Amanda Marshall : The Most Gut-Wrenching Voice You'll Ever Hear

Some might say that title belongs to Janis Joplin the legendary queen of sex, drugs and rock and roll, but that may because they've never yet heard the ginormous soul-searching alto voice of Amanda Marshall! She's a Canadian hidden treasure who's been wowing audiences up north for a decade with her unique blend of jazz, rock and soul.

Contrary to Janis though, Amanda's life outside the stage doesn't seem that enticing (except for the fact she grew up a shy little girl in a biracial family in the Toronto area) but that's perhaps what makes her transformation on stage all the more extraordinary. Not just a singer, Amanda is an actress who sings and acts out her own demons for the world to witness. And that I feel is such a priceless gift : The ability, not only to live one's emotions with unseen intensity and passion, but also to deconstruct them with enough precision that they can be rendered through the most subtle vocal run, flick of an eyebrow, glance, or gesture. The smoke that hints of the fire within. To me, Amanda Marshall is more than just a singer, she's a teacher of living.

The soul wrenching ballad "Beautiful Goodbye" off her debut. That climax is something else!


The intimately poetic "If I Didn't Have You", off her second album.


Note: If you're wondering which album to start your Amanda Marshall collection with, I'd recommend her 1996 self-titled debut which sold 2 million so far. That's one purchase you won't ever regret :)

Sim Idol : May Be Animated But The Singing Talent Is Unreal..I mean Real !

Right-click to save Sim Idol Show

This has got to be the single most creative and thouroughly entertaining concept I have come across in the last little while, and I've become such a fan that I've been scrambling to download all past episodes to catch up on what I've missed : It's called "Sim Idol" an online singing competition that takes after American Idol's model, with a brand new twist: the whole show is completely animated with characters called Sims. Imagine this! An Idol show with Simon Cowell and the idol wannabes as virtual, scripted characters..not the way we envision them at all teehee. But what's so very cool about Sim Idol is that they've taken all the elements that we love to hate about AI - like the judge's harsh comments for instance (which are met here with copious amounts of boos), and turn them into fundemental elements of the script, outlining the humor of it all and making this version sometimes more enjoyable than the real thing.

At the moment SI is actually now completing its season 2, and they've just put the finale opposing Jake Dee and Elisha up for download. Just go to the episodes section or right-click below to save:
Part 1: Jake "Because Of You" - Elisha "Beautiful Disaster"
Part 2: Jake "Half Crazy" - Elisha "No More Tears"
Part 3: Jake "Follow Your Dreams" - Elisha "In Your Eyes" (contestants singles)

Can't decide on a winner..

Facing up in episode 11 final showdown are Jake Dee, a R&B crooner with a oddly appealing nasally tone & Elisha Belle a diva whose ability to push the note seems absolutely limitless (wait till you hear her rendition of "No More Tears" it'll knock your socks off) - And just like for the real idol show, both of them premiere their first internet singles.

Everyone can cast their vote by Friday: September 1, 2006; 12:00 by going to SI site and distributing votes amongst both candidates. But the thing I became attached to both Sims singers characters and I'm now unable to make up my mind! lol...Overall though I thought Elisha had the star performances of the night, and her single is actually strong enough to be on AC radio; but then Jake got me with his rendition of "Half Crazy" which showed something special about his voice. What do you guys think ?

Note: If you're a singer, or a fan of Sim Idol the next and last installment "Sim Idol 3: The Final Search of a Superstar" will premiere on June 27, 2007. Auditions begin October 1, 2006. Read details to find out how you can register.

Note 2: Elisha ended up winning Sim Idol 2.

Jessica Simpson's Voice Troubles: What's Wrong With Our Pop Sopranos?

Just as she's preparing to release her new album A Public Affair today, there has been news coming from In Touch Weekly that Jessica Simpson has been struck down with "throat trouble", forcing her to cancel a series of promotional appearances on Today, TRL and The Late Show with David Letterman. According to the mag the troubles are severe enough for the voice specialist she consulted in New York to tell her that she needed to resist talking or risk ruining her voice permanently. Oye! that's pretty uncool.

A widespread problem ?

Jessica however isn't the first pop songstress to deal with this issue: Recently it was Katharine McPhee who was ordoned by doctors to stay off the American Idol tour for 3 weeks after suffering a case of larynghitis post her promotional duties for her first single. In the past years Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Celine Dion are just one of the few names also rumored to have been afflicted with vocal woes of all sorts. Even the guys are not immune to these problems since Justin Timberlake had to undergo surgery last year to removes nodes from his chords.

At this point some people might ask, well, isn't it normal for vocalists to encounter voice issues from time to time in their career (duh)? To this I nod in agreement...however, the frequency of these reports and the young age of the performers to me seem to point out to the fact these are all the symptoms of a much greater problem with pop vocalists in North America - And one that will need to be addressed if we want our most treasured and gifted singers to have a shelf-life greater than 10 years! Really, is there any reason why a 20, 25 or even 35 year old vocalist should already suffer the threat of losing her golden pipes forever? I don't think so.

Exploring some causes..

As for the greater problem I'm refering to, I'm sure its roots are diverse and more complex than I could delve into here : it might be a mix of culture (as it relates to our love for warm, belting, gospel-type of voices for example); music education (or lack thereof); and economics (as it pertains to the voice as commercial product to be marketed in a competitive music industry). All those factors together might explain why in North America, as opposed to Europe for instance, pop vocalists are under such constant pressure to exhibit vocal prowess, or rather make a demonstration of it at every turn, arguiably putting them at a greater risk than vocalists from elsewhere in the world to suffer from recurrent hoarseness, vocal extensions, nodes etc. It's also fair to say that two (glorious) decades of Whitney and Mariah reign as supreme vocalists at the moment, both of whom radically pushed limits of what pop singers are able to do, left a legacy with positive and negative effects on the newer generation of popstars.

The right & the wrong way

Let's go back to our pop soprano divas: I hope more of them will make a habit of getting vocal instruction in the future, as that will teach them how to sing in a manner that corresponds to their vocal type and accents its best qualities. I won't really get in technic in this post because I'm not really qualified to do so, but a quick read on vocalist.org.uk informs us that voices are divided into "types", from highest to lowest range. Females: soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto & Males: tenor, baritone, bass. If you're a male and speak in a soulful type of voice, you're certainly not going to expect to sound like Dollie Parton when you sing, as you're probably a baritone like Josh Groban. Seems obvious enough :)

So, each of the vocal classifications have qualities that are attached to them: For instance sopranos (ie Dollie Parton) have lighter & higher voices than mezzos (ie Whitney Houston) who will have heavier and more powerful voices...The difference is also biological: soprano's vocal chords are thiner than everyone's, which allows them to hit those high notes, and consequently they're also more fragile. Which means that voice teachers will typically disrecommended to sopranos to "belt" high notes in a full, hard chest voice, as it's frequently done in pop singing, cause it might scar their vocal chords and destroy the beauty of her tone over time. Mezzos aren't advised to abuse this technic either, but biologically their chords can withstand more power belts than other females. The same applies for tenors vs baritones..Basically every types has their qualities and limitations, and singers with proper training learn how to put those qualities at the service of their music.

The wrong way for a soprano to sound: Jessica singing "I Wanna Love You Forever" at AMA in 2001
In the beginning her tone sounds somewhat light, but in the later parts her belts get way too hard for her type. Not good.


The right way for a soprano to sound: Jessica singing "With You" in 2004
Her tone sounds light and remains that way throughout the song, even when she uses semi-belts (mixed-voice). That's better imo.


ps: I could make a post to illustrate different vocal types in pop singers and how they differenciate from each other if anyone is interested.

The Leak; Justin Timberlake: "I'm Bringing Britney Back" ?

