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MidDay Muse Show Recap

Performing Covers with your unique flavor!

October 24, 2012

Today we had some fun exploring the different ways to cover a song and listened to several examples of great covers.

Today’s Playlist Title:
Cover Me Bad (in the style of M.J.)

That’s right today we played covers that were the good kind of bad. All of the show’s topics and music selections are chosen specifically each day to illustrate a point I like to call:

The CRUX of the BIZkit

“Our Similarities bring us to a common ground; Our Differences allow us to be fascinated by each other.” – Tom Robbins

Performing a cover is a great way to make an instant connection with your audience; from that common ground you can then introduce your uniqueness! We took some loose inspiration from the following comic illustration:

  • Admiration by emulating the original’s essence
    When you love the original and you just want to pay your respect with modest changes while still maintaining the original feel of the song. Some examples we played today were Melissa Etheridge’s rendition of “Piece of my Heart,” and the Fugees version of “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”
  • Change the musical style
    Performing the song in a completely different musical style than the way it was originally recorded. This can be a great way to get your audience’s attention by getting them to see a familiar song in a totally new way. Today we listened to Muse’s version of “Feeling Good,” and FatBoy Slim’s Remix of “The Joker.”
  • Reinvent it by slathering on your secret sauce
    Getting the attention of your audience by adding some extra passion in your performance compared to the original. Not necessarily better, but markedly different. Today we listened to the Indigo Girls rendition of “Romeo & Juliet” originally recorded by Dire Straits – Amy Ray’s vocals significantly emote an intensity not found in the original. We also played the Cowboy Junkie’s version of “Sweet Jane.” Lou Reed himself described (the Cowboy Junkie’s version) as “the best and most authentic version I have ever heard”.
  • Raise the bar so high no one realizes you’re actually performing a cover
    This is when you deliver such a stellar performance that really stands out – so much that no one even remembers or realizes you are covering a song. Some examples played during today’s show included Pearl Jam’s rendition of “Last Kiss,” and Annie Lennox performing “No More I Love You’s.”
  • Show your humorous side with a parody
    Laughter is a great way to connect with your audience – when you use your imagination to give us a giggle it can really pay off! We had some fun today playing The Coats “A Tribute to Vanilla Ice.” In this rendition The Coats capture our attention by changing the rap to Gregorian Chant.

Artist Spotlight

Today we featured Weird Al Yankovic – an artist that has been keeping us laughing for years with his humorous parodies of popular music. Most often Weird Al pokes fun by changing the song lyrics in his unique way that allows us to appreciate the original song in a whole new way. Today we enjoyed his ability to create some interesting contrast by rewriting the lyrics to  “Gangsta’s Paradise” to “Amish Paradise.” Then we played his rewrite of the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want it That Way” to “What I bought on Ebay.”

Resources for obtaining a license to distribute a cover performance

Remember you cannot distribute your cover performance legally without obtaining the appropriate license! Here are some sites that can help you find the appropriate license for distributing your cover performance.

Vote for your favorite cover performance here.

Parting Words of Wisdom

“Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you’re there. It doesn’t matter what you do, he said, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away. The difference between the man who just cuts lawns and a real gardener is in the touching, he said. The lawn-cutter might just as well not have been there at all; the gardener will be there a lifetime.”  ~Ray Bradbury

So spice up an old favorite with your unique flavor – and make it TASTY!

Your MidDay Muse,

TinaLou

Connect with the MidDay Muse!

As always let me know what you think!

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Listen to the MidDay Muse with TinaLou!
Mon – Thurs 10am-11:30am on Mint Music Radio or at Live 365.com

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MidDay Muse Show Recap

Great Song Lyrics:
Do your words have the power to move?

October 23, 2012

Due to some technical difficulties today’s show was broadcast at 11:30am PST instead of our usual 10am time slot. Tomorrow we definitely plan to broadcast the show during our normal time 10am – 11:30am PST. Every Tuesday we focus on the Art & Craft of Songwriting and today we talked about writing and appreciating great song lyrics.

Today’s Playlist Title: Poetry in Motion

All of the show’s topics and music selections are chosen specifically each day to illustrate a point I like to call:

The CRUX of the BIZkit:

Words have power to create emotional experiences, spend your words wisely.

Why do we like to hear certain songs over and over again? They can take us to an emotional place and recreate an experience that we want to have. Setting words to music compounds their power by locking them into our memory with rhythm and melody.

