| Question Home |
Position:Home>Performing Arts> How does one go about entering the music industry as a solo artists?Question:The question almost says it all, really. I'm an 18 year old double bass/baritone singer looking to further my passion now that I am out of high school, but I am not sure where to begin. I have never taken vocal lessons, which seems to surprise some people. I plan on starting vocal lessons soon, but I do not know where to go after that. I know it is all about "knowing the right people," but I do not know how I can get them to hear me. It's not like a band where you can play some avenues and gigs in the local area in hopes of recognition. I'm not sure where to even perform pop/vocals for an audience. I've only heard of the way bands do it, but not solo artists that are in the pop/vocal genres. So does anyone know where a solo artist, such as myself, can get a start in the music industry? I know it will take time and I am more than willing to put in the time necessary and more. If it helps any, I plan on attending UC Santa Barbara or San Diego next fall. Maybe someone there can help? Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: The question almost says it all, really. I'm an 18 year old double bass/baritone singer looking to further my passion now that I am out of high school, but I am not sure where to begin. I have never taken vocal lessons, which seems to surprise some people. I plan on starting vocal lessons soon, but I do not know where to go after that. I know it is all about "knowing the right people," but I do not know how I can get them to hear me. It's not like a band where you can play some avenues and gigs in the local area in hopes of recognition. I'm not sure where to even perform pop/vocals for an audience. I've only heard of the way bands do it, but not solo artists that are in the pop/vocal genres. So does anyone know where a solo artist, such as myself, can get a start in the music industry? I know it will take time and I am more than willing to put in the time necessary and more. If it helps any, I plan on attending UC Santa Barbara or San Diego next fall. Maybe someone there can help? One way is all that luck stuff that you always hear about; another way is work, work, work. Someone in New York once asked Louis Armstrong, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?", and he immediately responded emphatically, "Practice, practice, practice!" Lawrence Welk said that the secret to being in the right place at the right time was being somewhere all the time: Get in a couple of bands or create a back-up band for yourself, do some touring, make contacts, hang around people that can help you, otherwise send them a card every now and then. It may sound cold, but why do things or see people that aren't going to advance your very seldom reached dream? You'll only be wasting your time. There are alot of great musicians out there, but one or two great singers; a few bands would be happy to share a great singer. Many solo artists come from famous bands. When you get in a band and everyone comes from miles around just to see you, then record companies start taking notice, plus with time people who will see potential in you will do things for you and eventually you'll have a manager, publicist and booking agent. Don't be afraid to drop one manager for one who can offer you more, and don't ever sign a long term contract unless it promises (and you can tell if it can be delivered), the things that you want from the relationship. If you marry a girl and she doesn't put out, find someone else, if you know what I mean! Learn popular songs and go to jam sessions in your area. Move around, always have your mind on what you can do to advance your dream. You gotta really love it. If you never get picked up by record companies you should still feel that you have had a great life, otherwise do something else. you and everyone else Start by putting together a promo pack that lists your experience, a bit of history, education, performances, a printable picture, a song list and how to contact you. Send this out to people in the music business and then follow up to see if they have reviewed the material. Vocal lessons are a good idea. Also learning enough to play piano or guitar is very useful to do vocal exercises. Many vocalists I know started by performing on cruise ships. What a great job for a young, single guy, eh? From there, you start having a resume, and you meet other performers, and can network from there. A friend of mine started on a Disney Cruise, and then when Disney had openings in a musical they were doing a national tour of, they offered him a part. That took him to Broadway, and now he's the lead in a mega Broadway musical ON Broadway. I'd say he's off to a good start, eh? |