Ok first of all I promise not to use the much abused expression "I'm bringing sexy back" after this post! lol..but can you believe what's in a great lyrical hook? When I first reviewed this JT novelty track, I gave it a failing grade for selling a concept and a beat than a good song. I still kind of feel that way, but it looks like from a commercial standpoint the ex N'sync lead was not entirely wrong : His ingenious song title has quickly become part of everyone's vocabulary on the net, which is more than any advertising campaign could ever ask for, and it also looks like "SexyBack" is about to break record sales on itunes, where it claimed the number one spot within 16 hours of release. The song is expected to surpass sales of 500k and hit the #1 position on billboard, as Justin will on stage performing it for the first time at the MTV Video Music Awards this week alongside Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Fergie and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

With all of this good stuff going on, why is there now speculation on the net that Justin has rehashing old stories in order to garner interest for his album FutureLoveSexSound recently leaked online? In "What Goes Around.. Comes Around" -one of the album highlights- he does appear to be addressing Britney Spears and husband Kevin Federline directly, uttering such lines as "Hey girl, is he everything you wanted in me/ It's breaking my heart to watch you turn around/ 'Cause I know that you're living a lie". There has been no confirmations from Justin yet, but one thing is sure he does absolutely nothing to stop the public's confusion and fascination by his choice -unconscious or not- of planting into the song bits and pieces of his now classic "Cry Me River" which blasted Britney with allegations of infidelity. As you know Britney responded to it with an apologetic piano ballad called "Everytime". This odd musical back and forth makes the listener feels as though they're caught in an ongoing love saga that has not yet met its ending, which for all purposes may be gimmicky but which delivers in terms of emotional poignancy.

Elsewhere on the album, Justin unleashes the goods a couple more times : With "My Love" a tour de force from a melody crafting point of view that has him exploits the two extremes of his vocal range for the most sensual and lustful effects; "Losing My Way" a gospel infused number with big choirs; and the intimate old-soul ballad "All Over Again". The rest of the proceedings don't quite live up to the promise, but it's not for a lack of ideas and ambition on JT's part. I thought his producer Timbaland just didn't offer him enough variety of beats and arrangements that allowed him the space he so obviously needed to let his ideas flourish. But it's not a miss of an album by any stretch.

Oh, and one more question before I go: does Justin lives up to his promise to "bring sexy back" with this album? The short answers is yes - and what's great is that he seems to understand that sexyness as it turns out is more powerful when embodied by the performer himself, than when it's ritualized with explicit and cliched lyrics as so many R&B and pop singers tend to do. When the falsetto crooner sings in "My Love" : "If I told you you were beautiful/ Would you page me on the regular/ tell me would you/ Well baby I've been around the world/ But I aint seen myself another girl/ like you" he does come off as a bit of a player, but one that is so earnest and sincere any girl would be straight up crazy to say no to him!

Watch This Tina Arena Performance And Get Goosebumps

Australian songstress Tina Arena is the definition of a stage dynamo to me. When performing she looks like she's on a mission to get to the emotional core of the song and she'll leave absolutely no stone unturned. She wails and she groans. But she never begs for attention, she commands it. I think very few performers are aware of their power as she is, hence why they'll either overcompensante by giving into vocal excesses of all kinds, or they'll just sort shut down to keep their emotions safe from the audience.

With Tina there's no such thing as a hiding place cause she'll come and get you wherever you are. She may do it with feminine persuasion, or she can get downright ruggish and fierce if needed be..When she sings Tina Arena always means business, which I why I love her so much. Here she is taking on "I Want To Know What Love Is" at a TV show in France, where she's been having most of her career lately.

Tina Arena - "I Want To Know What Love Is"

It's Youtube Parody Time! (aka. These Kids Need More Supervision)

After Beyonce, Thenextaisle take on "Promiscuous" by Nelly Furtado


I absolutely love watching parodies of music videos on youtube, as they've become quite the staple on that site. New ones keep popping up everyday!..and some of them are really good. Like this one by Thenextaisle, who already brought us their version of Beyonce's Crazy In Love which I posted before. This time the girls trio are playing "Promiscuous" by Nelly Furtado feat. Timbaland, and again the result is really fun. Their editing is fast paced and their attitudes right on. They also get help from what looks like the entire neighborhood of kids! This gets A++ from me

Galipoka is all kinds of right in "Beep" by The Pussycat Dolls.


Like o.m.g!! lol This kid called Galipoka scored a major hit with his genius take on PCD's "Beep" (400k views) and he too offers stellar work in terms of editing, and intriguing choices in his dancing and wardrobe, especially for a preadolescent boy. He's a future star for certain! Next he plans on making his own series on youtube, and already posted a trailer for his thousands of fans. And when you see his PCD spoof you'll see why it's not a strech of the imagination to picture Galipoka as a series director.

Jesse McFartney is all about love and boys in a remake of "Beautiful Soul".


This parody of Jesse's McCartney's first hit is absolutely brilliant and hillarious. It tells the story of 'Jesse McFartney' a teen singing sensation recently discovered by a Tampa music producer by the name of Philly C who touts him as the next Aaron Carter. In his video, simply entitled "Soul", the new Jesse appears full of deep feelings and pensive poses -much like the real Jesse- except his love interest is another boy! Someone had to think about that one.

The Leak: Beyonce Leaks And Her Daddy Speaks!

If you go over at Beauty N The Beat blog you'll be able to stream full songs from Beyonce's upcoming album B-Day: "Get Me Bodied", "Freakum Dress", "Irreplaceable", "Kitty Kat" and "Upgrade U" ft. Jay-Z. I found myself enjoying most of them, especially "Upgrade You". The tracks have sort of an organic, loose and almost "unscripted" feel to them, seemingly offering Beyonce the possibility to freely experiment with different facets of her voice and having a blast doing it. Still, there something that really bugs about the material: the fact it doesn't quite seem to reach its full potential.

I compare it to the feeling you get when someone throws a great idea into the air, and you expect them to develop it with something clever, but they end up throwing a bunch of cliches at you, and you go meh..The let down effect is proportional to the expectation.

And expectations there are when it comes to Beyonce, the woman rightfully credited for the success of mega group Destiny's Child, and an equally successful solo artist. This year she's staring in Dreamgirls, the most buzzed about movie in the press. And she has her clothing line with her mom. That's a whole lot going for her. But that's also the problem she is faced with right now. Much like Jennifer Lopez in the "Bennifer" era, Beyonce's been too many places for too long, and she's manifestly not been able to measure the consequences her percieved overexposure could have in the public's appreciation of her music (and her acting career). Comes to think of it, I have to wonder how much of that factors in in the way I recieved her new songs: Am I getting over her? Or am joining the backlash bandwagon she's been the subject of on the net lately?

I hope not. I've always admired Beyonce's talent as a vocalist and songwriter, yet always regreted the fact she appears to slack on developping her artist mind in favor of that of the businesswoman : Write a record in two weeks; Not allow herself any breaks, nor the time to do things well; Hold the spotlight with the tightest of grips..That's just not the way most artists I know think, but then again most artists I know aren't as successful as she. I suppose priorities are different for everyone.

You can listen to Beyonce's new songs here. And to read her father Matthew Knowles pungent address to the critics and other petitioners, click here.

The Latest Clips: It's A Family Affair For Lionel & Nicole Richie; Shanice & Flex..

Lionel Richie's love intervention for Nicole in "I Call It Love"


There has been a lot of speculations in the press regarding Nicole Richie's fast dwindling weight over the last year and Lionel's alledged absence in such a critical time for his adoptive daughter. The "Hello" singer was squash all those rumors by confirming the whole family was rallying around Nicole. And to further prove their unique bond he casts Nicole in "I Call It Love", first single off his upcoming album, in a glamourous role that mirrors her life as a Hollywood paparazzi royalty. It's a beautiful love.

Shanice and Flex make us want to be in love in "Take Care Of You"


Shanice irradiates with the type of beauty that comes from the inside out in "Take Care Of You" the second single off her 2006 album Every Woman Dreams. And she got good reasons to smile! After a rocky road with mainstream record labels which did not bring her the recognition she deserves, the 4-octaves soprano coloratura is back doing things on her own terms as an indie artist. She's also now a mother, and wife to hunky actor Flex Alexander, who appears in the video alongside friends of the couple such as comedian Monique. The result is an easy, honest, and feel-good portrait of what a couple in love really looks like..Goes down like a milkshake.

Teen sisters Aly & AJ are rocking their way into fame with "Chemicals React"


I first heard about this duet from an artist on our Singers At Hearts label, then I saw them perform on the finale of America's Got Talent. But from the crowd's reaction -mostly compromised of adolescent girls- it looked like Aly & AJ were already popstars on the same level as Avril Lavigne. Turns out the girls had a contract with Disney which made them a staple on the company produced movies, soundtracks and specials. Now Aly & AJ are trying their luck at the MTV with a contract with Hollywood Records who also produces Hillary Duff. Their single "Chemicals React" actually has that Duff signature sound to it, meaning it's somewhat catchy but ultimately it's very light on impact.

