Karaoke Forums

You missed an important ingredient I think.  PERFORMING.  If someone is entertaining, they don't HAVE to sing that well.    The key is to HOLD that audience.  Get them involved it what you are doing.  The same goes for comics, and writers.  You have to draw the audience into your world.  You don't do that, you're just another set of pipes in today's industry.  

If you are a singer/songwriter and have the right song, maybe you can make it on the song, but it can't be just one song, can it?  If all Shania ever did was the first one to make the top 40 she'd be one of them one hit wonders we all know and love, wouldn't she?

To be a singer, we all can do that.  You hit the right notes.  It takes more to go beyond "the bar band".  It takes acting, it takes personality, and it takes entertaining the audience.  If you had to be as depressed as every sad song you sing, you'd burn out quick, but if you can ACT depressed for that song, or ACT angry when you're really having a ball (if that is what the material calls for) then you got somethin.

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Teri Jo
...May the road rise to meet you... just, not too quickly, and not too hard!

  As already stated, never underestimate the importance of "stage presence", and how much a charismatic presentation adds to the live performing artists show.  Many women have gone to watch Luciano Pavarotti, and Tom Jones (as well as other artists) perform for other reasons than their "singing". They also like to "look". Yet regardless, whether the listener buys the tickets to a rock performers show because they like the music, or because they have a crush on the performer, and think they like the music it's still revenue generated. Live performance isn't just about the song..It becomes more dimensional, and the delivery of the song is also important. You are going to a show. If all singing was reduced to studio cuts, and live radio play I'd agree the image (or stage presence) wouldn't account for much. Singers are often "frontmen" (and women), depending on the style, image and showmanship matters alot... glam, rock, funk....and most styles have a little stage act that goes along with the music presented. Sometimes a choreographed routine.  It all helps, and yes the song matters too  :)  

If you never have,  get a tape of 1973 or 1974 Funkadelics peforming "standing on the verge".  Watching some of these funk bands perform was a trip.  :shock:

I have an example:

I used to love hearing Willie Nelson long ago until I went and saw him perform.
He stood in front of a mic stand all night..I don't believe the man moved two
muscles during the whole show.  No stage presence at all which totally turned me
against him as a singer and entertainer.  I still like some of his songs but the show
left a bitter taste and the songs that I really loved just didn't sound the same anymore after seeing his stage presence.

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SAY IT WITH MUSIC!!!!

well, I've long been of the impression that SINGING is less art show than most people want. I have no idea why this mtv type of viewing entertainers... I remember watching the Grand Ol' Oprey, Hee Haw, Star Search, etc. and never seeing anybody that got nailed negatively for not moving away from the mic so much.

I remember going to a concert and seeing Ted Nugent... he was looked down by my fellow fans as he didn't have a lot of energy on stage. I looked and saw a brilliant guitarist going at it... and yes, moving, but not much away from the mic.

Perhaps I see more into it... maybe I'm different in my judging styles as I rarely move away from the mic myself... I have fashioned my own stage presence from those that I adored as a kid...

I just wish I had the hair to do the head bangin' with! !

I've seen several country singers stay at the mic also but they still were
able to connect with their audience.  It really takes a special presence to be able
to stay in one spot and capture the audience.  I'm not saying they have to dance
around or whatever.  In some instances they just talk to the audience.  In your case...I'm sure it was his guitar playing.  I could do the same with Charlie Daniels and his fiddle.    I'm just saying when I saw Willie that night there was no connection at all.  He came on stage...never said a word, stood there and sang his song.  As a matter a fact close to half of the audience got up and left after the first few songs he did.

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SAY IT WITH MUSIC!!!!

Stepping up to the soap box:

There are a few singers I love to hear sing, but can't stand to see them sing.  Joe Cocker comes to mind as does one of the country greats Don Williams.  Singers that don't jump all over and create the high energy level performances of a Garth Brooks, Chris Ledeaux and most every rock band known to man still have something to offer.  Ronnie Milsap very seldom left his piano but what a singer!  Ray Charles is another.  Am I referring just to the blind?  No...Don Willams isn't blind, but he never left his stool!   (Much less moved his head!  LOL)  

I guess my point is...people support singers for different reasons.  I enjoy a good voice singing a song that appeals to my taste.  Some like the way an artist performs live.  Some like the way an artist looks in jeans.  (George Strait comes to mind!  LOL)  Some like the genre being sung.  Record companies are giving the audience what the majority want...and currently they want youth with lots of skin showing and sexual overtones.  When the market changes, so will the singers.  check out the movie Pure Country...it tells the story very well I think.  (Plus you get to see George Strait in jeans!  LOL)

Next!

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If you can't have fun...why bother?

Girl, NOW you're talkin'.......  :dancin:

Just kidding. (or maybe not??)

I think I'm different. I have not been to alot of concerts to get that view of "how people perform vs. how they sound". Actually, over the years I've heard many new singers that just reach out & grab my attention....... then I see them, either on CMT, or a Magazine cover, or a CD label. Many times, it blows me away what they look like. I seem to get a mental image of them by hearing them sing, and it NEVER matches what they actually look like. And, some of them don't do much as far as "performing"...... that I've ever seen. But it does not sway my view of their talent one bit, the main ingredient that caught my attention- their singing. Sadly, yeah, that's what the industry seems to be looking for.  

