Karly Nimmo is the host of very popular business podcast Karlosophies
After a seriously bad haircut (a ‘frullet’) from an evil hairdresser who, after revealing his disaster, dared to mutter the words ‘There! Now you have the perfect head for radio!’, Karly decided she was far too attractive to continue in radio land. It was time for a change. While her stunning looks made her an obvious choice for a life in front of the camera, her nous for business, warm vocal abilities, terrible haircut and emotionally scarring from said hairdresser, led her straight to the recording booth.
She has voiced, and co-ordinated projects for big names… like Telstra, NAB, Panasonic, Sensis, McAfee, Jims, Ebay and Brambles. In addition, Karly has narrated a 26 part television series, can be heard in schools Australia wide via electronic whiteboards and has played many a character in children’s software programs. Her friendly, unpatronising and well rounded sound makes her ideal for learning – at both an adult and children’s level.
While her once hideous hair cut is these days just a distant memory, the emotional scarring remains… she is destined to be behind the mic (and behind the business) and, thankfully, that is where she’ll remain.
It’s difficult to put someone like Karly Nimmo into just one box. At her very core, Karly is a connector, communicator and creator. She also wears hats as a small business mentor, mastermind facilitator, voice over artist and agent, keen podcaster and writer, but above all, a devoted and loving mother. Oh and she’s funny as all hell.
We chat about:
How she got started as a voice over artist
How she prepares for her Voice over work?
Who are her mentors and who she draws inspiration from?
How to create a portable sound booth
Advice would you give to someone who is looking into using their voice as a career.
Karly’s tips to becoming a Voice over Artist
Try getting experience on community Radio
Be proactive Source work
Access to a studio
Have equipment
Be available
Be committed and consistent
Equipment
Blue Yeti
USB mic – that Plugs and Plays
Software – Garageband,Audacity is free thank can edit
Space – acoustic form room – Anything to soften the space even your wardrobe
Pop filter
Headphones – anything that’s closed, be aware of
Port-a-booth – IKEA boxes lined with mattress foam
A voice that truly change my world! It’s a great honour to have Elly Oh on my Podcast. Because of Elly’s resourcefulness, I am so fortunate to see the Dalai Lama with her during his visit to Sydney. She will have the honour to sing for his holiness during his visit. How did she get the gig? She asked!!! She offered her singing services as a gift so she can meet his holiness and in return was offered two free tickets to the event. What a lifetime experience and also an opportunity to share your gift with one of the most respected people on earth. That is something money cannot buy.
Elly is one of the most resourceful singer I know. She is not afraid to go after what she wants and helps create opportunities around her.
Born in South Korea, Elly Oh has been in the music industry for over 10 years. She first discovered her passion for music when she was 18 years old after volunteering to sing to an old patient at the hospital where the nurse thought Elly had an amazing voice. After studying Bachelor of Opera at the University of Hanyang in South Korea, Elly moved to Italy to pursue her opera career and complete a diploma of Opera.
Elly has performed at various Opera events including places in Italy, Korea and also in Sydney. She has won various awards for her Opera abilities including first prize in the McDonalds Opera competition (World Song).
After moving to Sydney, Australia Elly has changed her vocal style to pop as she enjoyed the upbeat music. She is currently teaching students to sing in a private studio based on her Opera techniques as well as performing the occasional special event.
In May 2014, Elly appeared on the Voice Australia 2014 where she blew away 4 coaches within 5 secs of her blind audition with her powerful rendition of Jessie J’s “Mama Knows Best”. During the Battle Rounds she continued to wow Australia and the world (alongside her mentor and coach Ricky Martin) with her Opera voice and was clearly the early favourite to win the Voice Australia 2014.
Moving to Sydney only 5 years ago, knowing very little English, Elly found the courage and motivation to audition on national television for The Voice Australia 2014, placing her in the Top 12 out of 8000 plus auditions and is now considered one of Australia’s loveable artist.
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Inspired by Elly’s determination I have come up with 10 ways to be a resourceful singer to land better gigs and opportunities.
I am assuming you are a wonderful singer already!
1. Find a good Vocal Coach
If you have a credible Vocal teacher and if she or he can see that you are a reliable student, your teacher might be able to connect you with auditions or refer you to musicians or producers who are looking for a particular singer.
2. Create a EPK (electronic press kit)
An EPK is a must for anyone seeking exposure and publicity as an artist. You can send your electronic press kit to music industry professionals, clubs, media or anybody who might be interested in your work. EPK is your professional resume to the world.
Check out Guy Sebastian’s EPK
3. Don’t be afraid to do charity gigs
I know some people find it difficult to do charity gigs. If the organisation is a good fit for you and you feel you can build on a professional relationship over the years then consider it. Elly created an opportunity to sing at Kirribilli House by helping raise funds for Kids Xpress. They remembered her work and contacted her to sing for their charity event at the Prime Ministers House.