  • What emotional experience do you want to cause for your listener?
    How do you want your listeners to feel when they hear your song? If you can create an emotionally truthful experience for your  listener they’ll want to keep listening over and over again. You may be inspired to write a song because you hear a phrase that sounds like a great song lyric, or maybe you have an idea that you think should be expressed in a song; or maybe there’s a story you want to tell. Underneath it all there’s going to be an emotion you want to express. Get in touch with the essence of your song and write from that feeling place.
  • Choose a compelling song title
    Your song title should be attention grabbing – hopefully unique and perhaps raise questions in the mind of your listeners to get them interested to keep listening. Often but not always, your song title becomes the lyric to the chorus of your song.
  • Paint pictures by using imagery
    You capture the attention of your listener when you put their imagination to work. Remember a picture is worth a thousand words – so the more images your put into your lyrics – the fewer words you’ll need. Use metaphors like “Life is a highway” or similes like “Smells like Teen Spirit.”
  • There’s more than one way to rhyme
    You don’t always have to rhyme perfectly – meaning all consonant and vowel sounds match as well as the number of syllables. Perhaps just the vowel sounds are the same, or the consonant sounds, or maybe just the number of syllables. Mixing up your rhyming pattern is a great way to surprise your listener and keep them listening!
  • Avoid cliches – say it YOUR way
    Cliche’s are overly used phrases that have been used so much that they no longer command attention – and most times listeners tune out. Unless you can use a common cliche in a new, interesting, or unexpected way try to avoid them. For example: “I will always love you,” or “Love is Blind.”  For example, instead of “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” Canadian rock group Len came up with “Steal my Sunshine.”

Artist Spotlight

Today we shine the spotlight on Grammy award winning singer and songwriter Pink. She projects an image of a sassy outspoken pop singer – and is known for being particularly blunt to the point of offensive in order to express that emotional truth. Today we played two of her hits – the first “Blow Me (one last kiss) and then “God is a DJ” (for DJ TinaLou’s daily ego boost).

Parting Words of Wisdom

“Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit. No matter what language we speak, what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith, music proves: We are the same.”
~ John Denver ~

Use your words carefully and deliberately – remember your listeners want you to move them!

You can do it!

Your MidDay Muse,

TinaLou

Songwriting Resources

Connect with the MidDay Muse!

As always let me know what you think!

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Listen to the MidDay Muse with TinaLou!
Mon – Thurs 10am-11:30am on Mint Music Radio or at Live 365.com

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MidDay Muse Show Recap

Artistic Criticism:
Can you take the heat?

October 22, 2012

After a one week hiatus the MidDay Muse w/TinaLou kicked off this week’s first broadcast by tackling the issue of handling artistic criticism.

Today’s Playlist Title:
USE it or KICK it to the CURB!

All of the show’s topics and music selections are chosen specifically each day to illustrate a point I like to call:

The CRUX of the BIZkit

If you release the magnificence within you – it will save you – if you bury the splendor within you – it will destroy you. 

(Today’s point paraphrases wisdom originally from the gnostic gospels.)

How do you believe and trust in yourself as an artist despite what other people think, despite your own self-criticism? How does the fear of disapproval deter you from putting yourself out there? Not expressing yourself is ultimately more painful than caring too much about what others think. Which fear is greater? The fear of what others MIGHT THINK or the fear of living with the pain of never expressing or developing your talent?

  • KICK it to the CURB
    If the feedback you’re receiving isn’t useful – it doesn’t give you insight into improving, or it doesn’t support you in feeling good about yourself – don’t take it personally. Consider the source, perhaps the feedback says more about “who” is criticizing, than about you. Don’t automatically assume it means anything about you or your talent. Don’t let it keep you from pursuing your dreams, during today’s show we played some Colbie Caillat – she didn’t let two American Idol rejections hold her back.It’s easier to not take negative feedback personally if you don’t take positive feedback personally. That doesn’t mean it’s not great to receive compliments. There’s a difference between appreciating compliments and needing compliments.
  • USE IT to get better
    Sometimes what you want to hear the least – is what you need to hear the most. It may be uncomfortable or perhaps painful because you might have a blind spot. When you ignore an important message your body wants to make sure you don’t miss it! Instead of interpreting the discomfort as something negative about you, interpret it as help or assistance in getting to where you want to go. During today’s show we played Sarah Bareilles’ hit “Love Song.”  She was inspired to write the song after receiving some negative feedback from her label. Instead of allowing it to discourage her, she used the criticism and turned it into a hit.
  • USE the pain and lament beautifully
    Sometimes you just can’t kick it or use it and you may feel overwhelmed by the pain of taking something personally. You can still channel your pain, anger, or sadness into your art. Write a lament that embodies all of your pain. We played some great examples today like Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” and “Gives You Hell” by the All American Rejects. Not only does your lament become cathartic for you, it helps all of your listeners get rid of some of that pent of resentment every time we listen!
  • Ignoring the uncomfortable only makes it worse
    Ignoring the negative comments and feedback may seem like a good strategy at first. After all you know your own worth who cares? This is when it’s important to development the ability to discern what’s useful or not. If it’s useful feedback and you keep ignoring it – this may come back to bite you. Remember if you can interpret the feedback in a way that helps you get better than it’s probably a favor in disguise. If it’s not useful by all means kick it to the curb! But beware of ignoring a blind spot – it could be building momentum!
  • You don’t always have to be your own worst critic
    It can be hard to kick your own self criticism to the curb – really, how can you not take that personally? Being self critical is actually a great characteristic, but being overly self critical means your self analysis is getting out of hand and you need to stop dwelling on all of the things you’d like to be better. At the very least try to spend just as much time (hopefully more) appreciating yourself and celebrating all of the victories no matter how small to help you stay motivated and focused.