And, even sadder, sometimes you see this in karaoke bars too. I've seen girls *usally it's women, not men* who dress pretty provocative, get up & shake their thang, and hit about every other note in the song off key. Then they get a big round of applause, cause they were so interesting to watch.  Now me, I'm not very flashy. And I would never get all *sparkly* to go out & sing.  I am 99.9% of the time in faded jeans and a tshirt. (the other .1% of the time would be when weather required a sweatshirt, )  Might sing a song that requires shakin' your thang a bit, hahaha- kidding of course, but I don't want to get false applause. I want any applause I get to be for how I sang- not how I look/act.  I guess in contests, a bit of flash & performance would help..... but then I don't do contests either.

Then you get those awesome cd's..... the people are beautiful, just perfect, they have an awesome voice & a hot new song, the video is great....... then you watch them on an awards show & they flat stink.  I don't know alot about the "technology" that is used in recording nowadays, but I think it's providing us with alot of false talent.  

Okay, going now........ sorry if I rambled.

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♥ Laugh your heart out, dance in the rain. Cherish the memories, ignore the pain. Love and learn, forget and forgive. Because you only have one life to live. ♥

Well I must say,since this is my first post in singer's forum hehe, that i've noticed that honestly the ones with the voices in the professionals case has to be the country or new country singers.I've heard both genres country and rock 'n' roll/pop and when they sing live it's the country vocalists who actually "rock". they all sound great on studio recordings, but when it comes down to it,the country singers have the real talent hands down. alot of peeps who sub their songs here at SS have just as much talent as any of those country singers who are out there, but maybe because they don't have "it" they will never have a record deal, i myself  i'm not that great,but even if i was i'm past my prime to be in the recording studio,i'm also not the conventional beauty either . and thats why most of the people here will prolly never get a contract,we're not seen as sign worthy, and thats just fine with me, i'd rather be singing here for all you peeps to hear and to hear you all.Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this great community XOXO.

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I'm in my own little world,but it's ok they know me here.

http://www.myspace.com/faile_x2

A decent "stage presence" doesn't have to include "jumping around", a costume, an act, or anything of that sort.  So much of this has to do with the genre of music. Decent "stage presence" might not be more than the expression and body language of the stage performer (in this case singer)..might just be the persons poise and expression. How he presents himself, mood given off, etc.  If I have to watch a person because spotlights are on him for over an hour, I'd opt for the happy, relaxed, poised musician...Since I'm watching the performer as well as listening to him, overall presentation matters to me at a "live" event. At the very least, I like to see the performer at least enjoy's what he's doing, or is getting into the music.
Naturally what I'd expect to see from Steven Tyler, and Mick Jagger, is quite different than what I'd expect from Jimmy Buffet, or James Taylor.

A favorite type of performer for me personally, is one who minimizes the stage/audience barrier, Many ballad performers have a relaxed style and a knack when it comes to blending with and including the audience, making the audience feel a part of the concert. To me, this makes for a fun concert.  Harry Chapin (the time I saw him) was masterful in how he was able to tell a story, and convey emotion. Yet he didn't appear to have to do much.. Nothing appeared at all contrived. Which is how much of the time things should be. Some performers don't move much, but they have an amusing expression. James Taylors facial expression alone was enough to tell his stories, and sensitivity.

To me, a poor stage presence, just like lousy music creates a disonance; Certain performers are enjoyable to watch, some even charismatic, yet there've been performers who have this painful expression, rigid look, and to watch the rigid performer (that looks as if he's biting down on tinfoil) isn't a performance I'd go back to see again. When I go to a concert (and again depending on venue) if the spotlights are on the performer, and I'm sitting in the audience and have to look at the person (as well as listen to the performer), stage presence accounts for something.

If you go to a coffee house, or watch a pianist, you don't expect the flamboyance of someone like Mick Jagger, or a garish display (unless you want to watch a liberace type). Yet when the lighting is on a performer, and you are watching a person for a length of time, IMHO....A relaxed, poised artist that looks as if he's enjoying his craft enables many in the audience to enjoy the performance more.   Not all in the audience, but some.  

About Joe Cocker , I saw him a few times, a friend of mine was his guitarist. I think he has a pretty bad back, or neck so he does appear spastic... Ever see J. Belushi do the SNL skit where he impersonates Cocker, and starts going into grand mal seizures on stage spitting beer ?  (Interesting stage presence   )

Hi
As a teenager I just wanted to put in my 2cents.
Most of my friends that listen to country music would rather listen to old country.  I myself would much rather listen to old country music as for the new pop most of it I don't care for.  I like pop don't get me wrong, but the older the better.
Looks and personality I'm sure have alot to do with making a star.  When I watch CMT I'd rather see MR. Hottie of course like Josh Tuner, but if he didn't have a good voice I wouldn't want to watch him.   My mom loves Willie Nelson doesn't think he's cute but she says he has the greatest voice.  She saw him in person at the Blue Grass Festival in Telliuride,co in 82 she said he was Great.  She says the same about Sonny James and a few others.  She met Ricky Sckaggs (spelling on his name not sure) and said he was real rude and would never listen to him again.   I have never been to a concert so I don't know.  
But I have to say my Mom and my Aunt went to Nashville and went to a recording studio just for fun they asked them to sing and they told the guy no they couldn't sing but he told them that didn't matter they had equipment that could fix that.  Crazy girls still said no.  Just making a point here,  my mom and aunt were very pretty (still are) so looks seem to have a lot to do with being a star.
Well that's my 2 cents, and yes I am a wanna be.
Casey

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CASEYMARIE[highlight=darkorchid][/highlight]

There is no doubt, (just listen to her sing!) She is a "gonna-be!" Cassie, it is only a matter of time! Hang in there! You will make it! --Mike

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CASEYMARIE[highlight=darkorchid][/highlight]