4. Collaborate with other Artists
Many designers are looking to showcase their work. Consider teaming up with a designer- Clothes, hat, shoes. Help promote their work during your gig as well as on social media (Love Instagram)
5. Hold your next gig at your ideal restaurant or café
You might be able to get a free performing space as long as you bring a crowd in, you may like to ask the owner if you can charge a cover fee that you can keep at the end of the night.
6. Create your album or EP
It will be a great way to showcase your credibility. You will meet new musicians and people in the industry and spark your creativity. It’s a win win for all. If you are looking to start creating your album I have a free cheat sheet for you- I’ll show you 5 essential steps to start creating your album:
http://tinabangel.com/starmakerguide
7. Find an agent or a few agents
Send them your EKP and make sure you address each agent by their name. Get to know who they are and if they offer gigs at venues that suit you.
8. Find Expos
If you are interested in landing wedding gigs join Wedding Expos in your area. See if you can sing before the bridal parade as guests are getting seated or sing during the Parade or pay to get a booth. If you have a booth, have promotional materials & video footage handy. You can even hand out CDs to the bride to be!
9. Join a reality TV show
I know many people are against this process but if you have an action plan and you are smart about it you can make it work for yourself. If you are mentally set for it go for it!
If at all possible have products and services ready to promote straight after you finish the show.
10. Find Sponsors
Finding Sponsors that are inline with your brand can help you get better gig or help create your credibility as a serious performer.
Do you have a clever tip on how to get better gigs and opportunities? Share it in the comments below.
Brian Lorenz has become one of the most sought after Filipino artists in Australia. He can sing, he can dance and he sure can entertain!
Brian was born to perform! Born and raised in a small town in the Philippines, he started singing and dancing at school from an early age. His late father always encouraged him to perform and he was often putting on a show for him in exchange for lollies.
As a common trend in his hometown, Brian moved to the big city to explore the opportunities that Manila could offer. One opportunity lead to another and he travelled to many countries for dance engagements. For Brian to fulfill his dreams and aspirations he knew he would have to leave the Philippines and so Australia became the lucky country and in 2008 Brian arrived in Sydney to start a new life.
He began his journey by studying hairdressing whilst continuing with his dancing and quickly became entrenched in the Ballroom Dancing community. In 2009, Brian’s talent for dancing was spotted and he was offered a scholarship to study his Bachelor of Dance at Wesley College in Sydney where he graduated in 2011.
After dancing for over a decade, Brian never had confidence in his singing until he was prevented from entering a Talent Quest as a dancer (as he was too good and too experienced). Instead he entered as a vocalist. He went on to win the quest singing one of his now signature songs “The Prayer”.
Realising now that he could sing, Brian whilst still studying continued to enter Talent Quests around Sydney and became well acquainted to performing with a live band and over time gained popularity in the main stream and in the Filipino community. The experience was invaluable and after winning competitions at Blacktown RSL, Cabra-Vale Diggers, Lakemba Ex Servicemen’s Club and Canterbury Bankstown Leagues Club, he has transitioned into being one of the featured performers in many leading clubs and venues all over New South Wales. Since the start of his professional performing career he has already shared the stage with Australia’s leading and multi-awarded international performers Karen Beckett, Stephen Fisher King, Kel-Anne Brandt and Lisa Crouch. Not to mention Australia’s X-Factor winners Dami Im and Marlisa Ann and Israel X-Factor winner Rose Fostanes.
In 2013, Brian started producing his own shows and has received outstanding reviews. With his wonderful voice from heaven and his unique ability to entertain he has created a big fan base and due to widespread requests saw him launch his debut album “It’s Time” at his spectacular self produced production show at Rooty Hill RSL in October 2014.
In this podcast, Brian shares with us his secrets to his successful performances
• The power of Visualisation
• What he never does before a performance
• His daily Routines to help him become a better performer
• I also mention the guide to help you get started with your album creation. Download your free cheat sheet to start creating your first album http://www.tinabangel.com/starmakerguide
“Consistent sold out venues”, “Brilliant energy from start to finish”, “Incredible voice” these are just some of the feedback Martin Nievera had during his Sydney concert last Friday 8th of May, 2015. It was certainly one to remember. I had the honour to sing as Martins’ Backing Vocalist and it’s always such an amazing experience to work with such a down to earth, talented, witty and funny person.
From time to time we come across performer who really knows how to connect with the audience. I mean REALLY CONNECT…. from the heart and from the soul…without trying. Of course this comes from 3 decades of interacting with the audience but there is something special when it’s consistent.
So this is what I learnt while singing with Martin Nievera.
Make your fans feel special
Consistently, Martin is always giving time to his fans. He didn’t just stay in his dressing room, he remembers people’s names and acknowledges them. He spoke to people before his performance and hung outside his dressing room. Watched a few support artists and complimented them. He genuinely loves to interact with his fans, happy to sign CDs and happy to do shout out to fans via social media.
How do you engage with your fans?
Thank you Martin for the special shout out to my One Voice Students!
Be proud of your heritage
Best part of the concert! When he said that Filipinos have the ability to give to the world. We are the carers and that we should all be proud about what we do in the world. He acknowledges the people who left their home in the Philippines to make a better life for themselves in Australia.
