Karaoke Forums

I usually don't get this deep into my music, but I had a question that I thought could make for good discussion, especially with all the different opinions I know "live" around these parts....hehe.

When you sing a song, do you think that said song should be performed as it is performed by the original artist, or should you be able to interpret it the way you want to?

The reason I ask is I've been spending a lot of time around various "Phantom of the Opera" sites, letting true fans of the show critique my latest songs.  I've met with a lot of positive feedback, but there seems to be a raging debate over they way people like me (baritone/low tenor) perform the songs as opposed to how Michael Crawford performs.  The issue seems to be that if you don't sing like Crawford, you don't sing it right.

My best example would be my version of the reprise to "All I Ask of You."  In Crawford's version, he sings it at almost a whisper throughout until the end where he builds to the finish.  In my version, I start out in a deep brooding voice, break down into an almost crying whipser and then build back up for the finish as Erik recomposes himself.  So my question is, am I wrong for doing that?  Are guys like me and gerard Butler cursed to forever be the guys who are not Michael Crawford?

So is music meant to be interpreted by the singer/performer, or should it be done as written? I think this could be a good topic.  Let me know what you think!
Jason

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I think it's a very broad question, Jason.

I doubt Mozart, for example, allowed for much creativity when having a vocalist perform an aria... but with more popular music, there is far more room for individual artisitic expression.

In your case, I would assume that the way you emote the song is appropriate and folks simply may not be used to hearing it that way... however, in a stage production (obviously), that decision would be left up to the director, who might like the way you sing it, or might ask you to sing it differently to accomodate his own (the director's) artistic vision.

I've always liked your performances though... as I've heard them online (and seen a clip of you). I believe vocally, you have what it takes to be a professional entertainer.

I have a short addition- small opinion.

I suppose, if I was the one whoe wrote the music, i would want it performed that way. However, if I was the one performing the music, I would want to do it MY way. People who are fanatics about certain things, like, "Phantom" for example, have it in their heads that it can only be TRUELY performed one way, ... but, you also see that with artists even on SS. (Like once, I did a britney spears song, and got bashed, because I did it COMPLTELY different than her.. although, I thought my version was just as good, although the opposite).

If you are the one singing it, and performing the part, then in a way, you HAVE to sing it as you FEEL it. If you are starting off in a deep brooding voice, changing to a whisper, and the building at the end, you are obviously doing it that way, because the piece affects you in such a way. That is how you FEEL the song. In my opinion, that makes for a better performance, no matter how you are actually singing it, because you ARE it. The fact you are even asking this, shows how deep a person you are, and what an amazing performer you ARE.


Ok, enough of gilly babbling for today. But, sorry, i didn't answer your question:)

OK... My turn?

Music should have the same basic structure as is written, in my opinion.  
Things have to be slightly different, obviously, otherwise covers of the same songs wouldn't be individual and there wouldn't really be much point covering the song, IMHO.

Having said that - as long as the basic structure of the written music is in place, of COURSE your own interpretation should be used.  We are ARTISTS... Anybody who sings is, if you ask me, and to me, art HAS to be an extension and expression of yourself.  You MUST sing it the way you feel it.

I know for example, that Edwin McCain is very opposed to people singing "I'll Be" because he feels they don't sing it the way it was written, and he doesn't like the way people change his song... And yet - to me, if someone has to sing it in such a rigid manner, then its no longer their expression of the song, and its probably best avoided.

In the Crawford example... We are always condemned to being compared with original artists, as some of us here know all too well.  BUT if they want everyone to sing as Crawford, thats just silly... He may as well stay in the role forever.  Singers change songs, and actors change roles, so logically, the songs and roles should also change with the singer... I'm not sure if that made sense at all, but what I am saying is that if Crawford is SO perfect, whats the point of any other actor or singer attempting to express themselves using that role.

Sing it like YOU want to, because that is the essence of what you do, dude!

And you do it so well too...