Artist Spotlight

Today we featured Amber Riley, best known for playing the sassy and soulful Mercedes Jones on TV’s hit series Glee. Amber was also rejected by American Idol; but in retrospect, she was able to see the pain of the rejection as the reason why her talent developed and led to her current success.

Parting Words of Wisdom

“Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be. If you follow your bliss, doors will open for you that wouldn’t have opened for anyone else.” – Joseph Campbell, American author

Be kind to yourself – your unique perspective is valuable and powerful when you choose to focus on what you want.

Tune in tomorrow to hear my Poetry in Motion playlist as we discuss great song lyrics!

Your MidDay Muse,

TinaLou

Connect with the MidDay Muse!

As always let me know what you think!

TUNE IN

Listen to the MidDay Muse with TinaLou!
Mon – Thurs 10am-11:30am on Mint Music Radio or at Live 365.com

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MidDay Muse Show Recap

Recording can open doors for you!

October 11, 2012

Today we took a moment to appreciate wrapping up the first week of broadcasting the MidDay Muse live from Las Vegas! I’ve really enjoyed sharing my views and music with you – and I really appreciate all of the support from everyone listening.

IMPORTANT PROGAMMING ANNOUNCEMENT!

The MidDay Muse with TinaLou will now be airing from 10am – 11:30am PST beginning October 22nd!

That’s 2 extra hours a week of inspiration coming your way!

SHOW TOPIC:

Every Thursday we will explore some aspect of recording in the studio. Today’s show focused on explaining some basic concepts when considering building your own home studio.

TODAY’s PLAYLIST TITLE:

“Urban-Eclectic-Pop with dance, indie, and bohemian undertones”. a.k.a. random stuff TL can’t wait to play for you – a recipe of deliciousness for your listening pleasure!

  • Benefits of creating your own home studio

Recording from home is a great way to prepare for recording at a professional studio. When you understand the basics of recording you have the flexibility of going at your own pace. Recording can be very humbling but also very insightful. When you listen to yourself more often – you learn new ways to perfect your skills and gain insight into what would make your performance or composition even better.

  • What do I need to get started?

You can choose to record using a computer or a multi-track recorder. If you are using a computer you’ll need software and perhaps a digital audio interface if you want to record sound from an instrument or capturing vocals from a microphone.  You can also purchase a USB microphone or an adaptor that connects an XLR microphone cable to a USB slot in your computer. To hear your recordings you’ll also want to have some good studio monitor speakers and a headset. If you don’t play an instrument you can use audio loops to create or enhance your compositions.

  • You don’t have to know everything – know how to find the information you need

It won’t take long to realize just how much there is to learn when it comes to recording, but don’t let that stop you from getting started. Taking the first step is the biggest hurdle. Leverage the power of the Internet to find information and learn from the experience of others. It never ceases to amaze me how someone else has experienced the same issue I have – and often posted the solution.

When I first started learning I found a class offered through the local university that explained basic recording concepts at a professional recording studio on the weekends. I’ve also bit the bullet and purchased books that explain these concepts  – but if that doesn’t appeal to you – there are tons of video tutorials offered on YouTube for just about every piece of recording equipment.

Artist Spotlight

Today we featured the Canadian singer-songwriter Feist.

After suffering vocal damage from years of performing with a punk band, she was forced to find a new style of singing.

She credits finding her new vocal style to spending months with a four track recorder and guitar while being forced to rest her voice. Instead of suffering a setback – with the help of some home recording – Feist was able to discover and develop her own unique sound that ultimately led to amazing success.