“The world is watching”. Do “good” in the world, don’t lie and don’t be dishonest was his main message.
So simple and it’s what we teach our kids from a young age, every now and then we need reminding even as adults.
How are you being of service to the world?
Rehearse with the band and take control
Martin takes pride to rehearse with his band. If he is not happy with something he assertively fixes it. I have seen it before with his last rehearsal where he has a certain standard of people that he works with and if they don’t meet it he will request a change even if it is last minute. You want to surround yourself with people whom you can rely on. People who help you create the best show and bring out the best in you. Know your expectations.
He endearingly called his band the Meat Pie band because they consisted of young amazing Australian Musicians. Of course he mentioned that their first step after landing in Sydney was Harry’s Café Dewheels. So another witty way to interact with the Aussie Audience.
When choosing musicians find people that care about your performance. Acknowledge your band members in the show and include them in your patter.
Respect everyone you work with
Each performance Martin always is grateful and will give each of his band members a signed CD with a special message.
How do you show your appreciation towards the people you work with?
Be you
Martin is open that he has had ups and downs with his relationship- often making fun of himself, his ex-wife Pops Fernandez and his life. Never taking himself too seriously. He shares his personal life often referring to his kids and tying in their family story with the show. I think there is a special bond with the audience as he talks about the times when his kids were little and he would watch them sleep. Martin added an original heart felt song that he wrote with Mr. Louie Ocampo about his boys. (Seems that every songwriter with a child relates to this- here’s a song I wrote about Christian – Tomorrow it’ll be a better day)
Has something or someone in your life inspired you to write a song that you can include in your show?
Be surrounded by family
Every concert he always acknowledges his family in the crowd. So now we know him more personally.
Consider bringing on a talented family member to be part of your show. Martin brought on board his talented twin sister Vicky. They sang a 70s Medley of songs that reminded them of their happy times in their childhood.
Do you have a family member you can invite to be part of your show?
Be encouraging to performers starting out
You can learn so much from young talents even as a seasoned performer. It can be humbling to know that we all started at the beginning once. It takes courage and persistence to make it in this industry. It’s also such a small industry and we need to look after each other. It was so wonderful to see One Voice Alumni and past students working the stage- Melanie Balagtas, Bryan Ines, Bernadette Marquez, Alwyn de la Santos and Ylonda.
How do you conduct yourself around musicians who are starting out or are seasoned?
Young or old we all just want to be validated.
Always be ready to learn new songs
Martin is always really to learn new songs. We had dinner during the rehearsals and Mr. Louie Ocampo was calling out all these new songs that are popular currently on the radio. They chatted about the new version of Dusty Springfield’s song- you don’t own me. By the way, you can check out the song I wrote with Louie Ocampo and Lionel Cole called Be Heard. You can also check out my new Be Heard EP in iTunes.
Martin is not afraid to learn new songs and the audience loves it. He even threw in a One Direction song – the story of my life after his son had dared him to sing a modern song.
Which new song have you been planning to learn? Create a new version of it and plan to sing it at your next gig.
Create a story within your performance
The whole concert revolved 3 decades of music and performing. He shared his life as a child, his family and takes the audience down memory lane with his TELESERYE medley.
Try to incorporate the senses. Include visual footage of all the milestones in your life.
One thing he wanted to do was be part of Broadway. He sung a Broadway medley, which the audience absolutely loved.
Is there something that your audience doesn’t know about you? Where you can tie in a song to showcase that secret?
Be humble and of service
Martin is there to entertain, to make people laugh to make them cry and to make every person the in audience feel great about themselves. My favourite part of the night was the comfort he brought to Nanay Consuela who had stage 4 cancer. It brought me to tears, which I tried very hard to hold back. It was so touching and beautiful.
What will touch your audience’s heart? Are there elements and moments of happiness, seriousness, a chance to educate, wit, light-heartedness, sexiness, love.
All of this combined just made this an incredible performance and memorable.
Love and respect your audience so much that you will never be forgotten. Time and time again they will see you at the next concert and buy your CDS and be a fan for life! All because you took the time to know them.
I would love to know 3 concepts that you can incorporate into your show? Maybe you have a concept that you would like to share that is unique to your show.
Please share, comment and like this post if you found it helpful. Also pass it on to a friend who will benefit from it.
P.S. Have you always wanted to create your own album? Sign up to my free cheatsheet that will help you get started: Click on this link http://tinabangel.com/starmakerguide Sign up now and get information about my free webinar to help you get started…..coming soon!
Singer, dancer, actor and Vocal Coach Marcus Rivera has been in the professional productions of The King and I, Miss Saigon, Sweeny Todd, Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado just to name a few. He has taught Vocals for Australian College for Theatre and TV, The Australian Institute of Music.
