Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #22

Benita Charles & Azania Noah at the Tsion Cafe in Harlem

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #22

Today, is a special show because I had a special guest, international recording artist/performer/singing teacher, Azania Noah.  Azania was kind enough to share her songwriting process and the inspiration behind her original music on her CD, Rising!

About Azania Noah:

Originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa, this award-winning, multi-cultural artist was born and raised in the U.S. & in Switzerland. Azania Noah’s captivating voice, powerful energy and lovely charisma make her a phenomenal performer and a joy to see on stage. She has performed over 800 concerts around Europe, the U.S., Africa and in Asia. She is just as comfortable in major music festivals, such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, as she is singing for Presidents and politicians such as the U.K.’s Tony Blair. In Paris, she won first prize in the French T.V. competition “Graines de Star” which was the first French show similar to ‘American Idol’. She also recently featured on the famous TV show “The Voice” in France (TF1 TV) seen by over 8 million viewers internationally. As an avid songwriter as well, Azania’s lyrics are often enriched with uplifting and positive messages and her debut album, Rising, released in 2013, was inspired by the groovy old school soul and funk era, interlaced with jazz and pop. She is currently composing songs for a new album. For more information, visit: http://azanianonah.com.

This week's show was filed at the Tsion Cafe in Harlem.

A special thanks to Tsion Cafe in Harlem for allowing me to film this week's Singing Tips by Benita Charles Show! I appreciate the hospitality of the owner and staff!

The Tsion Cafe is a spiritual place to nourish the body & soul. Cuisine at the restaurant is Ethiopian, Mediterranean and American.

The Tsion Café is more than a restaurant; it's a cultural hub in Sugar Hill Harlem. They feature international musical artists as well as film screenings, book signings and a weekly poetry night.  Visual artists' exhibits are rotated every 8 weeks.

The Tsion Cafe is truly a gem in the Harlem community!

https://tsioncafe.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tsion-Cafe-Bakery/782185001805336

 Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #22

Songwriting: Choose your song topic

Here are things you can write about:

• Your experience
• A topic that moves or inspires you
• A response to another person's song
• Current events
• Something you see on television or the movies
• A lesson from others' experiences
• Whatever you'd like!

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

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Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - The Recap Show (Your Live Performance)

Benita Charles Music in NYC

The Recap Show (Your Performance)

This show is a review of the tips 11 - 20 where we discussed ways to enhance your live performances. You've built your talent.  Now, it's time to take it to another level by performing in front of an audience.

Benita Charles with special guest, Minister Angela Williams in NYC

In this series, I also had my first special guest speaker, Minister Angela Williams.  She appeared on September 10th on the Tip 19 Show (Always have a set list). Her speech, "Prepacked For The Journey," was a divine and motivating message that inspired the audience! I am so grateful for her time and the incredible value she added to my show!!

About Minister Angela Williams:

Minister Angela Williams is from Deerfield Beach, FL. By day is a Senior Director Customer Service Operations for a publishing company. In life, she ministers women and children.  She is the president of  the Women's Auxiliary for Florida East Coast Baptist Association. It's the largest association in Florida and the fourth largest in the nation. She is also the founder and director of A Girl and Her Pearls, a girl's ministry.
     
10 Singing Tips that enhances your Live Performance:

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. 
• 7 ways to gain live performance experience: family functions, church, open mics, talent shows, artist showcases, self-produced shows and live streaming.        

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

 13) How To Handle Technical Difficulties and Interruptions

• Remain calm.
• Act Professional.
• Think of creative ways to handle the situation.

14) Singing with Live Musicians vs. Singing with Tracks

      Singing with Live Musicians

•  Allows for greater flexibility with song arrangements.
•  Helps you create your own performance style.
•  Helps you become a leader as a live performer.

       Singing with Tracks

• Cost effective on smaller gigs.
• Practice with the tracks so that the performance will go smoothly.
• Ensure the track is in good working condition before the show.

15) Engage Your Audience

•  Be confident in your performance
•  Keep your back story to yourself
•  Always put your heart and soul in every performance

16) How to stay motivated when the going gets tough

•  Remember your "why."
•  Take a break
•  Get creative with your approach in how you pursue your dream

17) Equipment every singer should own

• Professional Microphone with cord (or cordless mic)
• Portable PA System
• Percussion instruments

18) Performing with a Live Band

• Prepare your songs on your own before you rehearse with the band
• Find your musicians for your show and rehearse as much as possible
• Perform at your best at the show

19) Always use a Set List

• A set list allows everyone to know which songs are presented and in the order of the show
• A set list helps with the flow of the show
• A set list should be flexible enough to change depending on the flow of the show  

20) Song Choice: Using your original music and Covers

• Choose songs you enjoy singing
• Choose song that are currently popular
• Always perform your original songs at your shows  

This concludes the tips we will discuss regarding your Live Performance section in the "Show" part of "Show-Business." The next series of tips will focus your original music and recording.


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!"

http://benitacharles.com


The Recap Show (Your Live Performance Tips) - Part 1



The Recap Show (Acknowledgment of Minister Angela Williams, first special guest) - Part 2

September 10th - Episode 19 with Minister Angela Williams

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - The Recap Show

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!"

http://benitacharles.com