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.
60 Second Singing Tips by Benita Charles is a new feature on the Ramsay Unleashed: Going Beyond Borders #podcast! In today's tip, NY-Vocalist, Benita Charles shares the best advice she ever got. (The best advice: create your own music!)
For more information about Benita Charles, visit: http://benitacharles.com
For more information about the Ramsay Unleashed podcast, visit: http://soundcloud.com/fraserr1
Monday, January 21, 2019
A special thanks to Fraser Ramsay for featuring my song, I Miss You on his the first show in 2019 of his podcast, Ramsay Unleashed: Going Beyond Borders in Scotland! The show featured special guest, Leila Welch. A special thanks to my producer, Andru Cann!
Announcement: 60 Second Singing Tips by Benita Charles is a new feature on the Ramsay Unleashed: Going Beyond Borders podcast in the UK! Every week, expect a golden nugget from NY-Vocalist, Benita Charles on artist development, business and motivational tips. This week's guest was author, Leila Welch. Featured music by Loretta Smail and Benita Charles (I Miss You) http://bit.ly/2T8ACss
1.Make
New Year’s Goals instead of New Year’s Resolutions
a.Goals
are more specific
b.Examples:
Instead of I want to lose weight (Resolution), say I want to lose 10 pounds in 60
days (Goal).
c.I
did this in 2018 and I accomplished more because I had specific things, I
wanted to accomplish
2.Write
out your goals everyday (twice a day if you’re ambitious)
a.Writing
out your goals keep them constantly in your mind
b.This
really worked for me last year. I accomplished more in 2018 than any other year
because I was more focused on my goals.
c.This
tip was inspired by best-selling author, international speaker and
entrepreneur, Grant Cardone (grandcardone.com)
3.Break
your goals into bit-size pieces and set SMART Goals
a.SMART
Goals
are Specific, Measurable, Achievable. Relevant and Time-bound.
b.A
SMART Goal is a short statement that a person makes to lead them in the
direction of what they want to accomplish. It ensures that the goal-setters are
clear on what they’re trying to accomplish, when and how.
4.Have
a specific deadline to achieve your goal
a.It
helps me to achieve my goal if I know that’s a definite purpose or event I’m
working towards. If it’s open-ended, I get distracted easily.
b.It’s
even more effective if there’s a sense of urgency to get it done.
5.Tell
someone or announce your goal for accountability
a.Tell
a friend or announce it on social media
b.When
you speak it out loud to someone your goal because more of a reality and you
will feel an obligation to achieve it.
6.Reward
yourself when you accomplish your goal
a.Celebrate
your success!
SMART Goals:
Specific
State
what you’ll do
Use
action words
Measurable
Provide
a way to evaluate
Use
metrics, data reports, progress reports, tracking process
Achievable
Within
your scope
Possible
to accomplish (attainable)
Relevant
Makes
sense with your job function
Improves
the business the same way
Time-bound
State
when you’ll get it done
Be
specific on the date or time frame
Source:
fitsmallbusiness.com
REFERENCES:
Articles from Life Hack (lifehack.org)
·50 New Year’s Resolution Ideas and How to
Achieve Them by Ivan Dimitrijevic
·New Year’s Resolution Work Sheet by Dave Kaiser
Article from from Fit Small Business
(fitsmallbusiness.com)
·20 Best SMART Goals Examples for Small
Businesses in 2018 by Laura Handrick
·SMART Goals chart
·SMART Goal Template (download)
***Please note: Writing out your goals twice a day was inspired by Grant Cordone's Podcast. He is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker and entrepreneur. For more information, visit: https://grantcardone.com
On the last episode on Singing Tips Live, NY-Vocalist, Benita Charles shared the best advice she ever got in her career.
The Best Advice Benita Charles ever got was "Create Your Own Music."
The advice was given by an artist from the group, All About Chad. At the time, Benita was new to New York City and was studying jazz and learning songs. The gentleman told Benita that is was great that she was learning cover songs but she should write, record and release her own music. At the time, Benita didn't understand the gravity of what that meant. Fast forward to years later, Benita has recorded her full CD, Moments and Love and has released several single releases including her current release, Never Ever Give Up. Benita's music is available on iTunes, Amazing Music, CD Baby and Spotify.