Thank You For All The Love

Yesterday our blog broke a record with over 550 visits in one day thanks to my review of Clay Aiken's "Without You", which brings our total to 2000 unique visitors in a month. Seems like that short text I've written was also reprinted all over Claynation communities exposing it to thousands more readers, which is really flattering to me. Thanks Claymates! I've never been much of a writer, and to see people respond so strongly to what I have to say, twice in a row now (refer to my Christina Aguilera Back To Basics feedback) is still very new and mind-boggling to me. But I love to communicate my passion of music, artists, and singing to people, so I appreciate this.

On a more pragmatic note now: I'm wondering if I shouldn't change this place into a review blog? It would certainly bring in the hits! lol - Looks like I've grasped the blog success equation; talk about an artist with a large fanbase and the hits will follow. Do take notes...

I'd love to take this time to thank all my readers, and my affiliates who link to this blog, especially Beauty N The Beat for all the latest grooves, and Pop Poster Girl whose blog I visit daily for her selection of male hunky music. Keep sharing the love y'all!

With heart,
David

The Leak; Clay Aiken: "I'm Bringing Screaming Back"

If you thought divaish belts died last decade along with much of AC radio and the Diane Warren ballads that dominated its airwaves, you need to think again. Clay Aiken and team are promising to offer much in terms of vocal splurge on his upcoming CD, as shown in his new single, a cover of "Without You", written by Badfinger and first made famous by Harry Nilsson. In the 90s the track got a revival Mariah Carey's chart topping rendition. How does Clay fare against those? I would say Mariah still offers the ultimate version from a performance standpoint (how can anyone forget her lush alto dips which cultimate in abundant and endless vocal outburts?) but something about Clay's version rings truer then all others to me. When he is not belting his tenor lungs out, I find that his voice hints of the type of vulnerabilty and heart that is conveyed in the plaintive lyric. As for his tone, I think it has gained in color and maturity, most probably a result of the growing up the brown-haired accidental hunk has had to do in the six months staying clear of acknowledging the massive and unprecedented gossip war that has been opposing bloggers, alledged past lovers, and legions of his fans on the subject of his sexuality. You can listen to "Without You" on Clay's official site or myspace.

EDIT Click here or here to download sample clips from A Thousand Different Ways. One word: Mind-blowing! This might well become a career-defining release for Mr Aiken.




On to a songstress who's on a mission to "unsing" her way out of her largely acquired legend status in music, Janet Jackson. She offered us the whisper-fest "Call On Me" as a preview of her 20 Y.O album a couple of months ago to much of my stupor, but I relied on the promise made by her team that the follow up single would bring back the upbeat, fun and avant-gardist we've come to love over the years. But fun isn't what I experienced when listening to "So Excited" ft. Khia. This can't be it?! I know for a fact Janet is so much better than this cheap, meagre, and hastily put-together PC beat, so why she's putting up with it is beyond me. But I can't blame her for not finding the inspiration or confidence to push any notes out, there's no use. And I'm more than ever convinced that her association with Jermaine Dupri, not renowned for his meticulous and layered productions as of late, is influencing her work for the worst. Better luck next time, I guess...

The Era of Kevin "Spears" Ferderline Begins Now: Are Y'all Ready ?

Kevin Federline officially made his much anticipated -and equally dreaded- debut as a rap singer yesterday at the Teen Choice Awards with his single "Lose Control". Introduced as for the special occasion by no other than a very pregnant looking Britney Spears, Kevin took over the stage and nervously moved about for a minute, before finally redeeming himself in the last part of the song as the audience warmed up to him and he got closer to them.

For a brief history of Kevin's pop career bid: Gossip blogs began announcing over a year ago that he was toying with the idea of making a rap album, which was recieved a thunder of protest and ridicule. The main reason is that the "K-Fed" (as he's nicknamed) has long been blamed for Britney's transformation from America's sweetheart to "hillbilly trash", which turned him into public enemy no1. In fact I have never quite witnessed this level of anger and disdain directed as an individual solely based on who they are and what they look like!

Admittedly Kevin didn't help with stints like this, showing him get excited to his very bad and luckily shelved first single "Popozao" and thus exposing his naivety to the whole world lol...But still..I thought the public's hatred for him (the mildest ones call him "a leech", "wigger", or "white trash") was very telling of our relationship with class in society: I think it's still as taboo to marry outside of one's class, as it is outside of one's race. And even within races, racism is very present - which explains why certain sections are dismissed as being "trash", "ghetto" or "rednecks". Luckily for Kevin, he got a break recently when Britney admitted the necessity of undertaking some damage control in the press with a slew of interviews with Matt Lauer, W magazine, and People. Kevin's performance yesterday was the last big chapter in Britney's savvy marketing plan aimed at gaining public sympathy for the artist she lovingly refered to her man, and move him from most-hated to most-likeable. Everybody loves a sob story.

Kevin tries to regain control at Teen Choice Awards

Christina Aguilera: "I'm Bringing Feuding Back"

Apparently everyone loves a good healthy fight. For a long time though, it seems like our pop culture tried to be on its best behavior, pretending none of that was true..then along came Madonna with her celebrated trash talkin' ways in the 90s, followed by popular talk shows a la Jerry Springer, "shock jocks" personalities on the radio, and more recently reality tv like Big Brother where the very premise is contestant's ability to backstab each other all the way to the million dollar win. Simply put: feuding is in. And it's good business even for artists. The public too, has now to come to expect from entertainers that they deliver in term of personal drama and wars. It's the new badge of honor, or should I say realness : If you want to prove you're like everybody else, then you need to come out of the closet with your darkest feelings about your closest rivals and former lovers.

-C'mon, Hillary Duff you can't be that fond of Lindsay Lohan!
-And Beyonce you must be pissed Rihanna is coming and taking your place, no?
-What about you Eminem and Kanye West?

One artist who's delivered plenty in terms of public feuds over the years has been Christina Aguilera. She's almost simulatenously exchanged nasty words through the press with Britney Spears, Pink, Kelly Osbourne, and Mary J Blidge. Then word got out she was all but cleaning up her act and moving on to better things. That is until the GQ magazine interview last month where the tiny blond threw a blunt, and unexpected blow at Mariah Carey, reviving a floodgate of interest on her rumored feuding ways.

Christina vs Mariah

Round 1: Christina to GQ
"[Mariah] was never cool to me… to the point that one time we were at a party and I think she got really drunk, and she had just really derogatory things to say to me…But it was at that time that she had that breakdown, so she might have been very medicated"

Round 3: Mariah slams those claims on Access Hollywood.
"I had hoped that Christina was in a better place now than the last time I saw her, when she showed up uninvited at one of my parties and displayed questionable behaviour. It is sad yet predictable that she would use my name at this time to reinvent past incidents for her promotional gain. It is in my heart to forgive and I will keep her in my prayers."

Round 3: Chris half apology through Access
"I do not want any bad energy with anyone. My intentions were not to upset Mariah with any statements that were published or taken out of context. I have all the respect in the world for her."

Round 4: Chris putting the nail in the coffin in new Allure mag
"She hasn't been nice to me, no. But honestly, I don't want to give her any more attention by even talking about it. [...] Like I said, sometimes honesty is my downfall."

My take on this:
Initially I wasn't on team Christina, if for the way she formulated her comment -don't bring out the medecine!- but something about Mariah's quarrelsome comeback didn't sound like a statement from an innocent party! There had been rumors of Mariah keeping the younger singer off VH1's Diva Live years ago, and suddenly everything started making sense. Sometimes you just need to call out people on the crazy things they do.


Christina vs. producer Scott Storch

This one is rather strange. Scott Storch had been one the mastermind behind her career defining album Stripped. Then he alledgely became a diva and made statements to Vibe magazine that he didn't work on Christina's new album because she didn't hook him up with a private jet from Florida to LA where she was recording. He since produced music for Paris Hilton and wrestler's Hulk Hogan daughter 16year Brooke Hogan. An upgrade! Christina fired back dedicating him an interlude on her Back to Basics album.

Round 1: Christina sings "F.U.S.S" to Scott
Listen to "F.U.S.S" as she blurts out "I thought I knew who you were, I see now you were a lesson to learn".

Round 2: Scott fires back in In Touch magazine
"It's pretty pathetic that she would do a song like this. I worked on half of her last CD and sold her millions of copies. Obviously, she cares more than I do that I didn't do this album. But I can't blame her, with an album full of fillers, over-singing and lame Vegas-like cabaret music. …You (Aguilera) should fire your management for letting me slip through your fingers."

