Singing Tips by Benita Charles - Tip #21

Benita Charles at Brookfield Place in NYC

 Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #21: Write Your Own Songs (Your original music)

When I first moved to New York in 1996, I met a man named Chad Pilieri from an indie rock band called "All About Chad." He said something to me that I will always remember. He told me that I should write and record my own songs. Then, he gave me his CD, "Down In Front," released in 1995. At the time, I didn't know much about that aspect of the music business so I didn't do anything with his advice until years later.  Eventually, I released my own CD (Moments In Love: Volume 1) on my label Star Entertainment New York. Looking back I realize that his advice was invaluable! I still have his CD to this day.  Sadly, I learned his group disbanded.

All About Chad, the band (indie rock/alternative)

Indie pop quartet All About Chad featured guitarist Asif Chaudhri, singer Ben Reiser, bassist Chad Pilieri, and drummer Jason Schreiber. After the release of the "Chad's Very First Record" single on Jeezus Peezus Records in 1991, the Brooklyn band set out to record their debut full-length. This That & the Other Thing was released in 1989, and was followed by 1991's The Scouting Party. 1992 saw the unveiling of the quirky Jelly Slide EP. They continued in 1993 with the "Chad's Got an Earring" single on It's Only Pop Music Records. Big Pop Records released the band's swan song, Down in Front, in 1995. Recorded and produced by the band, the disc showcased the band's endearing brand of indie pop music. The group called it quits soon after, but not before an impressive appearance on March Records' stellar Pop American Style compilation in 1996 with the catchy "Japanese Couple in Reverse." ~ Stephen Cramer, Rovi

Moments In Love: Volume 1 by Benita Charles

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

 3 reasons you should write and record your own music:

1) Your original music is your contribution to the world.

• It comprises of your thoughts, emotions, and experiences - your gift.
• It is your message.

2) You have a responsibility as artist. People look up to artists as role models.

• Your words can inspire, heal and tough the world
•  Your words can also destroy, demean and degrade if you don't have the right intentions

3) You can sell your own music to your loyal fans at your shows and beyond

• You can now sell your music directly to your fans with out a record label (middle man)
•  You can build your fan base with your music

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

Brookfield Place (Winter Garden) Tour - New York

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #20 (Part 2)

Benita Charles at the South Street Seaport (NYC)

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #20 (Part 2)

 Song Choice: Originals vs. Covers (Part 2)

Continuing our discussion about selecting songs for your live shows, here are 5 key reasons why you should include original songs in your show:

1) Performing your original music at your shows introduces your music to the world.

2) It allows you to work out the song before you record it. When you go in the studio, you'll have a point of reference to build on.

3) It adds variety to your show. It's good to mix cover songs and original songs in your show. The audience can identify with the music they know and they'll be more receptive to listening to your original music.

4) It's also great practice as you transition from being a live performance artist to a recording artist. As a major recording artist, you will be performing mostly original music.

5) It connects the audience to your music as you sell your music.  When you sell your CDs at your shows, the audience will be more familiar with your music if they hear it first at your show.

Please note: The title of this topic is misleading.  You don't have to pick originals over covers or vise versa. You're show should mix both covers and originals in your show for a greater experience!

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

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Mini tour of South Street Seaport

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Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #20 (Part 1)

Benita Charles at Bryant Park in NYC

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #20

Choose Your Songs Wisely

When choosing songs for your show, consider the following:

1) Choose songs you like.  It's the fastest way to learn songs and make them your own because you enjoy them.

2) Select songs that are inspiring and moving to the audience. 

3) It's good to include current popular songs. The audience enjoy hearing songs they know.

4) Songs from your favorite artists are great to add to your set.  You can mention why you like the audience and sing a tribute to that audience.

5) It's also good to add the standard songs of your genre of music (your musical style). These are popular songs that everyone knows.

6) Research other cover bands online to find popular/standard music to add to your set list.

7) If you have original material, you should add those songs as well.  It gives a nice mix to the set.

Also, for me I get inspired when I see other singers perform a song I like.  Sometimes, it's a song I didn't think about but I connect with it when I hear it.

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

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Activate Conference 2016 - September 19 & 20!

Activate Your Life: The Activate Conference is coming up on Monday, September 19th and Tuesday, September 20th in Washington, DC.

I had the pleasure of attending this event last year in Atlanta and it was epic! There was a wealth of information, wonderful connections, and great good vibes.

Since joining the Activate Movement, lead by the chief Activator, Lucinda Cross, I noticed a huge improve in my life and perspective/outlook! It's so empowering to be around dynamic, movers/shakers, phenomenal woman who are striving for excellence and to help others. It is often said that you should surround yourself with great people and people who are doing better than you. I've found this to be very true. Every Activate event was a learning experience and a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable. They have definitely kept me focused.

If you want to learn how to take your life to the next level, visit: http://www.activateconference.com/ .

Remembering September 11th

 
Remembering September 11th: Today on the 15th anniversary of September 11th, we remember and honor those who lost their lives on 9/11/01. We will never forget.

Sending peace, love and God's comfort to those who lost loved ones and friends on that day.

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #19

Benita Charles with special guest, Minister Angela Williams

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #19

Always use a Set List

1) A set list allows everyone to know which songs are presented and in the order of the show.

2) A set list helps with the flow of the show.

3)  When selecting the order of the show, think about the songs in terms of music, tempo and where they are happening during the evening.
(For example, you may want to start with something easy-breazy in the beginning and work your way to something more danceable.
Or, you could group the songs by genre if it's a corporate or club gig and you have different genres on your list.)
Most importantly, a well, thought out set list works best for the show.

4) Be flexible in your set list because the show can change due to the audience's engagement. If set is high energy and the audience is dancing, you may want to change the song if the next song on your list is slow. 
In this instance you have to play it by ear and decide what will work best for the flow of the show.

Today, we was honored to have a special guest, Minister Angela Williams for Deerfield Beach, FL give words of encouragement to all.

Her message "Prepacked for the Journey" was so powerful and resonated with the audience! A special thank you to her for sharing her words of wisdom to the show today.

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.

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

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Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #18

Benita Charles Music at Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY)

 

 Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #18

 

 

Performing with a Live Band

Here are a few key points to working with a live band:

1)  Select your songs and learn them on your own before you rehearse with the band.
    A) The more prepared you are, the more efficient your rehearsal will be.

2)  Find your musicians for your show.
    A) Personal referrals are the best way to find musicians.
    B) There are online sites that are good for finding musicians such as Bandmix and Craigslist

3) Rehearse with the band as much as needed.
   A) The more you can work on the music with the band, the better you will sound at the show.
  
4) Perform at your best at the show.
   A) Always look your best
   B) Sound your best (you will since you prepared with your band!)
   C) Engage with your audience.
   D) Sell your protect product.

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


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