Cari Cole
I’ve been developing artists for 20+ years in the heart of New York City. I have worked with thousands of emerging artists. I watched them become famous right before my eyes. And I’ve helped hundreds find their voice, write their songs, craft their style and create successful music careers. Helping artists find themselves artistically my passion and love. All of my life has been dedicated to being a musician, singer, and songwriter – and as I have walked the path, I help others walk theirs…
Write Your Own Songs
The most important thing I recommend to artists who are developing is to search for your identity and sound. The best way to do that is by writing your own songs. The best way to write your own songs and to jump ahead with the process is to work with a co-writer who has a track record and experience in the industry. You will not only learn how to write songs, but you will get the benefit of their years of experience. You also want to listen to a lot of music. Listen to everything current and go back into the history of music. Research the underground scene because that’s what coming up - what hasn’t hit yet - but will soon.
Getting to Know You
Many aspiring singers come to me for help with their songs and style. I always begin the process by getting to know them – in order to help them write the songs that come from them. Through co-writing, we discover their unique voice and develop their sound and style naturally and organically. The keys to the artist lie inside them. Get to know you - go more in that direction.
Many aspiring singers come to me for help with their songs and style. I always begin the process by getting to know them – in order to help them write the songs that come from them. Through co-writing, we discover their unique voice and develop their sound and style naturally and organically. The keys to the artist lie inside them. Get to know you - go more in that direction.
Which Way to Go?
It’s a confusing time to be a music artist right now, because there are so many opportunities out there that it’s hard to know which way to go. How do you know which way is right for you and your music? How do you put your project together? Where do you find the right musicians and writers to work with? And where do you find a great producer? Are your songs even ready to record? Are YOU ready?
It’s a confusing time to be a music artist right now, because there are so many opportunities out there that it’s hard to know which way to go. How do you know which way is right for you and your music? How do you put your project together? Where do you find the right musicians and writers to work with? And where do you find a great producer? Are your songs even ready to record? Are YOU ready?
Music (Artistry) and Business are intertwined
There are two major aspects – One is the craft or artistry of music and the other is the business. The two are intertwined but are completely different sides of the brain. Both are important - but the music comes first - hence the word music before business. The most important thing to have is great songs. With great songs you have a career in this business. Great songs and a great voice with a great image/persona and you could hit the lottery.
There are two major aspects – One is the craft or artistry of music and the other is the business. The two are intertwined but are completely different sides of the brain. Both are important - but the music comes first - hence the word music before business. The most important thing to have is great songs. With great songs you have a career in this business. Great songs and a great voice with a great image/persona and you could hit the lottery.
Today, because artists are more business conscious, there is a stronger focus on the ‘business’ side of things. But don’t let the ‘artistic’ side of the craft fall to the wayside. Just as business is crucial to your progress, developing your artistic vision paves the road to your career.
Three things have to come into place first – in this order:
1. Your voice. 2. Your songs. 3. Your production.
The first two key ingredients are your voice and your songs. Without a good expressive voice and without killer songs, no matter what your friends and family tell you, you are still at square one.
1. Your voice. 2. Your songs. 3. Your production.
The first two key ingredients are your voice and your songs. Without a good expressive voice and without killer songs, no matter what your friends and family tell you, you are still at square one.
Having a great voice even when you don’t start out with one.
Not all singers have great voices. The point of contemporary music is to have style and attitude – and hopefully a good voice. Well – anyone and everyone can make their voice 10 times better by training. I always had a good voice, but I wanted to have more control and set out to study vocal technique (little did I know it would become my profession). I was amazed at how much my voice improved and I gained a tremendous respect for the craft. In my opinion, every singer should study vocal training to help them expand their ability and develop their sound. So that is the first step.