I am thrilled to have him as a guest on the blog and podcast. He is so versatile and talented yet so humble and sooooo funny! Marcus shares how he got started in the music industry, breathing techniques that have helped him with his singing, how to connect with the audience when performing and how he keeps himself motivated.We chat about his latest project as a host for the upcoming Lea Salonga Sydney concert on the 31st of July, 2015. My students will also be part of the production which we are so excited about!
If you would like to connect with Marcus and follow his exciting new ventures and up coming shows please visit him on www.marcusrivera.com.
You can watch the full video interview here.
You can listen via soundcloud here :
I would love to know what breathing technique do you use or a singing tip that has helped you. Comment below and share it with us. If you enjoyed this post please feel free to share and like this post!
Until next time!
Musically yours Tina
P.S.What to learn how get started on your first album? Check out my new online course to help you create and launch your very first album http://tinabangel.com/dvanityproject I would love to hear from you!
Last night I was at a party and someone mentioned they watched the Darren Espanto and Lyca Gairanod Sydney concert. They were the winners of the Voice Philippines. She was amazed on how wonderful Darren and Lyca took to the stage and interacted with the audience. I agreed with her 100%. What you see is a product of hours of rehearsing, touring and full time work. There is no doubt that if a child has the opportunity to live, breathe and work in a performing environment they will soar and stand out on stage- especially when they had the vocal ability, stage presence and DRIVE in the first place. That is their job… they are to sing the same songs, the same patter every night at every show as well as every media appearance.
Lyca, only 10 years old, captured the audience with her wonderful personality, it was amusing to see her personality shine through whist telling jokes and leaving the audience wanting more. Darren had a Voice that was so powerful and agile. A very humble and charming 14-year-old boy who originally came from Canada.
One Voice Kids had an amazing time supporting Darren Espanto and Lyca Gairanod. We were privileged and honoured that Cheers entertainment invited the kids to be part of the show.
I always tell the kids I teach to expect the unexpected. Always be prepared for microphones to not work or blocking needing to be changed due to uncontrollable circumstances.
One Voice consisted of Jade Lee ,Charlize Santos,Jared Lesaca, Jill Gutierrez, Lorenz Garcia, Olivia Bosworth, Jessica Jerusalem, Elouise Kalixte Pelaez, Imarosa Kei Tungul, Kaitryel Pelaez, Khristienne Ison , Joy Laquian, Angelo Marasigan. They shared the support act with 7 wonderful local talents that night. Mikee Anne de Leon, Dani de Leon, Chelsea Castillo, Jasmine Montemayor Henry, Danikka and Daniela Vassallo and Chantelle Santos.
So the unexpected did happen where microphones didn’t work and luckily one performer was professional enough to keep going. She belted out the song and the audience cheered for her because they supported her courageous act to keep singing.
An accumulation of these events can make any performer (budding or seasoned) anxious.
Anxiety can come in a few forms:
Sweaty Palms
Dry mouth
Tears
Shallow fast breathing
Forgetfulness
Inability to move on the stage
Here are 15 ways to overcome these anxiety attacks before a show.
1. Make sure you have perfectly practiced before the show. Go over the songs and know your lyrics inside out before you hit the stage
2. Get a Vocal Coach to help you with problem areas and to make sure the song in the right key for you. Do not rely on just your lessons to practice; you must do the hard work at home too.
3. Do the movements that you have gone over with your coach, trust that you will be fine. Your coach makes you practice the moves so that when stage fright occurs you do the moves that you have been working on in class without having to think about them, it should come second nature. When you feel comfortable on stage that is when you can allow yourself to adlib. But when in doubt always go back to what you have been practicing or working on with your coach. Also practice how you will introduce your songs or interact with the audience.
4. Use the iPad, recording device or your phone to record your rehearsal performance, moves and facial expression. Watch it back (even if it’s painful) notice what is working and fix what is not.
5. Visualize the moves, the way you would love to sound like, your look (costume, hair) in your head every night before the concert. Visualize even the audience members- picture your friends and family in the audience happily supporting you.
6. Make sure you find out what the stage looks like before hand and do your research. Does it have stairs, does it have backstage curtains, where will you enter and exit, will you have a cordless microphone or chorded microphone, will someone be handing the microphone to you. Will you be handing the microphone to someone after your song?
7. Do not wear clothes that make you feel uncomfortable – make sure your shoes and clothes are comfortable to move in and that make you feel like a star.
8. Use essential oils. Marv Johnson, the essential oil educator has four recommendations to ease anxiety and to calm the nerves before a performance. Marv’s podcast is one of my favourite podcasts I listen to. You can see why here: The essential oil podcast.
First is Frankincense: It is very calming to the nervous system. Put a couple of drops in your hands, rub together gently, cup and inhale. Three to five deep breaths have a quick and instant effect. Then gently massage on the back of the neck.
Second is Lavender: Studies have shown that the inhalation of lavender oil can communicate signals to the olfactory system and stimulate the brain to exert neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin and dopamine) thereby further regulating mood.
The third is Wild Orange essential oil. Wild orange creates both a sense of calm and alertness. Put a couple of drops in your hands, rub together gently, cup and inhale. Three to five deep breaths have a quick and instant effect. Then gently massage on the back of the neck.
