Singing because it feels good

Posts tagged ‘midday’

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

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