My take on this:
For the sake of getting involved, I'd have to be on team Aguilera! Yes, the interlude seems catty and out of place on an album, but it's also a letter of tough love sent out to Scott to remind him not to lose himself. I remember a couple of years ago when Christina declared that Britney appeared to her as a "lost little girl" in need of guidance, everyone slammed her, yet within months Brit had annuled a world tour, been in a 55 hours marriage and started dating Kevin Federline whose girlfriend was five months pregnant at the time. So right now I think I'll just await for Storch's crash and burn which should be interesting, in lights of the recent incident where him and Paris were taped hurling "firecrotch" insults at Lindsay Lohan (see TMZ)

Ahh, the whole world has gone high school...

Women Who Make Beautiful Duets

Katherine McPhee dedicates "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" to Kellie Pickler


I thought I would do a little rundown of my favorite female duets, cause there's nothing like performers displaying chemistry on stage! The first one isn't so much of a duet, but I wanted to catch up on Katharine Mcphee whom you remember had been off the Idol tour for weeks due to laryngitis. I found out it wasn't exactely the end of her troubles, she ended up breaking her foot..and this time she had a good reason: she was running backstage to see best friend Kellie Pickler perform! Uh? If you've followed AI then you've seen the friendship of those two girls -whom the fans have nicknamed Kathellie McPhickler- blossom in the most endearing and fascinating of ways (Click to see a cute montage of them on Idol). Well it culminates here with Kat's dedication of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" to her friend. At one point when she walks towards Kellie sitting at the end of the stage the intensity of the moment is so palbable my heart kinda skipped a beat! What can I say? I'm the king of sap.

Regine Velasquez and Coco Lee defiance in "I Will Survive"


If you follow Asian divas then you know it doesn't get better than Regine Velasquez and Coco Lee. But they also have their critics: Regine ("Asia's songbird") for one gets dismissed a lot because of her tendency to cover counterparts Whitney, Mariah, and Celine which affects her credibility as an original artist. But who cares about that when a performer gives you major goosebumps like in this "I Will Survive" rendition? Coco Lee especially -one the left- breaks it down like a real diva should. Coco had a contract with Sony and released two albums in the US since 2000 without much results.

Donna Summer & Tina Arena bring down the house in "Enough Is Enough".


This duet is a classic for me. Donna Summer is pairing with superstar Australian vocalist Tina Arena, who's had a big hit with "Chains" in 1995 but haven't quite gotten the recognition she deserved since then. Fortunately someone at Sony had the great idea of suggesting a pairing with Donna on "Enough is Enough" for a tv special she was doing, and the magic operates.

Patti LaBelle & Anna Oxa try to out-hair-do each other in "Imagine".


What happens when you pair two divas who do not live by the motto 'less is more'? this rendition of Lennon's "Imagine" by Patti Labelle and Italian singer Anna Oxa! The performance is from 1989, which explains Patti's crazy do, but their singing is timeless.

Randy Crawford & Presuntos band in "Fallen".


I thought I would add this duet cause I love Randy Crawford's voice much! She's most famous for her songs "One Day I'll Fly Away" and "Almaz", which I would recommend you to listen for cause she has one of the most dinstinctive there is as a singer. Enjoy "Fallen".

Lara Fabian & Isabelle Boulay are "Belle île en mer".


Last but not least, here's a little number from french's folk music rendered by the heavenly voices of Lara Fabian and Isabelle Boulay. Savourez "Belle ile en mer".

Beautiful Message About Love...

This is a youtube video called "Emily Faces Racism". I thought it had such a well put together and insightful message about love that I wanted to share it with you. Enjoy.

The New Singers At Heart Website Is Up

Check out the new and improved site Singers At Hearts. I'd also love to encourage all of you to join the forum and leave me your feedback or just say hello. And if you're a singing lover feel free to post your karaoke songs, I'll gladly give you an honest -but always kind- review ;) As well I'm in the process of recruiting songwriters, beatmakers, and other people who have an interest in working with indie artists, so don't hesitate to contact me, I'd love to get to know you all of you. Don't be shy!

To tell you more about Singers at Heart: it is my brain child, and my own version of the American Idol dream, "indie scene edition", where I help nurture amateur singers and turn them into recording, and hopefully successful, independant artists. What I do concretely is teach my artists to devise a specific career plan for them to work by, where every piece of the puzzle is carefully thought out to yield certain results. I always encourage them to think in terms of consequences for each action, so they'll be able to know which precise set of actions to take to reach a certain result. (It's not as philosophical as it sounds, don't worry).

So everyday we meet in a private section of the forum nicknamed "Our Office" where everyone of our artists has their own thread in which discussions regarding their careers are held. As you guess it's a very original and entertaining concept, and se half of it feels very serious (at times I feel like Tommy Mottola advising Mariah Carey or Michael Bolton on which songs to pick for a performance) and the other half is very funny...You can't help but laugh at yourselves a little when you plan to take on the music industry with nothing but your big ideas and dreams.

Artist developement, which is what Singers at Heart specializes in, is an area of work no longer offered by big recording companies. And for cause: it's a very complex, long, testing and undefinable work that offers no guarantees whatesover in the end. Your passion for artists and music must be boundless to survive more than a day in this field. And at this point the music industry just doesn't have the patience or money anymore to invest in nurturing artists based on 'potential of sales' alone. They want product they can sell right away...American Idol compilations fresh off the finale show, or maybe bands who've long done the job of establishing themselves on a local scene and proved they can sell a few tickets on their own.

So a few months ago I took on this challenge to seek out amateur singers I had heard through a karaoke community called daretosing.com (Some of which you can listen to on the mp3 player on the left) and by taking them on discover for myself what is it it takes to turn any singer into a "star", or a recording artist. What does it take to make a dream happen? What are the prerequesites, the steps, the method? Can it happen to anyone? And can it be done in the first place? Those are the questions I obsessively seek an answer to. It's a daunting and scary task, but I want to be able to surprise myself. That would be the ultimate reward.

Happy Birthday Madonna!

48 years ago in Bay City, Michigan, a woman by the name of Louise Veronica Madonna Ciccone was born. She would forever change pop music and inspire a whole generation of young boys and girls discover and be confident in their sexuality. Happy birthday! I first became a Madonna fan when I was around 10, in 1985. Back then she was still a chubby, unpretentious and leather-clad pop star joyfully grooving to the beats of "Holiday" and "Lucky Star" with brother and backup dancer Christopher Ciccone in tow. Most of my friends at the time were going crazy for Michael Jackson and his perfectely choregraphed and directed videos but all that was leaving me cold for some reason. There was something else I longed for that I found in Madonna music: freedom. The freedom to laugh, make mistakes, be humourous, or be bad. Her attitude was refreshing and it corresponded exactely to how I envisionned life to be and artists to behave.

Surely over the years Madonna has evolved and she's changed. On a few occasions she even made the error of "believing her own hype", as they say, or at least attempting to live up to it, which led to her allowing her sense of adventureness turn into a gimmick -just shock- and stand in the way of her likeness with the fans. The thing that had made me relate to her as a kid. But if the message in Madonna's music has always been nobody's perfect and let's accept each other as we are, then I'm willing to accept that she too can make mistakes. She's human. She'll forever be my inspiration. Here to you Mado!

From David, with love.

Madonna circa 1985, singing "Holiday"


Madonna circa 2005, in "Get Together" one of my favorite performances of her as of late. It's just her getting close to the fans, and their response to her is incredible.

The Latest Clips: Beyonce On A 'Cassie' Budget

Is low budget the new black? That's the question I feel like asking after watching Beyonce's "Ring The Alarm" the second single off her upcoming B-Day album. There are just no words to describe this one! But let's just say I'm trying to figure out what director Sophie Muller -who also did "Deja Vu"- who's going after here: She throws in references from the movie Basic Instinct, including the infamous interrogation scene that has made Sharon Stone a legend, but it's done without much finesse or finality so we're left wondering if we're just being royally punk'd. Now, I might have a different opinion if the artist we're talking about here was someone other than Beyonce freaking Knowles! One of the top 5 most talented girls in the industry. I really think Bee's decision to record her album in 2 weeks and announce it to the world is catching up with her. It was bad bad PR. For the first time in her career, she's been getting a lot of bad from Vibe.com which prompted her to go all Cassie on them and defend her single. Very unlike the Knowles camp, there's definitively trouble in paradise.

Beyonce Responds to Vibe.com's "Ring The Alarm" Comment

"I want to personally respond to the report on Vibe.com about my next single, “Ring The Alarm.” I am very proud of this song and I believe the video is one of the best I have ever done.

I am excited about its premiere on YAHOO tomorrow (8/16).