Marv personally likes peppermint oil because it is a stimulant and typically when he feels fear and he gets subdued. The peppermint oil stimulates the oxygen flow to the brain providing a sense of sharpness and confidence.
9. Exhaling out and inhaling deeply will help.
10. If you feel that you have lack of energy a few star jumps to wake you up.
11. Drink plenty of water, at least 20 minutes before a performance to keep you hydrated.
12. If you have a dry mouth slightly and gently bite on your tongue to release saliva.
13. Do your vocal warm ups– general rule is to do a long warm up for a short set and a short warm up for a long set.
14. Talk to a friend or family member if that calms you down. Give them a hug or high five and SMILE…. remember that its just fun!
15. Also something that I always do before a show or when my students have a concert is Pray. Giving gratitude to God or to the universe makes a big difference. The best part is when we all hold hands and one of the students leads the prayers. It really makes me feel alive and grateful to know that we are making a difference in a child’s life one song at a time.
Hope this helps! If you want more Vocal tips and learn how you can sing on stage with the stars please sign up to our newsletter.
Musically yours Tina
P.S Don’t forget One Voice will be support acts to Ms Lea Salonga on the 31st of July, Sydney Town Hall. Tickets are now on sale. For more information email me at tina [at] tinabangel [dot] com
P.S.S I have a few private lessons slots available for term 2. Please contact me if you would like me to mentor you, I would love to meet you and work with you or your child.
If there was a modern-day super woman Tiana Canterbury would be it! So grounded and down to earth, I first met Tiana at her brother’s wedding, who was marrying one of my best friends in high school. Wow! That feels like a lifetime ago. During One Voice’s second end of year concert we were lucky to have Tiana’s husband, Mike Champion as one of our guest performers. It’s so wonderful to see how far they have come. They are such an incredible couple. I am honoured to have Tiana as a guest today sharing her invaluable tips for performing and movement. This Hip Hop choreographer for Australia’s so you think you can dance, leads a very busy life inspiring everyone she comes into contact with.
I am a choreographer, dancer, video clip director, personal trainer, I manage my own dance studio, an Afro and Drumming show and a kids Military Style boot camp obstacle course for birthday parties, schools and private events.
I just recently opened my own dance studio called, ‘Your Hip Hop Class’ and I am extremely blessed that it is doing so well so far. It’s a dance studio with all classes based around Hip Hop dance. We have Hip Hop classes from beginners to advance, Couples hip hop classes, Fitness hip hop classes, Performance group classes and many more. Y.H.H.C. has also had many International choreographers and artist teach a class or make an appearance at the studio. This is definitely a studio you can learn, dance with and see the best of the best in the industry.
What was it like growing up? When did you know you wanted to be a dancer?
Growing up was great!! I grew up in South Africa till the age of 10 years old and then we migrated to Australia in 1989. Being the only girl and the youngest of 3, my 2 older brothers would always have the newest music and dance moves they had seen from watching video clips and I would copy them from a very young age of 3 years old.
When I got to the age of 7/8 years old I would teach the kids in the street routines and formations and then put shows on for parties and local shows.
This was the age I knew that I wanted to be a dancer and would practice in my room and copy every Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson video clip. I then moved to Oz and once again taught other friends I knew routines in the area and performed at school events and performed with one of my brothers as bigger shows around Australia.
When I was growing up dancing, we never had Youtube or classes for Hip Hop… So you had to remember quickly what moves were done in the video clip you seen and practice it just using your memory until you seen it again to run it with the song. haha
Dance was also all about the groove and fun. Good times.
How do you juggle teaching, workouts and running your household?
I make sure that I am prepared the night before on how the next day will flow and I have a schedule for each day that I try to stay on top on the hour. I am also very lucky to have a partner who is in the entertainment industry and is very understanding and hands on with sharing the loads.
I do make it a priority to make sure I have family time and me time amongst all the hustle and bustle.
Tell us what your day looks like in the Canterbury/Champion household.
We wake up at 6am with the kids and get them all ready for school. At 9am we go train outside or gym or if baby is not at school… I do a Baby Mama Workout with her at the park. Around midday I do admin work baby is sleeping and then baby time once she is up. When kids get home from school we do homework and dinner, then back to the studio to teach at night. I get home around 10pm and then will tidy the house up for the next day. And then back to preparing for the next.
Dancers are always animated when it come to facial expressions which I love!!! Especially when you watch so you think you can dance. For someone who struggles with expressing themselves in body movement and facial expressions when performing, what advice would you give them?
My advice would be to always map out your performance/show by knowing :
– what your dance is about or what feeling the beat is giving you
– the character or emotions you would need to express within your piece or song
– what energy and execution you need to express through your movement/choreography/routine.
– how to use your space/stage, levels/highs/lows and light and shade with the dance piece like slow moves or fast moves that compliment the song or beat.