Today we played two tracks from her album The Reminder – “1234” and “My Moon My Man.”

The album was recorded at the La Frette Studios outside of Paris.

For a very indepth article on how this album was recorded and engineered see Secrets Of The Mix Engineers: Renaud Letang Feist: ‘1234’.

Today’s Inspiration

“You put the right artist on the right track in the studio and leave the door open to let God in.” –  Jay-Z

A new door opened for Feist – once she started recording and listening – she walked through the door and now we all benefit from such a gorgeous album.

Happy recording and listening!

Your MidDay Muse,

TinaLou

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MidDay Muse Show Recap

Oct 10, 2012

 Great “LIVE” Performances

Performing live can be the most thrilling part of being an artist. I can’t think of a better pinnacle experience than knowing you are connecting with your audience while sharing the best of yourself. However, if you’re not prepared mentally before you sing or play a note, a live performance can turn into a nightmare. Feeling unprepared and letting your anxieties overwhelm you can lead to disaster.

Today on the show we played some live performances by some artists that really know how to bring the magic when they have our attention. I’ve been performing my entire life and no matter how many times I take the stage I am always learning more nuances of what it takes to deliver a great performance.

Here are some of my suggestions for a great live performance.

  • Practice

Yeah you know it. When you are performing the last thing you want to be doing is THINKING. It’s really hard to not think and put all of yourself into your performance if you’re still learning a song. If at all possible memorize your material so you don’t have to be reading music or lyrics on stage.

  •  Prepare yourself mentally

This is so important especially if you have a tendency to get nervous. Set yourself up for success by deciding ahead of time that you are really going to bring it. Tell yourself you are about to do a great job and better yet – see and FEEL yourself doing a great job. Take a few moments to visualize yourself in front of your audience delivering every note perfectly and above all – see and feel yourself having a great time!

  • Use nervous energy in a positive way

If I am feeling nervous I tell myself that butterflies are not nerves – just disguised enthusiasm! Reinterpret those nerves for your excitement to share what you’ve got!

  • Get connected to your body

Get warmed up first and do whatever helps you put your attention and focus into your physical body. The more you are feeling your body express the emotional truth of your song the less you will be thinking about what you are doing!

  • Connect with your audience

Make eye contact to connect, but most of all feel your audience. Remember they can’t wait to see you do a great job and they are rooting for you. So appreciate the unique perspective they have of experiencing YOU.

  • Remember to ENJOY yourself

Having the courage to get up and do your thing for an audience is something to be proud of. And if you’re like me you do it because you love it. So don’t get too caught up in trying to impress anyone but yourself. You know at the end of the day if you gave everything you could. Striving for perfection is admirable but having a great time and delivering an emotionally truthful performance is MEMORABLE.

Artist Spotlight

Today we featured two live performances by Brandi Carlile.  First was her cover of “Hallelujahs” performed live at KCRW.com Radio. Then we heard an emotionally powerful rendition of her song “The Story” performed live at Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony.

Today’s Inspiration

“Music, in performance, is a type of sculpture. The air in the performance is sculpted into something.” – Frank Zappa

Some of the other live performances played on today’s show included:

  • Don’t Make Me Over – Patti Labelle (Manhattan Center in NYC in 2000)
  • Unbreakable – Alicia Keys (Brooklyn Academy of Music 2005)
  • Bidi Bidi Bom Bom – Selena (The Last Concert – Houston Astrodome 1995)
  • Sexual Healing – Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals (Live from Mars)
  • Shame on You – Indigo Girls (Cold Beer & Remote Control)
  • Smile – Judy Garland (Judy Garland’s Greatest hits Live)
  • Somebody to Love – Queen (Rock Montreal Live)
  • No Woman No Cry (Live) – Bob Marley

Remember a great performance doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be REAL.

Thanks for listening!

Your MidDay Muse,

TinaLou

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October 9, 2012

What Makes a Great Song?

Today we focused on the Art & Craft of Songwriting – we asked the question, “What makes a great song?”

Music is of course, incredibly subjective – however, I do think great songs do have some common elements. There’s an important distinction between what makes a great song and what makes a “hit” song – not all great songs become hits. And  – dare I say it – not all “hit” songs are great! Great songs…could they be just adult nursery rhymes – memorable repetition that comforts us?

Here’s a really cool site that analyzes hit songs: Hit Songs Deconstructed.

What Makes A Great Song?

