was a perfect example for us all in our careers.
*Prince was a singer, musician, songwriter, producer, music and business executive.
4) Establish a rehearsal schedule.
*This will help you improve your voice and the songs you sing to practice consistantly.
5) Build your repertoire.
*Create set lists of different genres of music.
*This will help you have an arsenal of songs you can perform for upcoming gigs.
6) Take care of your voice.
*Be gentle with your voice.
*Avoid excessive talking and shouting.
*Give yourself a vocal rest as often as possible.
7) Share your gifts to the world.
*The world needs what you have to offer whether it's original music or your intrepretation of the songs you sing.
8) Write your own songs.
*Songwriting is an excellent way to help you release your own music in the world.
*Songwriting also helps you find your style when you sing covers.
9) Find a certified voice teacher.
*A teacher can help you learn the proper way to sing to maximize your voice.
10) Learn a musical instrument.
*Playing a musical instrument will help you learn music more throughly.
*This will help you in your songwriting and when you sing.
This concludes the tips we will discuss regarding your talent (your voice) in the "Show" part of "Show-Business." The next series of tips will focus on performing.
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
-- Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Benita Charles Music at Madison Square Park in NYC
Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #10: Learn a musical instrument.
* Learning a musical instrument can help you become a better singer because you will know which notes to sing in the music when you sing.
* Learning a musical instrument will help you put music to your songs when you write your original music.
* Learning a musical instrument will help get a greater understanding of music overall.
3 steps to learning a musical instrument
1) Practice at least 15 - 30 minutes daily (increase the time gradually). This will help you get in a good routine to practice and helps with consistency.
2) Practice from the perspective of learning to make beautiful that you enjoy. This will keep you motivated to practice every day.
3) Find a certified music teacher/music school/music books/online teaching tools to help guide you in learning your instrument. This will help you learn the proper technique of your instrument.
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
-- Benita Charles Music "Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Pray for America: This past week has been a trying week for those of us in the US. I've been in a state of shock for the last couple of days with the police shootings of Alton Sterling of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the next day, Philando Castile of St. Pal, Minnesota - in this case a 4-year old child was one of the witnesses in the car at the time of the crime. Both horrific crimes were caught on camera for the world to see. It was incomprehensible!
I woke up Friday morning to learn that there were 5 police killed in Dallas during a protest that was peaceful moments earlier. It was reported that the lone gunman, Micah Xavier Johnson, 25, of Mesquite, Texas, was a military veteran who'd served in Afghanistan. He told negotiators that he killed because he was upset with white people and he wanted to specifically kill white police officers. He was shot and killed by a bomb robot after negotiations broke down with police. It's all been hard for me to understand this level of hate in all instances this week. I'm just not wired that way. I spend my days helping people in one way or another. I love people. I have family, friends, coworkers, associates, artist friends, classmates, fans from all walks of life, ages, religions and backgrounds. I live in New York City, one of the most diverse places in the world that houses millions of people from all over the world. I don't always agree with what everyone says, posts or believes. However, I do respect them as people and their opinions. Somethings, I have agree to disagree. We are all humans - we eat, live, love and basically want the same things. To be respected. To matter. To be important. To be acknowledged. To count. I have ran across evil, hateful, racists people in my life but never to the extent of what Alton, Philandro and the millions of others in extreme situations have and/are facing. I can't imagine what that could feel like. I'm not a mother so I can't imagine what the millions of mothers and fathers felt like when they saw the videos of these horrific acts. One of my cousins has retired from law enforcement so I could only imagine what our family would be going through if something happened to her. I can't imagine what the families of the officers killed this week are going through. My heart goes out to all those people today.
Something has to change and it has to change fast. We, as a country, can't continue on the path we are going. This is what we are seeing with all the unrest that we are experiencing now. I don't condone crime to fight crime. There is a better way. People are protesting all over the country in the streets and on social media. Some have proposed to boycott the NYC transit system on Monday, July 11th as a day of solidarity. Some are rallying with the NAACP and National Action Network to take action. Others have propose having a peaceful conversation between the police and the community to bridge the gap and to help mend fences. All these things are great and a wonderful step in the right direction and I'm sure will make a difference. However, I would like to see the laws change! I want to see justice in the US Justice System. I don't want to see another police officer not be charged for killing a civilian unlawfully. Unless this change, all the efforts you are seeing now will go in vein. You will see more rioting and an even greater riff between the police and the community and total civil unrest.
We are in need of prayer more than ever now.
I pray for all the family, friends and loved ones of all the people who were killed this week.
I pray for all the fathers and mothers who are afraid for their children and loved ones because of what has happened.
I pray for the officer's families who lost their loved ones this week. I pray that the US Justice System is overhauled to truly enforce justice for all. I pray for America that we will one day become a nation that is unified and respects all its inhabitants. I pray for everyone who is reading my words that you have peace and love in your life during these troubling times. -- Sending love & light to the world, Benita Charles
" Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Before the Preachermann and The Revival Show: Preachermann - Benita - Amnel
A special thanks to all who attended and supported the Preachermann and The Revival Show at The Shrine on July 2nd! It was truly a night to remember. It was the place to be last Saturday night! The audience was packed and so energetic - it was contagious!
It was so wonderful to see our friends who attended, Tom Watson and Shawn and other familiar faces. We even met new friends along the way, Ms. Darlene Dues of Orange is the New Black, Leslie Robinson of rechargethegame.com, Maki Yamamoto (textile designer), Burcu Ozturk and her friends!
Even though we didn't have the entire band with us, the music was as powerful as ever. It is a pleasure working with so many extraordinary musicians who love what they do. I was honored to share the stage with the charismatic, Ed "Preachermann" Holley, the lovely Amnel Holguin on backgrounds (the newest member), Joe Paldino (guitar), Nick Paldino (bass), Manny Montanez, (percussion) and Tom Pope (drums). Together, we created beautiful music that enriched the audience. We could feel the love from the stage.
The Shrine staff was hospitable as always to us. A special thanks to our sound man for helping us sound the best. It's a pleasure playing there. It is our home!
Thanks to all our fans and the well wishers who sent your energy to us last night. We appreciate all of you for your love and support.
Music is so incredible! It changes lives and makes the world a better place! I am so proud and honored to be a music maker. Thanks so much to everyone for taking this journey with us!
Much Love to you all,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Benita Charles is a singer/songwriter/producer who resides in Harlem, NY. Her debut CD, Moments In Love: Volume 1 is now available on CD Baby and iTunes.
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