Once you have this in front of you written or in your head…you need to then get into a studio or in front of any mirror and rehearse this over and over again and DO NOT be afraid to look at yourself and critic each facial expressions and movement. When running through your piece, get into a habit of perfecting and work on it until you are comfortable, confident and happy with what you have produced. At the end of the day, from body movement to facial expressions… it is all muscle memory and needs to be worked on and trained every chance you can for it to sit well in the body and you are confident with it!
Once you are confident, it will definitely shine through your performance.
List 10 things they can do to help their performance become more expressive.
1. Find a connection with the song or character
2. Get in front of the mirror and exercise the facial muscles by expressing different facial expressions
3. Get comfortable looking at yourself in the mirror and perfect the feeling and connection with the facial expression
4. Connection feeling with your body movement and exaggerating your execution for muscle memory
5. Research different feelings and expressions and relate it to something you have experienced so you can learn our to tap into the connection quicker
6. Enjoy what you do as it will show in your movement
7. Be confident
8. Choose characters, music or choreography that suits you and you understand.
9. If you don’t not know the character given to you… research and see how you can connect with it in your own way
10. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE…
Who are your mentors?
– I love researching cultural dance… and I learn so much from their history and feeling of their dances.
– All choreographers… I love creative people and seeing them hear music and draw pictures with their choreography.
– Any film directors and seeing them capture their vision on film.
What advice would you give young performers, singers and dancers who want to get to a professional level?
Get yourself into all classes… Practice, practice and practice… Be open-minded and appreciate all arts, teachings, music, dance styles, vocals and musicians and if you can appreciate it you could learn so much from everyone and perfect your own art. And last but not least, Live your own dream and create your own path and always enjoy every minute of it and have FUN!!
What’s your next big project?
My next big project is, I’m working on my new fitness program and getting it out to all the gyms around NSW and then Australia and bringing out a fitness DVD for HIIT HOP fitness and my Baby Mama Workout program.
I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I have. Getting to know Tiana and her big dreams hopefully inspire you to go for yours.
P.S if your dream is to one day create your album read on…
It took me 2 decades to finally get the courage to create my first album. I have created a free cheat sheet on how you can start creating your first album too. Imagine hearing your songs on the radio! It can be done no matter what age. You can download it here- 5 essential steps to start creating your first album. Click here to download or email me at tina [at] tinabangel [dot] com.
I first met Dan when he worked for a company called Backing Tracks Au. His dad, Alan Skeed, fortunately gave me some of my very first paying singing gigs after winning a few talent quests in the Sydney circuit.
It’s such an honour to connect with Dan after all these years and he sure has come a long way. Now a full time writer and producer at Oxygen Music he shares his journey in the music industry.
I love the heart and passion he has for his family, music and life.
Most of all I love the way he is grateful for what he has in his life… truly living and owning his greatness!
Enjoy this blog post as Dan shares his life as a working musician and the top 5 Mistakes that Songwriters can make.
Tell us about what you do. Your band, your role with Oxygen Music and what inspires you keep growing in terms of music?
I was born & raised in Sydney. Started playing music at age 9. I have studied in depth, guitar, drums & dabbled in horns & keys. My voice I began to explore about 5 years ago & found it to be one of my favourite instruments to use of all.
I have played in stacks of bands over the past 15 years. I began playing in clubs at age 13 with my father’s bands & associates all around Sydney & from there developed my true love for ‘live music’.
I found a homely existence with my best friends somewhat 10 years ago when we formed the band Urban Stone. We are still gigging a couple of times a week & do it for both the love & the coin (music can pay the bills & more if you cherish & harness the craft with all your might & know the right people who believe in you & are willing to support & promote you).
My parents, Alan & Trish Skeed, had always been the driving force behind my career & helped me open every door to date. Such support is priceless. I’m forever thankful.
Up until 2 years ago, music was my passion. I gave every lasting ‘spare’ minute I had to my craft & my friends who shared the same muse. However, I always had a corporate/sales career in the balance & wore a collar by day which was very consuming in itself. Until finally, an opportunity presented itself at Oxygen Music Group. My band Urban Stone recorded an EP at Oxygen & developed friendships in the midst with some of my best friends & colleagues today. Post recording our EP, I was poached from my daily grind by David Simon (Managing Director at Oxygen) & offered the exciting role of Writer/Producer. Since then, we have achieved some amazing things together.
My full time job, finally at age 30, is a musician wearing a coat of many colours. Life is good.
You come from a musical family and your dad has given many budding singers a foot in the door, including myself, which I am forever grateful for. Tell us, what it was like growing up in your household, when did you start singing and playing the guitar.
My Dad was a gun muzo himself. He came through an era of about 3-4 decades where musicians were hot property, live music was thriving in Sydney & he was at the top of the tree on a local scale. He was doing up to 6-7 gigs a week & much like myself, couldn’t ever really sit still. He had many other jobs throughout his career as a musician. A great example & role model for myself (as was my mother who was a very successful business woman across numerous industries & a loving mother & wife who always took great interest in our passions).
