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.
Rest in Peace: I am so sorry to hear of the recent passing of George Michael. Such an incredible talent (singer/songwriter/performer)! I loved his voice and his music. Truly gone too soon! The music community has lost another great one this year. I pray for comfort for his family, friends and all his fans.
George Michael, Pop Superstar, Is Dead at 53
December 25, 2016: George Michael, the creamy-voiced English songwriter who sold tens of
millions of albums as a member of the duo Wham! and on his own, was
found dead on Sunday at his home in Goring in Oxfordshire, England. He
was 53. (article by Jon Parelles for the New York Times)
Merry Christmas!! On this Christmas Day, I'd like to wish you and yours a
very special day of love, happiness, laughter, freedom and joy to last
for eternity! Today is a gift. Let the spirit of Christmas fill your
heart with love!
Christmas in New York is so amazing! My all-time favorite thing was the spectacular light show at Saks Fifth Avenue on Christmas night. It was amazing to see it live.
Here are some sights and sounds of my adventure on Christmas Day 2016. Enjoy!
Happy Holidays! Wishing you the magic of the season and a joyous and wonderful holiday!! I hope you and your family have a joyous, happy and fun-filled holiday weekend!
Thanks so much for your support of my musical endeavors through the years. I appreciate all of your kind words, well wishes, attendance of my shows, purchasing my music, and your support of my online Singing Tip Show. I am so touched by your kindness!
If you're not following me on Facebook and Twitter, please connect with me as I post often and you can get notifications for my live broadcasts. Those are always fun and I enjoy the engagement with the fans.
I wish you well. I wish you joy and I wish you love this holiday season. Best wishes!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Songwriting 101 (Part 5): Protect Your Work (Copyright it!)
Here are the key reasons why you should copyright your work:
1) You will have legal protection against theft and unlawful use of your work if you copyright your work. Should you have to go to court, your copyright is your legal proof that you are the owner of your song.
2) As the copyright owner, you have full use of the song. You can record it, perform it live and license it for a fee for other to use it. You will receive compensation for all the ways you use your song.
3)The poor man's copyright is to mail a copy of your song to yourself. However, it won't hold up in court. Only, the legal copyright through the US Library of Congress will the court recognize as your proof of ownership. It's good to do when you're in a pinch. However, it's best to always register your songs through the US Library of Congress to fully protect your songs.
4)Register your songs through the US Library of Congress. To register your songs, visit: http://copyright.gov. You will use the PA Form (for unpublished songs you write with music and lyrics). You will use for SR Form (for recorded songs with words and music). If you register online, it's cheaper than using the standard mailing process. Check the website for appropriate fees for both.
Bonus tip: It's best to copyright your songs as you create them. This way you will have your copyright in the same year you created it. Also, you avoid the risk of your work been stolen.
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
The Preachermann and The Revival Band had a private gig at the Hall at MP in Brooklyn on Friday, December 9th and took the audience to the next level!
It's so wonderful to perform and see just how music can reach and transform people. The audience was so moved by our music that that were shouting "Preachermann....Preachermann...Preachermann" by the end of the evening.
A special thanks to Preachermann
and The Revival Band for always bringing the great music to the
fans. It is so fulfilling to share the share with you and bring took the
audience to new heights last night as it was one of the most engaging
crowds we've had in a while. PATR Band: Ed Holley (Preachermann), Jonah
Rosenberg (piano), Joe Paldino (guitar), Nick
Paldiono (bass), Karl Watson (sax/violin), Manny Montanez (percussion)
and Tom Pope (drums) - you rock
I am so honored to be a music maker. The power of music is so incredible. It truly changes the world! Thank you all for your continued support of my music endeavors. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are the best!
The Preachermann and The Revival Band
Ed "Preachermann" Holley, lead vocals Benita Charles, background vocals Amnel Holguin, background vocals Jonah Rosenberg, piano Joe Paldino, guitar Nick Paldino, bass Karl Watson, saxophone, violin Manny Montanez, percussion Tom Pope, drums
Songwriting 101 (Part 4): How to Conquer Writer's Block
Here are the 3 key ways to conquer writer's block:
1) Step away from the song and do something else
-Sometimes it helps to put the song down and do something else. When you come back to the song, you'll have a fresh perspective.
-Record the song first before you put it away. This way, when you come back to it, you'll hear what you worked on and it will give you new ideas for the song.
2) Keep writing until you can't write any more.
-When you return to the song again from your break, keep writing. Even if you don't like what you write, write it anyway. You can always edit it later. The most important thing is to write it out and get it out of your head. This is called, free form writing.
-There's a wealth of information from your free form writing, perhaps another song.
3) Establish a writing schedule
-It's helpful if you have a set day and time for your writing. Set aside a certain block of time where you will focus and concentrate on your song.
-Remove distractions and find a comfortable space of your choice where you can write your songs.
Finally, study your favorite hit songs. What works for the song? What's the most memorable? Why do you like it? Take what you like and kind your own style. Good luck with your songwriting and your hit song!
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
A night to remember: A special thanks to all who attended Preachermann's Birthday Concert Saturday
night at the legendary Shrine in Harlem! The anticipation before the show was so high that by the time of the show started, the enthusiasm was through the roof! It was truly a sight to see and experience. There were so many new faces in the beginning but by the end of the show, we were all friends! That's the power of Preachermann Music!! Shalimar!!
Thanks to the Holy Forest for a great opening set. The energy was high and they really brought the spirit of Africa in the room. Ed "Preachermann" Holley shined and his incredible vocals filled the room with so much love and joy it was contagious! The audience thoroughly enjoyed the set.
A special thanks to Preachermann
and The Revival Band for always bringing the great music to the
fans. It is so fulfilling to share the share with you and bring took the audience to new heights last night as it was one of the most engaging crowds we've had in a while. PATR Band: Ed Holley (Preachermann), Jonah Rosenberg (piano), Joe Paldino (guitar), Nick
Paldiono (bass), Karl Watson (sax/violin), Manny Montanez (percussion) and Tom Pope (drums) - you rock!
It
was so wonderful to see Mr. and Mrs. Holley, our friends, Tom Watson and Charnae Betton our new friends: Bella, Jenny Rs, Val Desrosiers, Pauline Ross, Shazzi Thomas, Byron Garcia, Ed's baseball team players Eiaton and Hudson as well as a host of others in
attendance.
A special thanks to the Shrine and Loren for providing us with great sound for the evening. It was most appreciated!
It
was an incredible night: the room was packed and spirits were high by
the end of the night. It was truly a night to remember. Shalimar!
Benita Charles announced The Preachermann Birthday Concert at the Shrine NYC
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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