It’s energetic, aggressive and filled with hard beats and I can’t wait for my fans to see it. I always believed this would be a powerful song.

My thoughts about releasing “Green Light” and “Get Me Bodied” was to go first to the international market, but the vibrancy of “Ring The Alarm” is something I wanted the whole word to see and hear right now.

“Green Light” and “Get Me Bodied” are definite single contenders, but right now it’s all about “Ring The Alarm.”

-Beyonce

The Drama Continues: Cassie Answers Her Critics!

The story of Cassie's rapid rise to fame just keeps on providing some fascinating twists. Last week I told you about her disaster performance at BET which was the talk on all the blogs. Apparently, a group of disgrunted music lovers decided to start a petition to have Cassie dropped from her label P.Diddy's Bad Boy! The 2000 signature petition entitled "We Prefer Lassie Over Cassie!" (lol) states she's "Lumidee reincarnated" and, "her existence and presence to the music industry is becoming very annoying and pointless."

In an unusual move, Cassie decided to respond to her critics through her myspace and address other misconceptions about her. But once again, I feel her approach is making her look kind of green: Not only she's giving her critics amuninitions by showing she doesn't have the thick skin required to survive this gossip-blog-infested era in pop music, but she's also kind of admitting to sucking as a live singer which is a big no-no in my books. Deny! deny! deny!..or become a lipsynching expert like Mariah Carey, is what I recommend. Because the fans will always need reasons to defend their favorite artist.

But then again, maybe Cassie has understood something about this gossip hungry era that I'm still trying to figure out. I know I love the unfolding drama so I cannot really complain. Some girls left her some pretty nasty comments at her myspace, and others commented she made Ashanti sound like Whitney Houston which I thought was hillarious.

Clear It Up , by Cassie

Yo, some things need to be cleared up right now. First off I'd like to say that the media is absolutely ruthless and will do ANTHING to tear people down. This week particularily has been the worst with media for me. They've released statements that I never said about the intentions of my first single 'Me & U.' I never said that the song is about oral sex. Take it as you wish, I NEVER SAID THAT, EVER! Second, this week I had an interview on New York radio, first with Angie Martinez and then later with Funk Master Flex on Hot 97. What I said with both Angie and Flex was what I said, but all of it was taken out of context when sites such as Vibe.com decided to write about it. I never said that Pharrell could get it, I said that he was cute and that was on the Angie Martinez show. Also on Angie's show, I said that I didn't have time for guys and that is exactly what I meant. It's not that people aren't good enough or however some of you may have taken it. I'M BUSY, STRAIGHT UP. I never said that I didn't like Ciara, I am actually a HUGE FAN of hers. I said that I didn't understand why we are compared, not only because I'm only on my first single, but because our styles are much different, she's soooooo talented, why would I discredit her? Lets be real.

On Flex, he read into a lot, but that is what his show is about. I realized that after I was done with the show. I personally don't feel that I need to talk about this "unofficial video" again (right now). But quickly, it was a bad look that got leaked on the internet. No, I DID NOT leak it....I don't care for that video, I never have cared for it. Bow and Omarion are great guys and it was wrong of me to talk about them on air. I had no bad intentions with what I said on them, but I can understand how it would upset people. Again, I've met them both and they are very sweet and kind.(...)

Oh and lastly, I am aware that my live performances have been pretty bad....no excuses, I'm still getting over stage fright. I am very upset with the series of events this week and I do not appreciate people making me look and sound crazy. I'm not a whore or a b*tch, which is what people have been making me out to be. I'm a 19 year old girl, I'm single and I'm working my ass off. Thank you to all of the fans and supporters that have recognized my hard work.

5 Music Videos That Caused A Scandal

#1 Madonna puts the trance in "Erotica" (USA)


Releasing a controversial video can do wonders for an artist's career, but it can easily backfire too as Madonna witnessed with "Erotica" in late 1992. While she's always been applauded for her daringness, she got thunderbolts hurled at her for what the media considered sexual overkill (the clip was released within months of the coffee table book Sex and the poorly recieved film Body of Evidence). Personally I've never understood the criticism because there isn't much in "Erotica" to turn a person on constrary to most pop and rap videos out there, if anything it appears rather sterile and even detached with its grainy and sometimes unfocused imagery. Admittedly the sexuality presented here is quite bold and different. "Erotica" was directed by Steven Meisel and features Naomi Campbell, Vanilla Ice and Isabella Rossellini.

#2 Mitsou takes cues from Madonna with "Dis-moi, dis-moi" (Quebec)


Spunky and kittenish chanteuse Mitsou once created a stir with this 1991 video for "Dis-moi, dis-moi" in which she appears naked with a string of girating male dancers. TV stations across North America banned the video, including MuchMusic. But the controversy helped Mitsou attract attention from the show Entertainment Tonight who did a piece about her, which led to a multimillion-dollar contract with Disney's Hollywood Records. Mitsou released one English record "Tempted" in 1993.

#3 Mylene Farmer's vision of America's decadence in "California" (France)


Another artist often compared to Madonna is France's softest voiced Mylene Farmer. Her style is quite dark and inspired by literature and poetry of centuries past, like her acclaimed "Libertine" a 10min long music video inspired by le "Chevalier d'Eon", a diplomat and spy for King Louis the XVth who dressed sometimes as a man and a woman to succeed his missions. But the video I've chosen is "California" directed by Abel Ferrarra which is about Mylene's vision of America's decadence. She did it in 1996 back when she moved to LA and tried to make it as a pop singer in North America.

#4 TATU play pretend-lesbian teens in "All The Things She Said" (Russia)


What's better to get the imagination of the public going than two kissing lesbian teens fighting against a world which doesn't understand them? Nothing! Overnight Russian group t.A.T.u., consisting of Lena and Julia, became international hits thanks to "All The Things She Said", and they even scored a number one single in the UK charts. In december 2003 however they admitted on Russian television that they were not in fact lesbians and that it had been exploited as a marketing strategy devised by their former manager Ivan Shapovalov. Who would have thought?


#5 Christina Aguilera's "Dirrty" or How to rid yourself of pop princess image (USA)


On September 30, 2002, "Dirrty" ft rapper Redman premiered on MTV's Making the Video, where the newly nicknamed 'Xtina' could be seen wearing chaps while attending an underground night club. The clip quickly generated a massive backlash and ridicule against Christina, as many contended that she didn't have to go the "slutty" route to sell records. I've always thought the controversy was not justified (aside for the fact there was overkill here too on Christina's part with the naked spreads she did in Maxim and other sexual revelations in the press). The video itself is mild, and doesn't focus on turning Christina into a model type of vixxen, but showcases a circus-like underground world where freaks of all kinds come out and let out some steam. But maybe that was the problem? Nobody wanted to see the former pop princess dirty herself or portray herself as a freak. Loss of innocence is badly regarded in society.

The Video Cassie Does Not Want You To See!

Amidst backlash surrounding her performance at BET, there's now news of an unofficial low budget video version of Cassie's "Me & U" which has surfaced on youtube causing much anguish to the 19y old. Turns out this film would give both Madonna's "Justify My Love" and Paris Hilton's sex tape a run for their money. It's shot entirely from the angle of a mysterious date who picks Cassie up at a club, and takes her home for you-know-what. There is no nudity per se, but there's something undescribably sinister and bleak underneath the surface that adds to the depravity of it all. And at the end I wasn't sure if I should laugh or be appalled in the face of such a deliberate (and possibly clever) marketing ploy. Through her blog Cassie insists however that it was one of those mistakes she made for being a newcomer in the industry:

"The truth is, is that I did shoot a video for this song before. It was extremely low budget and it was before I signed to a label. Unfortunately that BAD video that’s going around, I felt like it scarred the very beginnings of a promising future. No matter my excitement while making the video, I was not thinking for Cassie. Before I had a chance to voice my opinion someone had leaked it in it’s raw form."

Click here to watch the unofficial Me & U video.

"Personalized Spam": A Great Way To Get Fans On MySpace?

Most of the time we're told that spam is the last things bands should resort to as a way to promote themselves, and I have to agree. Is there anything more annoying than getting spam in your forum or blog from unknown bands asking you to click their links? Yesterday however, I recieved a message in my myspace inbox that changed my mind on the subject. It was from a NY pop soul group called Lemon, and once I read it it was impossible to press the delete button without finding out who they are first. The reason is that their letter -although not addressed to me specifically- felt so personal and heartfelt that instinctively I started rooting for this band. Lord, don't let their music not dissapoint me after this! - I thought to myself. Well turns out their sound matched their presentation. They pen the most lush, gorgeous songs and the summery "Weight of The World" is already a new favorite of mine. Somehow you can often predict how an artist is going to sound: sloppy presentation = sloppy sound most times, believe it or not!

