Only in New York!

Nassau Street in New York City

Only in New York: Where else would you find a car with falsies? That's taking beauty to a whole new level!! #nyc #beauty #anotherlevel #onlyinnewyork #oddity #justforfun #weekendfun #weekend

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #30

Benita Charles at Brookfield Place in NYC

  Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #30

Release Your Music (Part 1)

*There's a 3 step process to producing your music for release.

1) Pre-Production

• Practice your song and make sure it's performance ready before you record it in the studio.
•  Meet with the producer before the session to go over any questions regarding the music and the arrangement.

2) Production

•  Record your vocals and music and sing from the heart in the vocal booth. 
• The mic picks up any vocal imperfections and emotions.

•  Schedule a separate session for mixing of the music. 
• It takes that long to get the music just right.

• Listen to the song outside of the studio on your headphones or smaller system to hear exactly what the song sounds like. 
• For some reason, everything sounds better in the studio.

• Ensure that you have a good, quality final mix of the song 
• This is very important for mastering process.

 3) Post-Production

•  Ensure that you have a great final mix of the song 

• This includes but not limited to equalization,and audio level compression and limiting.
• Ensure the music and vocals are evenly leveled throughout the song)

• Always master your song
• Make sure you have a good final mix of the song. This is very important for the mastering process.
• Mastering the song takes the song to another level and gives it the "radio ready" quality to the sound.
• The master is the source that you will give the manufacturing company (like Discmakers) to make copies of your CD for purchase.
• Hire a graphic designer to design the CD cover and liner notes
• You can use a service like fivrr.com to find a good designer at a good price.
• Submit the design and master to a duplication company (such as Discmakers) for copies of your music
• Once you do all those things, your music is ready for purchase!
  

 Bonus tips (repeated for further emphasis):

Make sure your song is performance ready(fully written, well rehearsed and emotionally connected to the song) before you record the final vocals in the studio.

• Time is money in the studio and you can waste both if you're not prepared.

Always...always...always master your song!! 

•  If not mastered, the copies of the CD will not sound professional.
• I stress: make sure your final mix is exactly what you want. If not, it will not be able to be corrected during the mastering process.

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!"

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/benita-charles/id200276662

http://benitacharles.com
Blog: http://singingtipsbybcm.blogspot.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcmsings/
Email: singingtips.bcm@gmail.com

 Benita Charles at Brookfield Place in NYC

Periscope:



Facebook Live:



Having fun at Brookfield Place:


Brookfield Place NYC - Jan 21st from Benita Charles on Vimeo.

Women's March on Washington - January 21st!

On Saturday, January 21, 2017, thousands of women are marching for women's rights. They are sending a loud and strong message to the new administration that they will not tolerate their rights being taken away!

Ashley Judd's EPIC "Nasty Woman" Speech At The Women's March On Washington 

 

  Women's March on Washington 2017

 


 Live coverage on Women's March on Washington Youtube Channel:

https://youtu.be/XC9hTrX9oNk

About:

This is the official, national page for the Women's March on Washington. The march will take place on January 21st in Washington D.C. starting at 10AM.

General Information

The Women's March on Washington will take place on January 21 in Washington D.C. starting at 10AM

STORY:

The Women’s March on Washington will occur on Saturday, January 21, 2017, beginning at 10:00 am.

The march will occur in Washington, DC near the Capitol. Specific location and details are soon forthcoming. Professional organizers are working with all relevant agencies and there should not be any issues with securing necessary permits.

The Women’s March on Washington is a grassroots effort comprised of dozens of independent coordinators at the state level. The effort is helmed by four national co-chairs and a national coordinating committee who are working around the clock to pull it all together.

A program featuring nationally recognized artists, entertainers, advocates, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and others will be announced in the coming weeks.

MISSION:

On January 21, 2017 we will unite in Washington, DC for the Women’s March on Washington. We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families, recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.

The rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us: immigrants of all statuses, Muslims and those of diverse religious faiths, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, and survivors of sexual assault. Our communities are hurting and scared. We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concern and fear.

In the spirit of democracy and in honor of the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore. The Women’s March on Washington will send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world, that women’s rights are human rights. We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.

