3 Things Lady Gaga Wouldn’t Wear on Stage.
September 1st, 2010
Today’s Quote:
“It is not women’s fault if we are so tender. It is in the nature of the lives we live. And further, it would be a terrible catastrophe if men had to live men’s lives and women’s also. Which is precisely what has happened today – to women.” – Selma James
Lady Gaga (aka Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) is the queen when it comes to fashion on stage. If you are a female singer or female musician, chances are you have checked out this celeb’s latest fashions. You may or may not be able to picture yourself wearing this type of wardrobe but there are some things you should never wear. Here is list of what I think this artist would never be caught in while performing.
What Lady Gaga Wouldn’t Wear on Stage:
Lady Gaga wouldn’t split over hairs. There’s just something about those tresses that really make the icing on the cake when it comes to your look on stage.
Artists spend thousands of dollars to have great hair. Stars are known to have a budget the size of Nasa’s, set aside just for the right “do”. You don’t necessarily need Edward Scissorhands as a hairstylist, but it doesn’t hurt to pay for a great stylist who can sculpt your coif into a masterpiece. The next time you need a cut, take a pic of your new look and bring it to a more affordable hairstylist.
Lady Gaga wouldn’t wear clothes not suited for her body type. If I could count the amount of times I see people wearing the wrong clothes for their body type, I’d have enough cash to pay for my next tour bus. We’re all tempted to wear that sexy ‘thang’ we saw dangling in the window of our favorite shop. But does it look great on our bod? Don’t be fooled by thinking that all stars have the perfect body.
The only thing they have perfect is the fact that they have consultants who tell them what does and doesn’t work with their type of body. Everyone has imperfections. The key- as all the fashion mags tell us is – cover up the flaws and accentuate the gorgeous parts.
Lady Gaga doesn’t wear kaki. Well maybe she does, but that’s not the point. Years ago I bumped into a friend, who had become a high rolling CEO for a large firm. She was very confident and successful and had lots of bling to go with her expensive power suit.
Unfortunately the color of the suit was a kaki green, which for some strange reason gave her teeth a greenish hue. Not a pretty site I might add. Getting your colors done by a professional color consultant may make all the difference in the world to how you appear on stage. The wrong colors especially if they are close to your face can make you appear pasty and tired.
If you want to be a chart topper or simply looking your best at your local watering hole follow these three points. Most importantly always look for clothing that brings out your unique and beautiful features!
by Vivian Clement
“I am woman, I can do anything”
-Helen Reddy, singer
09 How to Hold Your Audience in the Palm of Your Hand Part I – with Max DiFaz
August 21st, 2010
Max DiFaz, is a singer, pianist and songwriter. He gives excellent tips for connecting with your audience, inviting guests on stage, and tells us how to shut down a heckler like a pro. Plus, he reveals what every musician can learn from Robin Williams.
Podcast (audio only): Download (Duration: 19:40 — 16.4MB)
Podcast (video): Download (67.4MB)
So you still wanna get a record deal…really?
August 19th, 2010
What does Madonna, Green Day, Limp Bizkit, MC Hammer, and Courtney Love have in common?
They are one of the many artists who have dumped their record companies and began selling their songs independently. Why, you ask? That’s a good question since many unsigned artists are under the impression that once you get signed the dough just keeps rolling in.
Do the math
Did you know that an artist gets a measly $1 dollar bill (and often less) for every CD that is sold. Imagine spending a huge part of your childhood, teenage years and adulthood developing your musical skills only to be rewarded $1 a CD once you became famous. How long would it take you to make all those millions you were dreaming about. With shows like American Idol and America’s Got Talent, the media has been extremely successful in creating the illusion that signed artists are living the big life. Yes it is true, that some artists are very wealthy but the reality is that even if you get signed, it will be a long time before you see any real money.
Show me da money…or not.