Lemon's resort to "spam" as a way to get fans payed off for them because they put their heart and time into it. Intent matters in marketing yourself. When I visited their myspace profile I noted they recieved raving and loving comments from people they've sent their note to, a couple even promised to pass on the word. I hope this will serve as inspiration for indie artists looking for their own ways to get their music out. Read Lemon's pitch to their fans:

My name is Roger Smith and I am the singer/songwriter for the NYC-based pop/soul group "LEMON".

While it is always a challenge to describe a group's sound in a few words, I would suggest that we have a Marvin Gaye/George Michael/Seal - meets - Depeche Mode/Tears for Fears vibe, wrapped in modern R&B production. There are also hints of Coldplay, Keane, Jamiroquai, Bee Gees, A-ha and a few others as well.

I can apprecate that your time is limited, however, I think you'll find that our sound, our songs, and our lyrical substance set us apart from the often uninspired sameness of today's music choices.

It would mean a great deal to me if you would take a listen to our material at our MySpace page. The music is available to download for free and I encourage you to enjoy and share the material.

Our intention is to tell you about music that we have spent years making and believing in, and hope that it speaks to you in a meaningful way. I would love to know what you think of the material, and, if you like what you hear, tell a friend -- it would help us a great deal. And by all means, add us as a MySpace friend so we can keep in touch and find out what you're up to as well.

All my best and thank you again,

Roger Smith

The Latest Clips: All Eyes On The Girls

In an interview that reminds of Britney Spears's infamous sit down with Matt Lauer, Christina Aguilera goes from vulnerable to defiant and insightful for the MTV special "All Eyes On Christina", dishing out on the abuse that affected her childhood, her critics, and her work with the producers on her record Back to Basics out this week. This is Christina like I've always known her: authentic, badass but always profoundly human. Ain't no other girl in the industry like her right now. (ps: Speaking of Xtina click here for her Rolling Stone cover, it's hot!)




Despite a semi-controversial first single "Stupid Girls" and a headline-grabbing song "Dear Mr President", Pink has failed to turn her last album I'm Not Dead into a hit (less than 500,000 copies sold compared to 4M for M!ssundaztood and 2.5M for Can't Take Me Home). Speculation is that her rock and feminist turn is not doing her any good with the MTV crowds, principal buyers of her CD, so I'm really hoping Pink will bring the great tunes and the sexy back! Like..who cares? It's only pop music. But I think she's already on the right path with her latest "U & Ur Hand", though it's only for the European market.



R&B sensation and new mommy Monica is back with an album, and she has a fresh attitude and look to match. I'm just not sure what to make of it, as she looks like such a different artist with her tattoos all exposed and her sexified dance moves in "Everytime Da Beat Drops" ft Dem Franchise Boys. The song is produced by Jermaine Dupri, who hands her not much of a beat to work with. After hearing this and Janet's "Call On Me" I can officially say JD needs an escapade (aka. a vacation).



This one is not really new, but it's Carrie Underwood music video for her last single "Don't Forget To Remember Me". She's been making such a splash on the country charts since leaving idol, but it's well deserved: She delivers timeless, grammy worthy vocals on her debut album..on top of looking stunningly beautiful!

We've Moved The Site To A New Host

I'm very happy about this, but I've finally found the perfect host for the Singers At Heart site in Downtownhost who were kind enough to assist us in moving our files. However, I might have to reinstall the forum from scracth which is a pain.

In other news I've accepted as spot as a guest judge on the International Idol competition in which amateur singers showcase their talents through karaoke submissions. My role is just to comment on the songs which determines if they advance to the next round or not, which is quite fun to do cause the level of talent is good! By the way they have a new round of competition starting soon, so if you want to give the singing thing a go without having to face Simon Cowell (I'm more of a Paula Abdul myself, without the "buzz" of course) go at the site and apply at the forum.

"Viral Marketing": Another Group Wins The Youtube Race

I've talked about how artists and regular folks have been using youtube to generate major buzz and attention for themselves, all of it through simple word-of-mouth. The idea is very simple: edit and upload an unusual video. Then sit back and wait for people to spread your links to friends like wildfire till the counter marks a million views. There's a name for this: viral marketing, which essentially is "a marketing technique that relies on users to pass on a message to others -read cheap-, creating a potentially exponential growth in the message's visibility and effect". Exactely what I'm doing now.

This is where our band comes in, OK Go, a Chicago-band formation whom after noting that their 2002 self-titled flew under the radar got the bright idea of uploading a $10 dollar music video to youtube granting them star status! 10 frigging bucks?? How can that be?. A quote from their wikepedia entry:

The band's second record, released in August 2005, gained notoriety for its first single, "A Million Ways." Its popularity was due in large part to its video, which proved to be a viral internet sensation in the fall of 2005. The ultra-low budget, one-take video featured the band in their back yard performing a dance choreographed by lead singer Kulash's sister, Trish Sie. Using a camera borrowed from a friend, the video was produced for under ten dollars and released without the knowledge or consent of their label, Capitol Records.

Now Ok Go is striking again with a new video "Here It Goes Again" featuring some of the same 'nerdy boy' appeal that had made Fatboy Slim's oddball video "Praise You" a VMA winner a few years back. I'll admit I'm not totally sold to Ok Go's second video which I find less spontaneous and spunky than the first, but I must give it to them for doing what they can to get their music out there (which by the way is very good). They've also been racking the awards on youtube:
2 million views in a month
4500 comments
#1 - Musician Videos Most Viewed (All Time)
#1 - Top Favorites (This Month)
#10 - Top Favorites (All Time)
#13 - Most Linked (All Time)
#66 - Most Viewed (All Time)

OK Go at it again in "Here It Goes Again"

When Bad Performances Happen To Nice People

I've been following and rooting for Cassie's career ever since hearing about her a little while ago, but I kept reading very dismissive comments about her singing on forums and I wondering where it all came from because she sounds good on record. Her tone is pleasant and onkey. And having grown up on French artists's music who for the most part sing with a "filet de voix" (a shred of voice) I certainly wasn't in stranger's territory with Cassie. As a matter of fact, for the French whispering a vocal and delivering with a casual attitude is the sign of utmost elegance and artistic finesse. Anything beyond that is considered vulgar and grosteque! Which is why I so enjoy "Me & U"'s nonchalant groove. But there are limits.

Case in point: Cassie's passage at BET where she made the (misguided?) decision to sing live. She just didn't sound adequately prepared for it! On the upside, she doesn't leave the stage like Ashlee Simpson did after her SNL mess up, and through every botched vocal, she painfully tries to stick it out till the end. As for the public, well, they must be very forgiving because they do cheer her on..Goes to show that humility goes a long way.

I recently heard from a fellow songwriter how what he thought was his most humiliating open mic session turned out to be the greatest response he ever got from a public at a show. The more he messed out the songs and forgot his lyrics, the more he was applauded. It's a strange phenomenom, but maybe fans do relate to imperfections in performers? As long as they didn't pay $100 for tickets, most likely.

"Why Artist Development Makes A Difference"

This is a great article published by the site Artistopia: The Ultimate Artist Development Ressource, which explains why indie artists should think development of their own careers first, before going for the record deal. If you develop, the industry will be willing to meet you halfway.

Many artists put in their mission statement, simply that they want a record deal, thinking that is all they need to succeed for career in music. Most don’t have a clue what it takes to get that deal, let alone maintain that career.

Artist development is a huge area overlooked by far too many young artists. What is “artist development”?

Gone are the days when a record label “discovered” fresh new faces, supported them, cultivated their creativeness, built up their fan base, and guided their direction with the intent of turning them into superstars as they once did. All of this of course, was with the intent of selling those 45’s, LPs, cassette’s and CDs. Gradually, many labels moved more into product development, which meant they are focused more on the immediacy of sales of the latest CD (product) released, and not bringing the artist up to that point.

In this Internet age, it is more the artist or band themselves that must build the quality sound that is ready as a commercially viable product. On top of that, they need to have an already established fan base, basic music business skills, perhaps even the early music sales of a well produced CD. Labels are looking for pre-packaged, very talented musicians that are already showing their value.

A music career is a charted path to follow. Artist development involves all the issues surrounding and arising from that charted path, and crosses into knowledge of product development.