We support the advocacy and resistance movements that reflect our multiple and intersecting identities. We call on all defenders of human rights to join us. This march is the first step towards unifying our communities, grounded in new relationships, to create change from the grassroots level up. We will not rest until women have parity and equity at all levels of leadership in society. We work peacefully while recognizing there is no true peace without justice and equity for all. HEAR OUR VOICE.

Preachermann & The Revival return to Friends & Lovers in Brooklyn!

On Saturday, February 25th, Preachermann and The Revival return to the hot spot Friends and Lovers in Brooklyn for a soulful set of atomic soul!

Come join us for a night of sonic libations.

Let's us elevate you... Entertain you and feed your mind and spirit. The show will set your soul free.

Preachermann and the Revival will cleanse your soul! Get up in the water and get wet!!

What sets him apart from his peers is that his sultry brand of neo-soul is not only fresh, it is fearless; not merely sensuous, but conscious. And unlike so many modern soul artists whose work is weighed down with clichés, he has an uncanny knack for clever wordplay that bridges the serious side of life with the levity that makes it livable. The title track to his 2006 LP, Negroes Stay Crunchy in Milk, is but one shining example of Preacher’s capacity to skillfully and seamlessly blend prophetic lore with ironic metaphor to make timeless music that crosses broad boundaries without selling itself out.

You won't want to miss this event.

Come ready to dance, sing and release!!

Performance Details:

Saturday, February 25, 2017 – 8:00 pm
Preachermann & The Revival
Friends & Lovers
641 Classon Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11238
http://www.fnlbk.com/ 

 Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1459871337386739/

The Preachermann and The Revival Band:

Ed Preachermann Holley, lead vocals
Benita Charles, background vocals
Lyndrick, background vocals
Jonah Rosenberg, piano
Joe Paldino, guitar
Nick Paldino, bass
Karl Watson, saxophone, violin
Manny Montanez, percussion
Tom Pope, drums

Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Civil rights leader. Activist. Orator. One of the greatest leaders of all times. He showed the world that one person can make a difference.

If you don't think you can make a difference in the world or that you don't have anything to offer, think again. Dr. King showed us that you can change the world by doing the right thing. His legacy lives on. Always strive to be your best - the world needs what you have to offer.

 The life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

-- Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"


http://benitacharles.com


 
MLK Day 2017 - One Person Can Make A Difference! from Benita Charles on Vimeo.

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #29

Benita Charles in New York City

  Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #29

Working with a producer

*A producer is a person who creates and oversees the music and music production in the recording process.

1) Find the right producer.

• One of the best ways to find a producer is through referrals (through other musicians).

• Studios can be a great resources since that's where producers work.

• Another resource is the Association of Music Producers (AMP). They have an online directory of members.

2) Discuss what type of business arrangement you are entering in before any work begins. 

•  Decide if this will be a work for hire or if the producer will have a portion of ownership of the song.

•  It's best to have a contract of your agreement with the producer.

• Always let your attorney review every contract before you sign it. It's very important to understand what you are signing. 

 3) Establish a good working relationship with the producer.

• A good producer will get to know you and try to bring out your best qualities and your source of emotion and expressions to create the best recording process.
• There has to be mutual respect and trust in order for the relationship to work.
• A good producer will have a good ear to hear when things are off and not sounding the best

Bonus tip:

Make sure your song is complete (fully written and well rehearsed) before you work with the producer and go to the studio.

• Time is money in the studio and you can waste both if you're not prepared

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!"

http://benitacharles.com
Blog: http://singingtipsbybcm.blogspot.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcmsings/
Email: singingtips.bcm@gmail.com

  

  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/benita-charles/id200276662

Facebook Live:


https://youtu.be/Ryr4KXkgSjU


Periscope:




Happy Martin Luther King Day - Random Acts of Kindness:

A Special Singing Tip Show on January 7th!

Benita Charles at Brookfield Place NYC

Happy New Year 2017!! Thanks for joining me for special episode of Singing Tips! The first singing tip of 2017!! This week, we discussed Mariah Carey's NYE performance disaster. It's something we as performers can all learn from.