I grew up in a household where food was always on the table, love was evergreen, ethics, morals & discipline was always in the balance, & music was always the great escape & a common passion. My sister Kim kinda taught me to Rock! She is a very talented singer & was in a pretty hot band whilst I came through my adolescence. Sister Green they were called. I was really into grunge & the Seattle vibe at that point in time so to me she was god (& forever will be). Kim & I are very close & you know I still listen to Sister Green records today.
Mum & Dad eventually ended up running a business of their own when they bought a successful entertainment agency off Ian Clifton & Dad hung up the microphone & put his every effort into exploring, nurturing & exposing some of the most talented singers, musicians & entertainers who are household names & Australian Icons today.
Obviously, being constantly surrounded by this environment, the music ‘business’ rubbed off on me as well as the passion & talent for the craft itself that was unmistakably within our 4 walls. I started singing on my father’s & grandfather’s laps at age 3 & sang as a kid in numerous lights, but I wasn’t really that great I don’t think haha.
However, I really only started to discover & develop my own voice singing along side my rockin’ powerhouse sister in crime Tina Garufi (lead singer of Urban Stone). A bar raised that high by my side, was only ever going to improve me. Her infectious ability & euphoric talent made me wanna sing a little & I’m glad I did. Tina is vocal dynamite, & my biggest vocal influence by far. Tina also after establishing a strong presence in the music scene herself already, came through my Dad’s stables which caused our paths to cross, so I’ve him to thank for that also.
When did you know you wanted to create a business from music and how did it come about for you?
When I saw just how possible it was. It’s pretty simple. Work hard at your craft, establish yourself in the right company of people & always surround yourself with people that you admire & deem to be ‘better than you’… You can only grow from there.
The music business is a tough one. The toughest of them all if you ask me.
Turning your craft into a successful career or venture is hard on your own. Never close an open door where it could potentially see you progress. Never say I can’t.
When I was offered the role at Oxygen Music Group, it was a little overwhelming. I’d produced electronic music for about 4 years out of school for a backing tracks company & studied & practiced the organic side of music for somewhat 20 years. I had a lot under my belt & a lot of support & contacts etc. However, walking away from the corporate world & jumping in the deep end & taking control of people’s creations & turning them into gold comes with great expectations & obligation.
Luckily, I had a team of very successful & competent engineers & producers around me. People like Rick Will, who has more feathers in his cap than anyone I have ever met in this game. He has produced some of my favourite artists’ records. Diesel, Chisel, No Doubt, Nine Inch Nails, Incubus, the list goes on. Greg Stace on a technical level is one of our nations greatest. He has won awards from his craft & made a living out of music since he can remember.
These key influences had a lot of faith in me also. So I decided to take the leap & bite off what could have been more than I could ever chew. I haven’t looked back since. I always say that this life we lead has it’s stresses, deadlines, budgets & constraints from time to time. But in contrast, we have the best jobs in the world.
You recently completed a songwriting project. Can you tell us about who you worked with and what was the outcome.
I just completed a workshop/camp called 50 songs in 5 days.
It’s possibly the greatest creative stint of my life. I was in presence of the country’s greatest writers, producers & artists. My task was to collaborate with the above mentioned & as head producer for my daily assigned team create one song per day. Write it, track it, mix it & submit it to the majors. I got to work with some amazing artists. Some of which I’ve already worked with one way or another (Anya Nissen, Reigan Derry, Morgan Evans, Chance Waters, Elen Levon).
I got to hang with Tina Arena. I got to witness some of the greatest production I have ever heard in it’s early stages by hanging with some of the other producers in the camp. It was a blast.
The outcome is basically that the tracks we created, go into the catalogues of the major artists & labels. Meaning that if the songs are on the mark, within the brief & loved by the powers that be, your songs will be heard. They will be placed, they will be released & on the airways. Most of all, the contacts I made, the memories we made, the songs we birthed were awesome.
What is your process when you co-write with someone?
I have no real particular equation or rule book. I like to adapt to the writer. Sometimes it starts with a beat. Sometimes it starts with a reference artist & a brief from the artist’s management or label. Sometimes it starts with an acoustic guitar or piano. I do like the old school approach. As they say in the song city that is Nashville, “3 chords & the truth” & you can’t go wrong… Unfortunately there is a little more involved nowadays lol. But fortunately for me perhaps, because if the world of music in all it’s glory has become something, it’s interesting.
1. Copycats (lacking any sort of authentic, original creativity).
2. Not actually collaborating, contributing or respecting & inviting ideas in a co-write situation. Co-writing definitely requires an open mind, an opinion & no ego. The right combination of these qualities will see a good session through & something special at the back end.
3. Lyrical content that is too hard to digest or break down for the listener. You want the listener to connect with your song. Not baffle them lol.
4. Writing melodies & vocal parts that they simply can not sing. Writing vocals for an artist, within their ‘quality’ vocal range, & age/genre appropriate lyrical content is a must I believe.
& finally,
5. Over producing something that sounds, feels & sells to the listener in a more organic/raw state. Whilst I respect that we live in an era where technology has taken our craft to new heights, some things are best left untouched in my mind. Even where given a retro review, I love how music reflects memories, decades & times of past present & future.