Not all singers have great voices. The point of contemporary music is to have style and attitude – and hopefully a good voice. Well – anyone and everyone can make their voice 10 times better by training. I always had a good voice, but I wanted to have more control and set out to study vocal technique (little did I know it would become my profession). I was amazed at how much my voice improved and I gained a tremendous respect for the craft. In my opinion, every singer should study vocal training to help them expand their ability and develop their sound. So that is the first step.
Writing killer songs
Let’s face it – it’s hard to write really good songs let alone “killer” songs. And the competition is fierce. This is where you have to roll up your sleeves and get down to it.
Let’s face it – it’s hard to write really good songs let alone “killer” songs. And the competition is fierce. This is where you have to roll up your sleeves and get down to it.
Get a songwriting book. My favorite book to date is ‘Six Steps to Songwriting Success’ by Jason Blume. There are also lots of good songwriting classes out there.
Get a co-writer with experience in the biz. Hooking up with a co-writer with a track record or experience in the industry is a key thing to get you on the road faster. An experienced writer focused on helping you write songs for your project will jump you ahead and get you on course to your sound and style. As songs emerge, your vision as an artist becomes clearer and the larger picture starts to unfold.
Work with a Record Producer
Next it’s time to work with a record producer. Finding the producer that is right for you is the most important step. Do your research before you settle on one. Producers will find the right musicians for your project and will write, arrange and tweak your songs to make them great before you start recording. A record producer is also connected in the music industry and can help you on your career path. Keep in mind, that without a great record you aren’t in the music business yet. Set your sights on recording a 5 song EP and saving up your pennies to make sure it’s top shelf. That’ll get you on the playing field.
Insider Tip: There are sites online that help artists raise funds for their records. Use Google to search for them.
Next it’s time to work with a record producer. Finding the producer that is right for you is the most important step. Do your research before you settle on one. Producers will find the right musicians for your project and will write, arrange and tweak your songs to make them great before you start recording. A record producer is also connected in the music industry and can help you on your career path. Keep in mind, that without a great record you aren’t in the music business yet. Set your sights on recording a 5 song EP and saving up your pennies to make sure it’s top shelf. That’ll get you on the playing field.
Insider Tip: There are sites online that help artists raise funds for their records. Use Google to search for them.
Take a Risk. Be Yourself – Boldly.
The one thing I have watched famous artists do without fail is once they have their sound and style - to put themselves out there – without holding back. The one common thing about stars is their boldface courage. Take a risk – be yourself – no apologies. Just be sure you are ready to roll on all counts.
The one thing I have watched famous artists do without fail is once they have their sound and style - to put themselves out there – without holding back. The one common thing about stars is their boldface courage. Take a risk – be yourself – no apologies. Just be sure you are ready to roll on all counts.
Without great music, what is there to promote?
Business for an independent artist today is a large part of it and with the Internet at our fingertips we have fashioned a whole new world of distribution and exposure unimaginable years ago. There is now a direct line to audiences and the possibilities are limitless when you have the time to market your product. But without great music, what do we have to promote? The founder of CD Baby, Derek Siver, recently sent out an email telling us to turn off our computers and get back to writing music! I’m with him!
Business for an independent artist today is a large part of it and with the Internet at our fingertips we have fashioned a whole new world of distribution and exposure unimaginable years ago. There is now a direct line to audiences and the possibilities are limitless when you have the time to market your product. But without great music, what do we have to promote? The founder of CD Baby, Derek Siver, recently sent out an email telling us to turn off our computers and get back to writing music! I’m with him!
In love and support,
This article is reprinted with the permission of Cari Cole. Cari Cole is a renowned vocal coach, artist development expert, songwriter & music producer. She helps artists find their voice, craft their style, and create successful music careers. Cari’s client list includes Grammy winners, American Idol finalists, legendary rock stars, Major & Indie label artists and thousands of aspiring & emerging artists. Her Singer’s Gift Vocal series is foundational for pop and rock vocalists. To find out about Cari’s products and programs, please visit her information-packed website and blog: www.caricole.com.
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