Thanks for joining me for another episode of Singing Tips Live! Today, we concluded our discussion about email marketing. I chose Mailchimp as my email service provider. Today, I created my first Landing Page. Go to bit.ly/singingtipsbc to sign up for the Singing Tips Newsletter
Top of the world: It was so great to participate in the Career Day for the high school students at Urban Assembly School For The Performing Arts in Harlem! The students and staff was so gracious. I was so happy that I was able to answer their questions about singing, recording and songwriting. A special thanks to Paul and Martha La Pierre for recommending me for the event! It felt great to give back. Wishing the students much success!
Career Day at Urban Assembly School For The Performing Arts in Harlem: On the table I gave the students advice on life (Let The Journey Begin), My top 10 Singing Tips, I showed my video of Never Ever Give Up (which will premiere online in 2 days!!!) and postcards announcing the song. The students really loved my Top 10 Singing Tips!
Great day at The Career Day: It was so great to meet Kadijat! She's amazing! She was one of the panelists for the event.
For the kids: Career Day at Urban Assembly School For The Performing Arts in Harlem. It was so great sharing my singing tips with the students!
Thanks for joining me for another episode of Singing Tips Live! We discussed the importance of living your dreams and contributing to the world. We honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the contributions he made fighting social injustices. One person can make a difference and so can you!
NEVER EVER GIVE UP
I. What do you dream of doing?
Do you know what you want to do in life? If so, are you doing it?
If not, what do you love to do? What do you do best?
II. Why should you pursue your dreams?
You should pursue your dreams to make an impact on the world and leave a legacy
It will fulfill your purpose in life (we are all unique and bring something special to the world
The world needs what you have to offer
III. Why you should Never Ever Give Up?
You won't get what you want if you give up
You will grow along your journey and what you will gain is priceless
It will be that much sweeter when you get it
IV. My Story (Benita Charles Music)
I discovered my talent at an early age in grade school. I joined the children's choir and sang my first solo at 12 years old. From that moment on, I've been singing ever since. Over the years, I've sung and acted in school plays and musicals, studied voice (opera) in college, sang in club and event bands, did studio and session work, produced my own concerts and TV shows. I've gained a wealth of experience through the years.
I've sung for free and I've gotten paid for it. I do it because I love it and it doesn't seem like work for me.
I am at home the most on stage or performing. It is the one thing in life I love I can do.
As long as I have breath, I will sing. I will always do this until I die. That's how much I love it and have to do it.
V. One Person Can Make A Difference: The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 15, 2018.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a baptist minister and most visible spokesman and social activist, who led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968. The tactics he used were non-violence and civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs and inspired by non-violence activism of Mahatma Gandhi.
He won the Nobel Peace prize in 1964 for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. At age 35, he was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Among his many efforts, Dr. King headed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
Through his activism and inspirational speeches, he played a pivotal role in ending legal segregation of African-American citizens in the US, as well as the creation of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and The Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Singing Tips - Recap of "The Show" Part of Singing Tips
(Part 1)
I.Your Talent (the foundation)
1. Start learning songs 2. Warm up your voice 3. Prince Tribute (the ultimate artist) 4. Establish a rehearsal schedule 5. Build your repertoire 6. Take care of your voice 7. Share your gift to the world 8. Write your own songs 9. Find a certified voice teacher 10. Learn a musical instrument
II. Your Live Performance (experience)
11. Sing in front of an audience
12. Project your voice when you sing
13. How to handle technical difficulties and interruptions
14. Singing with live musicians vs. performances tracks
15. Engage your audience
16. How to stay motivated when the going get tough
17. Equipment every singer should own
18. Performing with a live band
19. Always use a set list
20. Choose your song wisely (song choice)
III. Your Original Music (self-expression)
21. Write your own songs (original music)
22. Choose your song topic
23. Song structure
24. Music and lyrics
25. Elements of a hit song
26. How to conquer writer's block
27. Protect your songs (Copyright it)
28. 3 Key reasons why you should collaborate
29. Working with a producer
30. The recording process and completing your music
IV. Your Image (your calling card)
31. Image is everything
32. Self Image/Self Care
33. Your appearance
34. Effective communications
35. Your communication: your message
36. Your behavior (your reputation)
37. Your behavior (time management)
38. Your behavior (self discipline)
39. Your behavior (self confidence)
40. Your behavior (self esteem)
*Experts of "The Show" Part:
Your Live Performance
Minister Angela Williams
Founder of A Girl and her Pearls
Show aired September 10, 2016 (Singing Tip #19 - Set List)
Your Original Music
Azania Noah
International recording artist/singer-songwriter/performer/teacher
Show aired October 15, 2016 (Singing Tip #22 - Song Topic)
The Recap Show (Your Image): Ask the Experts - Part 2
In this episode, we discussed all the experts who were kind enough to give of their time, knowledge and gifts to the audience as a compliment to the Image Section of singing tips. We had some excellent experts who discussed fashion and style, time management and self care for artists.
