Career Advice

[caitling]

Hey there! I'm new here ( but definitely not a new Hayley fan ), and I'm only in 8th grade but I'm a very ambitious singer and I was wondering if any of you have any advice to offer on how I should start off in the next 4 years or so! I'm looking foreword to hearing your opinions about this, because it certainly seems to be my only option for a career, and I love singing with all my heart, but I am a bit stuck on where to start (even though I know I shouldn't be worrying about the future at such a tender age *wink wink* i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif)

Love Caitlinxoxo

[Mark]

Hi caitling

First of all, welcome to the forum I think I recognise you from Hayley's official forum dont' I ? Its been a while since I posted there I remember (i think) you posting a link to 'You Tube' to a short film that you were acting in a few years back - am I right ?

If I'm right, you may be new to the forum but you are definately not a new Hayley fan Thinking about your career as a singer, i'm not really the best person to speak to, however, we have at least a few members here who I'm sure could give you a few tips

Looking forward to your future posts.

Best wishes
Mark

[caitling]

Hi Mark!! Yes, I am Caitlin from Hayleys official forum! How cunning of you! They somehow deleted my membership or profile or whatever you want to call it, and they have done it several times, so I decided not to join back for now. Anyway, this forum IS more fun!

[roger]

Hi Caitlin,

I suppose I could give you one little bit of advice for the long-term future but it is something to bear in mind now. If you reach the point when you try to send a demo disc to a record company, they would want to know the musical genre that you wish to sing - classical, crossover, pop, celtic, jazz or whatever. They don't want to hear people say "Oh, I can sing anything" even if it is true. You may think that would indicate that you are versatile; they would see you as someone who hasn't really though about it.

Incidentally, that advice doesn't come from me - it comes from Hayley's manager. I'm just passing it on. But I would add this:

In the meantime, I would advise exactly the opposite. Experiment with all sorts of styles to see what you are really good at, and what you really want to do so you are ready to make the decision when the time comes.

Good luck!
Roger

[Nordly]

How do you say "I want to sing crossover" when you have to sing a pop or classical or celtic song? Should you send a few send a classical song, a celtic song and a pop song?

[Richard]

Hello Caitlin, and welcome to our forum!

I can't really offer any advice, but I will wish you good luck in whatever you decide to do. I've seen the video of your acting, so I'm sure you will do well with your singing too.

Best Wishes,

Richard

[Martin]

Hi Caitlin
Welcome to the Forum.

I'm not exactly qualified to offer advice as such but would certainly recommend a read of Hayley's latest autobiography for inspiration.
Best Wishes
Martin

[postscript]

martin said:

Hi Caitlin
Welcome to the Forum.

I'm not exactly qualified to offer advice as such but would certainly recommend a read of Hayley's latest autobiography for inspiration.
Best Wishes
Martin

See Chapter 13. I'm just about to post my part 2 observation of her book.

Peter S.

[caitling]

Hi Roger! I am experimenting with all different styles right now, in fact, I am doing a concert at the end of the year for my 8th grade project and it is to be able to prove that I can do different styles. It is my worst fear that people in the industry try to put you in a box and try to make you what they think you should be. Do you think its possible to find
a producer or manager who would give me some of my own choice of song, or should I switch record labels and managers alot? I'm not saying I won't find a niche, but I want to do many different things and I hate to think that I have to choose. Also, do any of you know if its best to send a demo to many record labels or is it best to go with one at a time?

Love, Caitlinx

[roger]

Hi Caitlin,

If anyone tries to put you in a box, you must ensure that it is the right box. Once you get a foot in the door, it is aways possible to branch out gradually. In the beginning though, they need to know the path you wish to take so they can assess you for that. They don't want to be given a choice so that they have to decide where to put you initially. There will always be thousands of other singers who have made that decision for themselves and they would almost certainly have the advantage over someone who says they can sing "anything".

Remember, when the time comes for you to send demo discs to music companies, if you are very VERY lucky, somebody there just might listen to the first ten seconds or so. They simply don't have time to listen to several tracks in full. So, if you send them a mixture, they won't which department to send it to. Then, if it ends up in pop and your first track is classical, it will end up straight in the bin no matter how good you might be. So, you have to make it clear that it is classical (or whatever). Then you will be judged for that market by the right people within that record company.

Yes, it is possible that a producer or manager might give you the freedom of choice but it is extremely difficult to find one to accept you at all - that would only make it even harder.


Roger

[caitling]

Then do you think it is best just to send one song? Oh, I don't know. I mean, I want so much to do music like Hayley and Josh and those guys but I want to do jazz like Aretha and Ella and I want to do music like Janis and Joss, only my way. My list goes ever onward! I want to do everything! I even want to have a different character I put on for each style I sing! Well, anyway, I promise that I will post some music here soon(I'm recording The Prayer with my Bro right now) and you can see what you think. I thank you so much for letting me know what the obstacles are, though!

[Natasha]

Hi Caitlin!

I'm Natasha! It's great to have new people on this forum... I actually don't post that much anymore, lol, but I saw your topic so I hope you don't mind me giving some suggestions!

Firstly what has already been said is great advice! I didn't know that you shouldn't say you can just sing "anything" that was very interesting - so thanks from me!

If you want to do the Hayley/Josh route with some jazz thrown in, you should have no problem with that! Actually a LOT of classical singers and even opera singers do jazz, as I'm learning in my instrumental ensemble class! The two music forms are thought to have many things in common - I don't get it yet, but that's what the professionals say so I'm just taking their word for it!

Crossover is one of the best styles of music creatively cause really the sky's the limit. But I think if you decide to do a demo it's best to do a classical song (if your going the crossover route) that shows off your voice. Once you've got the deal, you can show off the other sides to your voice (Russell Watson did that quite effectively!).

Really the best advice I can give is to sing everywhere you get the opportunity to. Listen to your voice teachers and get the technique down, and know your limits. Sometimes I've sung songs I love but are actually really wrong for my voice, and that doesn't mean that you can't hit all the notes, but just some songs don't fit certain voices. There are so many gorgeous songs out there, and as you want to write your own, I'm sure you can add to them! So sing songs that are good for your voice and show it to it's best!

Oops, this has gotten long! I'll keep checking back to see if you have a clip up... I would definitely love to hear your voice!

God bless and best wishes!

[caitling]

What kind of a contract would you say is good?

[milewalker]

Hi Caitlin

One thing which I don't believe has been mentioned above (maybe I missed it) is that it wouldn't be a bad idea to do some public performances - in a church, a talent competition, or charity event for example or even "professionally" at weddings and the like. I am certainly not trying to discourage you, but it is a fact I think that simple luck - being in the right place at the right time, and possibly impressing someone who has the right connections may actually be just as important as your ability to sing. Sending in a demo is one thing - having someone already in your corner when you do it may improve your chances of actually getting a fair hearing enormously.
I think that it would also provide you with feedback as to where your strengths may lie

Jon

[martindn]

Hi Caitling,

I'm no expert, but have you ever thought of trying to get on a TV talent contest! You will get a lot of help if you show promise, and I suspect some good advice and exposure too. You might even "win" a recoding contract!

Martin