Think of the fanatics exactly as they are, hardcore fanatics... Its like Doctor Who fans being opposed to a new actor playing the role... They're cultists and they will always have their favourites...  You're mine

Brett x

PS - Be true to yourself and you can't go far wrong!

i agree 100% with what brett said i can't think of anything that needs to be added

I think the BIG difference is the difference between the "non-performing listener"
-vs-  the "listener/singer".  

Some people are simply "listeners".. and when they listen ... they expect to hear what is FAMILAR .. what they KNOW.  So ..... if the comment comes from a listener (who isn't also a singer) you can pretty much expect that they'll find "fault" or "devalue" a performance that doesn't "sound" like they think it "should".... that being how they heard it originally performed.    

However, for those of us who are both listeners of music... and then singers of those songs .... I think we "understand" the concepts of originality and personal touch/interpretation, and are therefore very "accepting" of a song that isn't a carbon copy of the "orginal performer's".



So .. I guess what I'd say here, Jason is.....

I can understand why on a site that is dedicated exclusively to a particular set of songs, why the mentality of a "non performing listener" ... would be to expect what you do to be done as the "orginal" artist.  Its what the KNOW the song to be.

However.... as someone who listens and sings  ..... I LOVE how you interpret the music ... and perform the songs.... even if they aren't "carbon copies" ... because as someone who also loves music AND tries to sing ... I understand how for YOU ... the music can move ya in a certain way.  Again, though.. I think that is pretty consistent with the mentality of those of us that perform (or at least try to... haha).


geeeeeeshhhh... I'm babbling .... See Gilly ~~ you aren't the only one.  :no:

Okay... Im done. !!  :hug:

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I'd say interpretation.  How many of you have gone to concerts.  Are the song played or sung just like they are in the studio?  I've heard songs sung by the same artist in many different ways.  So if they aren't inclined to sing their songs "as written" why would any other singer.

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I think it's difficult in karaoke to stray too far beyond the original. We are limited to what the background singers do etc. I do love to hear fresh interpretations of old songs. I have always thought it would be great if a karaoke label were to produce different versions of old songs. Sort of update them. Or do an acoustic version... like Eva Cassidy's backings. I just found a really cool backing to the old Nancy Sinatra song 'Boots'... those type of songs are great to update.. they are great old favorites that can stand a little face lift!  :yes:

...when singing a song I make it my own just as a natural course of action...to try to sing exactly like the original artist would be folly for me...you can only be your best if you are you and not an imitation of another...the original struture of the song needs to be there for most part, same lyrics, but in your style and arrangement.  Some will like and some won't....you just  can't pleaze all people all of the time....I think the more its in your style, and less the original, listeners will like it better...if too close to the original then you will be compared directly....


Russ

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I think it depends on the person.  For me, it works best if I try to sound like the original artists. I don't have much style of my own so I would sing it too "straight".  plus I learn it from the original artists so I really would have no idea how to put my own spin on it.  Also, as someone said, we are limited a bit in karaoke because we are using the original artist's backing instruments, voices, speed, key, etc.

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I thought Jason did a better Job of "Music of the Night" (the first time he submitted it) than Michael Crawford.  I saw Crawford perform it too.

I think it's all subjective to each person... but I think it's rare that a person can imitate another artists performance to a 'T'. If so... that's pretty impressive. We all hear things differently. Also it can depend on the situation. Sometimes it's great to hear someone nail a song that sounds just like Sinatra......... or Axl for that matter!  :worship: But I admire people who do it their way.. and have a certain flair or style that is theirs alone.

I agree with Sheree. I think you need to follow some of the structure but sing it your way at the same time. Don't have to emulate the exact way cuz then it isnt your way, does that make sense? My bf gets pissy with me when I don't sing the same note that the original singer did. Some times I can reach that high note and sometimes I can't so I sing it differently but still keeping in key with the song.It drives him up the wall. I am not here to immitate the original, just sing songs I enjoy and enjoy singing them my way.  :D

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