Well it’s not all about the money you may say. And that is correct. Us genuine artists are really in love with the music. We love music from the bottom of our little artsy souls and would perform even if it was for free. Right? That’s a great concept but unfortunately it won’t get us very far. Anyone who’s been in a studio for a project knows how costly studio time can be even for a small project. And then there’s the jacket for your CD, which can cost you an arm and a leg – and you’ll be needing those to perform. Oh! and what about getting a professional website and business cards done. Never mind the fact that you need a little bit of coin to keep your site running. Last but not least, the band you hired may love your music, but if there is no money coming in for them they won’t hang around forever.
“I like the people at our record company, but the time is at hand when you have to ask why anyone needs one” Thom Yorke (lead vocalist, Radiohead)
So what’s a female musician to do?
If you’re still convinced that going the record deal route is for you, here are a few tips that will help you along the way.
Produce a great demo.
- Here is a link to help you with your demo.
- Your demo should paint an accurate picture of who you (and your band) are.
- You shouldn’t have more than 4 songs, and be sure to put your best song first. Don’t put long intros on any of your songs, since you will be judged by the first 30 seconds (a minute if you’re lucky).
- Your tunes should be commercial enough so that an A&R listener will be convinced you can produce radio-hit tunes. Study the Billboard Charts to get a picture of what songs make it to the top.
- Your sound should have a unique flavor to it and not sound like other artists. Realistically it’s impossible to sound completely original, but make sure your style stands out from the crowd.
Invest in a press kit
Your electronic press kit (EPK) needs to contain all the necessary information about you and your band. These days press kits are fairly cheap verses the tradition press kits that were used before the internet was on the scene. Check out online marketing companies like Sonicbids to get examples of great press kits.
- Have professional and recent pictures done and be sure you have that “star” quality in your dress and attitude. Record companies are looking for an image that fits today’s trends. They expect you to understand what it means to “look” like an artist.
Get a website
- Even if you have a Myspace account, you still need to get a professional website done and up and running if you want to be taken seriously. Myspace is great when you are starting out but having a professional website designed specifically for you will speak volumes to the people you are trying to impress.
These are just a few of the things you can do right now to prepare yourself for getting signed. Remember, that the more you learn about the music business and how it is continually evolving, the better.
Today’s Quote: ” You can’t copy anybody and end with anything. If you copy, it means you’re working without any real feeling. No two people on earth are alike, and it’s got to be that way in music or it isn’t music.” – Billie Holiday
How to Avoid Pitfalls in the Music Industry – with Charlie Butler & Tammy Rafferty
August 4th, 2010
Get inspired as we sit down with Charlie Butler, who has performed with the likes of Donna Summers and Grover Washington Jr. We are also joined by jazz singer and recording artist Tammy Rafferty.
They’ll tell us who you can turn to for guidance and how to avoid the pitfalls that await you in the darkest bowels of the music industry!
Podcast (audio only): Download (Duration: 36:22 — 19.2MB)
Podcast (video): Download (113.9MB)
Should I Pursue Music Full Time?
August 2nd, 2010
If you’ve been learning an instrument or working on your singing, you’ve probably considered whether you should pursue music as a career. Oftentimes, our families and friends love the fact that we play an instrument, but once we decide to follow music as a career, they’ll often try to discourage us. Are their objections valid?
Living outside the box
I have been a female musician (guitarist/singer/songwriter) for most of my life. I love the music business. I love musicians and what they represent. They are the thinkers and dreamers of the world. They believe that life doesn’t have to be boring and only about landing a 9-5 job. Musicians are the ones who get out there and make things happen. Musicians and artists live outside the box. They deeply desire to influence people with their gifts. Read the rest of this entry »
Your Secret Weapon Against Music Bullies
July 28th, 2010
If you’ve never bumped into a bully as a female musician hang on to your banjo – at some point you most certainly will.
Music bullies are initially disguised as gregarious, entertainers but without too much provocation they quickly morph into divas or divos. These ego-maniac artists can wreck havoc on your career and can suck the confidence right out of you. They are usually very high maintenance and believe the universe revolves around them.
So who are these people and who gave them the right to rain on your musical parade? Read the rest of this entry »