Checklist on what artist and product development necessitate:
Exceptional vocals, musicianship and/or songwriting skills
Continued education and enhancement of musical skills
Quality equipment
Performance ability
Image creation and maintenance
Plan of action, goal setting
Exceptional promotion materials, including photographs, press releases and artwork
Business management skills
Marketing, publicity, and promotion knowledge, online and offline
Professional management
Basic knowledge of recording, producing, engineering, and mastering
Basic knowledge of manufacturing, distribution, and sales online, brick and mortar and air-play
Good choices in members, staff and advisors
Physical and mental preparedness
Basic knowledge of finances, accounting
Law and legal issues: publishing, copyrighting, trademarks, and an attorney
Alternative career options – even athletes need to have other options!

Tending to all areas of your music career may make the difference between a one hit wonder and longevity in this business. It’s been said, “If you think this is a piece of cake, you better go bake one.” The music business, again, is a business. Businesses need to make money. Take the time to find out all you can about each of these steps in your journey.

That being said, an up and coming artist must begin somewhere…and if a career in the music business is the goal, then any naiveté must be addressed immediately!

R&B Made in France: Amel Bent Hits The High Note

Could you ever guess that R&B and hip-hop is now as big in France as it is with North American kids? In Paris's suburbs, which are confronted by some of the same problems faced by the ghettos in the US as seen with the 2 weeks riots incidents in the news coverage, hip-hop has became the expression of choice for a whole new generation of kids disanchanted by the status quo. The most popular singer carrying this tradition right now is 21 year Amel Bent, an ex-candidate of France's version of American Idol À la Recherche de la Nouvelle Star. Her performance on the show did not make it to the finals, but Amel still skyrocketed up the charts with her R&B laced debut Un Jour d'été, released in late 2004. The first single "Ma philosophie" which addresses her struggles as a product of a mixed marriage (she's of Arabic descent) has become a hymn of sorts for immigrants's children. So far it's sold more than 600,000 copies.

Like Mariah her mentor, Amel emerges as a vocal innovator

The first song by Amel I ever heard was an acoustic duet with Lara Fabian called Ne retiens pas tes larmes (low quality mp3 here), and I was immediately struck by Amel's ability to ad-lib on the spot and adorn a melody with very creative vocal embelishments. For fans of vocal thrills, Amel's live interpretations (which best capture her creativity and capacity for improv in my opinion) they'll be served with her plenty. Mariah fans may also love the fact she hits superhead notes from time to time. Most of the time though, Amel is all about the soul which she delivers in a soft warm and unassuming tone. I strongly recommend to check this singer out! You may buy her album on Amazon

Amel's smash hit "Ma philosophie"


The music video for "Ne retiens pas tes larmes" (Don't Hold Back Your Tears)


Amel displays ad-lib virtuosity live in "Le droit a l'erreur" (Right To A Mistake)

The Latest Clips: Jesse McCartney Takes Cues From Justin Timberlake

* Teen heartthrob Jesse McCartney had a hit a couple of years ago with "Beautiful Soul", and became one of the net's most seeked male celebs. It took me a while to warm up to his 'twaingy' tone, but after witnessing a very soulful performance he gave at some benefit concert on TV I had to admit he's the real deal. Now Jessie is back with a grittier tone to his voice and a pop-rockish track called "Right Where You Want Me To" in which he pleads his girl to have her way with him and not be gentle. Oye! Seems like he's taking cues from JT's whip tale "SexyBack", luckily his song is more listeanable.


* Check out Cassie's first passage on TRL as a performer, and she of course sang "Me & U". It's hard to say if she's lipsynching or singing to a (loud) backup track, but let's just say she isn't bringing the house down with this one. But she's very cute!


* Here's another formation evolving under P. Diddy's etiquette Bad Boy Records: all-girl group Danity Kane who were formed during the 3 season of MTV's hit show "Make The Band". They come with legions of fans guaranteed, but does their first music video and song Show Stopper passes the test? I give them 8 for the voices, 9 for the looks, but a -10 for the song!

Our Blog Gets Some Attention From Christina Fans

The Singer At Hearts Blog just got its first taste of fame the other day thanks to our passionate review of Christina Aguilera's Back To Basics review. In the course of the three day week-end we were visited by an excess of 400 people, which is huge. But what's more is that my review started popping up again and again all over Christina fan forums! Like here and here.

I must say I was extremely flattered by some of the comments from the fans who called it their favorite review of the album so far (wow), but I was somewhat amused by them refering me as a "blogger". Me, a blogger?! Or am I? I never quite suspected that having a blog could lend one's opinion credibility or at least weight in such an instant, that people would actually quote you alongside others reviews from the NY Times or Entertainment Weekly. But then again, I like the levelling of opinions that this internet tool allows.

In other news, I'm currently looking for a new webhost for the Singers At Heart site and once I find one I'll probably work on redoing the design a little. I'm also in the process of signing a second artist to our online label, which is great! I love artists and it's been a life long dream of mine of doing "Artist Development" which I sum up as guiding, motivating and helping artists set a very specific vision for their career. I believe everything starts with visualisation: if you can predict consequences for each action, then you become able to envision any goal you have and know with precision the list and order of actions you should undertake to achieve it. It's just science.

The Latest Clips: American Idol Doesn't Understand Vocalists

* 2006 Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee has had a rough ride since the start of the Idol tour this summer: she suffered from bronchitis and laryngitis and was ordered by the doctors to stay off the show for 3 weeks and remain silent. It seems as if American Idol as a franchise doesn't understand a thing about vocalists, based on the non-stop promo regiment it puts its candidates through. Add to that the fact competition encourages singers to try and out-belt each other in hopes in leaving the loudest impression on the voting public and you have yourself a recipe for disaster. Anyway Kat is back performing her single "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and although her light soprano voice still appears visibly fragile and hesitant, she still delivers a chill-inducing rendition of Garland's classic.


* Another AI graduate who's had the same problem as Katharine a few years is Kelly Clarkson. As you may remember, her voice grew increasingly hoarse as the competition progressed and by the finale she could barely sing her winning song "A Moment Like This" without cracking. Weeks later, Kelly was ordered vocal rest for a few days. But in my opinion it was not enough to make her voice completely recover and regain the clear quality and range of her early days on Idol. Now that she sings punchier rock songs I also wonder how that will affect her soprano voice in the long run as witnessed in this rendition of "Since You've Been Gone".


* Speaking of voice strain, I came across this rendition of Michael Bolton's "Go The Distance" by a very talented finalist on Phillipines popstar show called Danny Laureano. Despite the rough edges, I was impressed by Danny's deep and intense connection to giving breath to his voice in this song. I think I'll probably make my next Vocal tip of the day on breathing, so stay tune and learn how to find your own technic.


* A probably better performance of "Go The Distance" is by this girl called Sheryn Regis. She gives such a heroic, brave and imposing rendition! My favorite part is when one of the judges comment that this songstress, who must be no more than 5'2", "makes you feel she's standing 6" tall". That's the power of interpretation.


* Let's end our tour of the world singing competitions with the sublime artistry of Marie-Mai Bouchard a finalist on Quebec's Star Academie I. At only 19 years old she displays the stage presence of the likes of Edith Piaf and Lara Fabian, building on a slow dramatic number called "Salaud" (Jerk). Marie-Mai ended up releasing a smash hit rock album in her native Quebec, and is now attempting a career in France.

Alizee Wants You To Know She's Not 20 Yet!

Since I talked about Jojo's grown up music yesterday, I thought I would follow up the discussion with French teen sensation Alizee who contrary to her American counterparts has built a career on glamorizing her adolescence. Considered at one point like France's answer to Britney Spears, Alizee came into the scene in 2001 with the dance-infused track "Moi..Lolita" and much like Brit Brit she's also gained her share of detractors who discarded her music as being prefabricated fluff and her looks as being too provocative. While I could understand the criticsm, I felt much of it was elitism because close inspection of Alizee's songs would reveal the fact there is actual subtext and humor to what she sings. And the story she tells is relevant in so far as it give us insights into the life of a girl in the midst of discovering the power of her sexuality and going through love's first heartaches. Of course none of it was to take too literally, but it was still artistically interesting.

In her smash hit single "Moi..Lolita" for instance she complains that it's not her fault if men lust after her, but insists in the follow-up song that her "hymen will last for a very long time". Alizee's willingness to hint of taboo subjects surrounding youth and sexuality made the public respond in droves and turn her into the highest-selling female French singer in '01 (The single for Lolita sold some 2 million copies across Europe, including the UK which is a rarity for a french song, and Asia).