Experts and Show Contributors:
Roxie Seigle (NY Stylist Extraordinaire) "How to Find Your Style" - show aired: 3/4/17
contact information:Rsstylist@gmail.com
Nadine Dillon (D-Nadz Jewelry), business sponsor & show contributor - show aired: 3/4/17
Paul and Martha La Pierre, show contributors (new location: Socrates Sculpture Park, Astoria, Queens) - show aired: 7/16/17
Socrates Sculpture Park - Astoria, Queens (NYC)
Astoria, Queens
1957 Corvette
"A
special thanks to all the experts who gave their time and such valuable information to
my audience! You have truly made a huge impact to my show!! I've gotten
the biggest reaction from the expert shows rather than any other show.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" -- Benita Charles
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!"
"Image is a reflection of being yourself." -- R3hab
Today, your Image is the number one commodity that you have to your success. It is the first thing people will see when they discover you - before they hear your music. That's why it's imperative that your image is impeccable in how you look, what you say and what you do!
Image Section:
1) Your Appearance (Your Brand)
Know who you are & celebrate what make you unique and use it to your advantage
Put your best foot forward in how you look, dress and carry yourself
You must look good at all times
Find your own personal style in your brand.
Be consistent in all you do with your image (on social media, print and marketing materials
2) Your Communication (Your Message)
As an artist, what do you stand for? What message is your music conveying? You must be clear with your answers to these questions
Are you properly communicating your message consistently? Do your fans "get you?"
It is important to be clear and consistent with your message.
3) Your Behavior (Your Reputation)
Are you an artist of integrity?
Can people count on you to follow through with your commitments?Do you show up on time?
What you do is more important than what you say
Questions to ask yourself:
What kind of image to you want to convey to the world?
How do you want to be remembered?
What do you want your image to consist of (eg. classy, rebel, activist, diva, etc.)
Does this image reflect who you are?
REFERENCES:
"Your image is more important than your music" by Brandon Seymour
diymusician.cdbaby.com
"Why is image so important" by Cathy Lemmon
The Artist Development Network
"How is the artist's image important in determining their success?"
insomniac.com
"Finding an image as a musician"
(openmic.co.uk)
Best wishes as you take your talent to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and
entertainment!"
I recently had a great recording session this past weekend. The song was great, the producer was engaging and had great ideas and my vocals were on. It was truly amazing.
That hasn't always been the case. When I first started recording, I had a difficult time in the studio.
Because I started as a live performer, I was use to singing in front of an audience. In the studio, it was just me and a mic. I was out of my element and it was difficult at first.
I tried so hard and I over thought everything. In turn, my recordings would turn out horrible. Not to mention, some of the producers I was working with didn't know how to bring things out of me. It was not a good situation. My confidence and self esteem were wrecked.
One of the things that helped me was when I performed the song live first before I recorded it. It made all the difference in the world. In this case, I was able to experiment with the song first before I went to the studio. When I returned to the studio, recording was a breeze. This boosted my self confidence and raised my self esteem tremendously.
Benita Charles with super producer, Themi
Here are 3 top lessons I learned from recording:
1) Always be prepared
-- Know the song and make sure you are performance ready
2) Get out of your own head
-- Relax and take your time
-- Usually, the first few takes are the best
3) Never, ever give up -- Keep up working at it, eventually you will get better
-- This will definitely improve your confidence in the matter
Best wishes as you take your music to the next level!
Much love,
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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