3 Things that we can learn from Mariah Carey's Performance Disaster:

1) Always be fully prepared  (well rehearsed) for all live performances

• Before a performance, make sure you have had adequate rehearsals
• If there's a sound check, make sure you're there and you check your own sound
• If you're able to rehearse before a show, make sure you rehearse as much as allowed

2) Always be prepared to sing "live" at all live performances

• It should always be a last resort to lip synch
• If the power or sound goes out, be prepared to sing a cappella and entertain the audience
• Perform with a live band with background singers if at all possible

3) Take full responsibilities for the things that you didn't do to ensure you have a stellar performance

•  Don't blame others for the things that you should have taken care of (make sure all equipment and tracks are fully checked before the show)
• Apologize to your audience for a lack-luster performance
• Plan a make-up show and make sure it's a stellar performance 

We can all learn from each other.  The most important thing is to pick yourself up when you fall and soar.  You soar by making sure you're fully prepared for all performances!


Best wishes as you take your voice to the next level! I hope you have a rich and prosperous New Year 2017!

Much love,

Benita Charles

http://benitacharles.com
Blog: http://singingtipsbybcm.blogspot.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcmsings/
Email: singingtips.bcm@gmail.com

 https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/benita-charles/id200276662

Mariah Carey's NYE Performance Disaster:

Benita Charles live on Facebook:

Benita Charles live on Periscope:

Luminaries Light Show at Brookfield Place:

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #28

Benita Charles in New York City

 Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #28

3 Key Reasons Why you should Collaborate

1)Each songwriter can bring new skill, ideas, new music to create a masterpiece.
One person could be good with the lyrics and another could be good with the music.
Another person could be good with the arrangement while the other person could come up with a great song concept.


2) Creatively, collaborations can help flush out ideas of an old song ideas.
If you have writer's block or if you are stuck, another songwriter can give you a fresh perspective to an old idea.


3) You have a greater chance for success and profit.
If the song is a hit, each songwriter can earn a lot of money
"50% of something is better than 100% of nothing" -- Cliffie Stone  (Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Songwriting But Didn't Know Who To Ask)

Bonus tip:

Before you begin your work, there should be a discussion as what the terms of the collaboration.

• Always discuss the terms of the collaboration before any work begins. For example, is this a work for hire? Meaning, the singer or producer is paid for their service but no copyright (publishing) ownership is agreed. Or, there's no money involved up front  but each songwriter owns a portion of the copyrights and royalty.  

• Always have a contract for the terms of the collaboration. This way everyone is in on the same page as to exactly what terms of collaboration are. 

• Always let your attorney review every contract before you sign it. It's very important to understand what you are signing.

Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!

This is the last singing tip of 2016!  I wish you a rich and prosperous 2017!! Happy New Year!!!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com
Blog: http://singingtipsbybcm.blogspot.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcmsings/
Email: singingtips.bcm@gmail.com

 https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/benita-charles/id200276662

Live on Facebook:

Farewell, President Obama!!

 The Obama's: America's First Family

Farewell Address: Farewell, President Obama!! We will miss you and the first family for your class and grace! President Obama gave a very touching and inspiring speech last night. I especially loved when he acknowledged his family!  

He speech was so inspiring and called on all citizens to make a difference! He truly made a difference during his presidency! YES WE DID!!

President Obama's touching tribute to his family:



President Obama's Farewell Address

Happy New Year 2017!!

Happy New Year 2017: I wish you a year of prosperity, good health, love, happiness, joy, wealth and good fortune! May all your dreams come true!!

Thank you so much for your continued support of my creative endeavors. There will be more exciting events and new music this year! I'll keep you posted.

I hope all your dreams come true in 2017!!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!

http://benitacharles.com


***

AS I CLOSE THE DOOR

Dear Lord, as I close the door on the old year, I ponder the things I've done... the things I've said and the joys I've had I wonder, have I lost or won?

I've thought of new friends I have made, and the old ones, staunch and true... the paths of the old year made easier, Lord, because I have walked them with You

I think of all the many times, when my burdens were so heavy to bear, and how my faith slipped away from me but somehow You were always there

Now, as I open the door to this New Year, and carefully peep inside, I wonder what it holds for me... but I'll throw the door open wide.

Whatever it brings to me and mine, I'll meet it with a heart so true... I know that, Lord, whatever it may be, You'll be there to carry me through!

--Merrei Thompson

Happy New Year 2017! from Benita Charles on Vimeo.