In 2003 Alizee struk again with lesser commercial success but she continued to deliver the intriguing lyrics. In the lead "J'en ai marre" (I'm Fed Up) she purrs in her signature breathy and delicate mezzo voice about enjoying a bubble bath all day -which she precises makes her skin oh so smooth- while she enumerates the million of things which annoy her in the world, from wars and religious fanatism to zucchini dishes. The irony is delightful to miss. Another great song is "J'ai pas vingt-ans" (I'm Not Twenty) in which she warns potential boyfriends not to her bore or get her mad with talk of forever. "At twenty we'll be too old! I have all the time in the world!" she sings.

Certainly, there is an element to Alizee's brand of poetry that not so innocent and free. Her lyricist and mentor Mylene Farmer is considered by some as a marketing mastermind who knew how to tap into the psyche of a public in need of barely legal pornography disguised as pop music. At this time videos performances of Alizee are some of the most traded on babes sites on the internet. But beyond the cyniscm, I think there is a truth that has emerged through Alizee's success and the public's fascination with her songs: there is artistic relevancy in art that relate to teens, as trivial and mundane their preoccupations appear to us, and our younger American popstars and their handlers are missing the mark by not taping into it.

Alizee performs "J'en ai marre"

The Lattest Clip: Jojo Wants To Grow Up Too Fast

* Jojo is currently one's of US most promising teenage songstress. She came to fame in 2004 at the tender age of 13 years old with her hit "Leave (Get Out)" which hinted to a vocal maturity I had never yet encountered in a vocalist this young. And by maturity I don't just mean technical know-how, but the depth coming from a woman who's known love and have been wronged a few times. Simply put, she did not sing like a kid. Forward to this summer, Jojo is back with an album slated for october, and so is the discomfort she caused in me in the first time around: In the video for the otherwise competent "A Little Too Late" she appears with a male partner who looks at least 30 (there's no kissing involved) but both the lyrics of her song and interpretation are devoid of that certain naivete and ingenuousness you'd expect from an artist her age.

Far from me to say there is something wrong with a 16 year old singing adult material, I just question whether this is a representation of Jojo's true personality and artistic vision, or if it's the extension of some shrewd music marketer's imagination. Is she trying to appeal to the urban market? Is that what she has to do?. If that was the case it would make me sad, because there is so to say about adolescent innocence and the powerful ideas attached to this vast topic. Avril Lavigne tapped into it a couple of years with songs like "Sk8r Boi" which got millions of teens fired up and singing along, but she too grew up too fast after that.

It seems like the backlash against teenpop -arguably associated with the decline of quality output in the music industry- has made pop music too aware. As for me, I miss the days when artists were singing about silly stuff.

Jojo says it's A Little Too Late

The Leak: Christina Aguilera - Back To Basics ..and Forward To Excellence In Music

So yesterday it was a major frenzy on all music boards and blogs, as word got out that Christina Aguilera's much hyped album "Back To Basics" had leaked on the web. Everywhere I went there were people begging for links and other handing them out hush-hush style, as information started circulating that heavyweights from SonyBMG were watching and shutting down blogs which distributed the release. I've always been very conflicted about the leaking albums before their street date. On one hand I find it callous and unfair to an artist because it's equivalent to stealing some of their thunder by unwrapping the gift before we're supposed to, and on the other hand I understand the fans for not being able to resist! Truth is fans don't just download albums because they're available (don't try getting a Nickelback fan download some Hillary Duf, it just won't happen) they do so because they love the artist. I know it sounds like a poor excuse, but it's just a fact. And most end up buying the record anyway, and if that wasn't the case record sales for pop and hip-hop artists would not be the strongest in the country.

All this to say that my will to resist the evils of file trading failed miserably yesterday, and I ended latching on the mp3 bundle. I have a (poor) excuse though: I'm a Christina fan!...and I'll definitively be buying her record when it comes out on August 15, especially after what I consider to be a life-changing moment listening to it.

The album that makes me want to go back to the essentials

Every once in a while, a record comes along in a person's life that for whatever reason strikes a chord and change something in them. It can be very corny things like helping you through a break-up or a hard time, or inspiring you to become a musician. As a 'songwriter wannabe' -the way I jokingly refer myself as to anyone who asks-, it's not hard to explain why "Back To Basics" struck such a chord with me: Christina reaches such a level of excellence in her songwriting that it almost makes me nervous for her future. How is she ever going to top this?. Strangely this record reads more like an anthology -it's a double CD- than the release from a 25 years old former pop princess and dirrty dancer. Christina said she wanted to pay homage to the "pioneers of modern music and singing" -Miles David, Billie Holiday, Etta James no less- and she truly went there. Her knowledge of the era and her research shows, even if at times the production seem too modern to truly represent the 20s, 30s and 40s. The spirit is still there. After listening to splendid tracks like "Candyman", "Mercy On Me", "Hurt", and "I Got Trouble" -all collaborations with Linda Perry- I did feel the rewind to another time.

I don't really want to review the CD further, aside for saying that it's inspired, ambitious and epic work, and whether or not one enjoys what Christina has to offer they have to acknowledge the artistic vision it takes to put something like this together. Especially in a climate where certain popstars (who shall remain nameless, what's the point?) proudly admit to spending two weeks to write, record and produce a complete album they loftily except to sell to millions of people, Aguilera comes out with work that proves that time is still the essence of love. And respect for the art, and all its fans. For thousands of indie artists out there who are believers in great and quality musicianship to entertain the public, Back To Basics will come as great hope for the music industry. Grammy voters take notice!

Vocal Tip Of The Day: Give Breath & Shape To Your Voice

Today, I want to give a tip to the vocalist at heart that will read more as inspiration than conventional technic. It might make you think outside the box. It's a concept I coined "giving breath & shape to your voice".

To grasp this concept, I first want you to understand the relationship and difference between "air" and "sound". 1) Air in singing is what you breathe to produce your voice, and singers naturally know they have to breathe to sing 2) Sound in singing is the result -or consequence- of air being pushed out of the lungs through the vocal chords by the diaphgram (very much like a balloon from which you'd let some air escape..it'd make sound.)

Now you clearly see that air is not sound, but that air is necessary to create sound...A quality, strong, sustained, effortless sound. In other words, if you don't breathe well you won't be able to produce a quality singing sound! Remember this.

The second element to this concept I want to bring to your attention is that air is what carries sound around, much like the wind...And as you know the wind moves, and rises, and dips, and tilts, and swirls, and circles. So by sheer consequence, so can your voice: it can soar, and plunge, and flip, and encircle, and envelop. I'm sure you agree till now, right?

This is where the concept of breath & shape all comes together: as a singer at heart you have to understand that your sound is not some static thing, it can take any shape you give it. Just like the air in space. And it's up to your creativity to imagine all the forms you wish to make your sound and interpretations unique. Become the painter of your own voice!

Illustration: Watch Lara Fabian in this performance of I Will Always Love You, and witness the various ways in which she gives breath and shape to her voice. Makes it larger than life and it transports the spectator.

It's A Jungle Out There !

I was surfing the songwriting messageboards and music classifieds on myspace today, and was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who are either preparing, in the process or recovering from a career in the music industry.

"Emerging singer/songwriter looking for a publishing company"
"In a band? - Make money and generate a fan base now!"
"13 y old looking 4 a recording deal. you can't go wrong with me on your side"

Say what you will, but the entertainment industry definitively hasn't lost its appeal with artists despite the reported decline of CD sales. If anything interest in it is at all time high. Everyone wants to be in the video, everyone wants to be 'someone'. Beyond the over-debated issue of what this might say about our culture, being in the jungle made me understand something: the reason why aspiring singers are willing to do just about anything to sign with a major label, and that despite the cautionary tales reiterated ad nauseum by some of our favorite fallen popstars. Anything is better than trying to make some noise in the jungle and get yourself noticed! Avoid it like the plague.

There is something strangely deranging about having to sell yourself ("pimp your shit") to the world that doesn't sit well with everyone. I think it takes a certain amount of ambition and shamelessness -for lack of a better word- that isn't in everyone personality. Initially, sifting through this frenzy of posts full of boisterous claims and credulous propositions made me want to laugh hysterically, like one laughs nervously in the face of human tragedy, but I wasn't sure if I was laughing at them or myself for being there. Still, after the initial shock and becoming more acquainted to the jungle, I started to discover faces behind the thick maze of music dreams. People with ideas, desires, enthusiasm, and drive. Ambition and shamelessness. Qualities worth striving for. The jungle inspires me.