  • Emotional Truth

The foundation of any great piece of art – expressing EMOTIONAL TRUTH. Songs convey feelings and emotions and recreate experiences for the listener. When a song has the power to transport you to a feeling state – every time – we are likely to want to listen to it over and over again- especially if it’s a positive emotion.

However songs that convey feelings of anger and sadness help us release feelings we may have been suppressing in a healthy way. We can appreciate the beauty of a truly sad song when it is emotionally truthful.  We played an example like Alanis Morrisette’s “Not As We” – intense sadness and vulnerability expressed by Alanis’ vocals and lyrics really scream “depths of despair” with raw truthfulness.

  • A Great Hook

A catchy combination of melody, lyrics, and rhythm that hooks the listener –we just can’t forget it – not only that – we want to hear it over and over again! A few examples…

  • “She love you, yeah, yeah yeah” – The Beatles
  • “All you need is love”  – The Beatles
  • “Shout, shout, let it all out” – Tears for Fears

Hooks can also be instrumental like the intro of the Verve Pipe’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” or the whistling in “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and Johns.

Artist Spotlight

In today’s artist spotlight we highlighted the duo Karmin – who got discovered last year by posting their unique covers on You Tube. They define their sound as “swag-pop.” Amy Heidemann’s ability to transition from snappy rap verses to singing catchy hooks keeps our attention by providing some unexpected contrast. During today’s show we played their two first hit singles “Brokenhearted” and “Hello.”

Here’s their twist on Chris Brown’s Look At Me.

Today’s Inspiration:

“Great song’s aren’t written, they’re rewritten.” – R.C. Bannon (best know for his duet “Reunited” with Louise Mandrell)

Inspiration for a song idea may thrill you at first – but you’ve got to keep revising, and listening, and sculpting  — until you feel you have truly achieved expressing the EMOTIONAL TRUTH of your song! Some of my own favorite compositions sound nothing like their early beginnings – remember great artists enjoy the process just as much as the finished work! So keep writing and listening — you’ll get there!

“As you get older, you get much more refined filters. The critical mind conquers the creative mind. It can take me months, even years, to write one song, because I feel my every idea too much like somebody else has written.” – Sting

Great songs express emotional truth using a memorable hook that grabs our attention. Next Tuesday we’ll explore more aspects of great songs so be sure to tune in!

Until tomorrow happy songwriting!

Your MidDay Muse,

TinaLou

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MidDay Muse Show Recap

October 8, 2012

What Makes an Artist Great?

Today was the very first broadcast of the MidDay Muse with TinaLou on Mint Music Radio! The MidDay Muse focuses on topics relevant to the recording artist. On Mondays we celebrate the artist itself, Tuesdays are devoted to the art & craft of songwriting, on Wednesdays we delve into performance, and then wrap up the week by discussing recording on Thursdays.

Today we asked the question: What makes a great artist?

  • Creating for the sake of creating.
    Writing the song is just as much fun as listening to it when it’s finished. Loving the process of how that first bit of inspiration can evolve and transform into something we truly appreciate.
  • Courage to express uniqueness.
    Once we accept the uniqueness inside of us – after we embrace that part of us – we can then develop the confidence to share that with the world.
  • Imagination.
    Letting ourselves dream big and giving ourselves the gift of fantasizing what would be beautiful and fun.
  • Being in the FLOW
    Allowing something to come through you and getting it down without censoring it is so important. As Julie Cameron says, “it’s not about thinking something up it’s about getting it down.” The more we practice getting in the habit of feeling our uniqueness flow through us the easier it gets!

Artist Spotlight

In today’s Artist Spotlight we highlighted Madonna’s contribution to the music world.  Madonna has kept our attention for decades because she continues to EVOLVE and we celebrate her ability to translate each new version of herself through her style and music.

       

Today’s Inspiration:

“What we really want to do is what we are really meant to do.” – Julie Cameron, author of the bestselling book “The Artist’s Way.”

If you love what you do you never have to work another day in your life. Try practicing getting in the flow by using one of Julie Cameron’s exercises called Morning Pages. Every morning just get up and write 3 long hand pages of whatever comes out of your mind to get use to what it feels like to “just flow”.

Loving the process of creating as much as the creation itself, embracing your own uniqueness and cultivating the courage and confidence to express it, allowing your art to reflect your own personal evolution, and being dedicated to being “in the flow” are characteristics of every great artist. Certainly not an exhaustive list but a great start!

Your gift as an artist is your unique perspective and how you choose to translate it to the world. No one else can do it but you!

Thanks to all of our listeners – it was a great first show. Looking forward to more!

Your MidDay Muse,

TinaLou

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