What would you tell your 18-year-old self?
Believe in yourself. Never stop learning. Always surround yourself with the best. “Dress where you wanna be” (Quote: Mum) lol.
Who are your mentors and why?
My folks. They always know best lol, it’s true. They have a knack for pointing me in the right direction. I admire the people they are & forever grow to be.
My best friends & band. They are the best bunch of cats & seriously amaze me time & time again with the way they play, party & keep my feet solid to the earth beneath me.
David Simon. Dave’s the reason I do what I love full time. He’s also a great guy with passion unparalleled. He’s the one guy in the game that does more hours than me lol.
My early private music teachers (Gino Pengue, Russell Nelson, Peter Drummond, Jess Zappia) etc. They taught me everything needed to know to further explore the wonderful world of music.
There are more. I could go on for hours.
What’s in the pipeline for you?
I’m not sure, & I think that’s a wonderful thing.
I know that I aim to be among the best at what I do. I want to further study music, production & at some point experience first hand, the world around me that I only see on television, post cards & the internet.
I want to share music with my friends & family till the day I die.
There you have it folks! Inspiring answers from the heart!
Now do you have any questions that you are burning to ask about Songwriting?
What are your challenges? Please write them below to we can help you or point you in the right direction.
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P.S. I will be Launching a New Online Course in March where I will help mentor you into making your very own EP/Single or Album. Want to know more? Click here!
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My journey as a Vocal coach and singer is thankfully fruitful. I feel like a tree with many branches, each branch has many buds that bloom into beautiful flowers, some die and fall to the ground and others take time to blossom.
The branches represent the many hats I need to wear.
Teaching one on one, learning my craft as a singer, taking care of administrative work, marketing, promoting and so on.
The flowers represent the fruits of my labour.
The smiles on the kids faces, the happiness I see on the parents faces when they watch their child perform. The A-ha moments when students finally get what I am saying. When Rob tells me he is proud of me or when Christian tells me “That was nice singing Mum!”
I spend many hours developing the kids voices but also I do find myself chatting to them about life lessons.
Imagine all the sponsors, families, kids, producers putting their whole heart into this event. Promoting it, rehearsing for it and working to make it happen. It goes beyond just ONE PERSON! People all around the world help make this event happen – from Charice’s team to the wonderful Cruz family in the Philippines who made the One Voice shirts in such short notice. (Thank you to our shirt sponsors, Diaz Foundation, Australian Filipina/Help after Haiyan, Oz Pinoy Home loans – their help went toward the recording of the Be heard song)
2. A community was created because we believe that we can make a difference in a small way or another.
Thank you to all the people who interviewed us for the newspapers and radio. Those experiences really made a difference in the kids confidence.
Troy Laureta, Martin Serra, Daniel March, Dominic Cabrera, Tina Bangel and One Voice kids – I believe this was the silly face photo…I didn’t get the memo.
3. Don’t take things personally.
I am always the first to take things personally! I hate the feeling until I remind myself that people have a job to do and each of us have the intention (hopefully) to do good in the world. When people snap or treat us in a negative way it maybe because things weren’t communicated properly. It’s a learning experience so we can create bigger and better things in the future.
Charice with One Voice kids
4. Have the best team behind you.
Surround yourself with people who will lift your game up and genuinely want to you to succeed but who remind you to stay humble. Charice always brings a sound guy from Canada to make sure her Vocals even more amazing she also brings her musical director Troy Laureta to all her major shows. Piece of mind is the key so you can be the best you can on stage.
Tina Bangel with Troy Laureta, Martin Serra, Dominic Cabrera and Daniel March
5. There is no such thing as the ‘little person.”
Each person is important, from the guy who lovingly poured the beer for audience members so they can enjoy the concert to the lady at the front desk selling the tickets. We all have a job that is just as important as the next person’s job.
Jasper and Mylene just part of Cheers entertainment. Thank you for believing in us!
6. Expect the unexpected.
Deal with it and move on or maybe write a blog post about it! If things don’t go the way you want it to, learn to be assertive so it doesn’t happen again next time. I’m so thankful for Miss Pam Picarts help with the kids backstage. She was able to help us so much while there were things that were technically unavoidable. We needed to make changes super quick and I am so proud of the kid’s professionalism. Thanks to all the mid-year and end of year concerts that help us prepare for times like this!
Finale Pyramid
7. Ask for help!
I wanted something special for this event. I didn’t want to sing just another song. I wanted to create a song that will inspire the kids and also the audience. The song I co-wrote was Be Heard. It’s an inspirational song and the message is to not feel afraid to sing out or be yourself.
I had contacted Louie Ocampo after working with him on a few projects such as being a backing vocalist for Martin Nievera, Zsa-Zsa Padilla and Sharon Cuneta. He was so generous with his time to help mentor me with songwriting.
Charice singing the Earth song with One Voice Kids and Tina Bangel
8. You meet amazing people working towards a project or making dreams come true.
I was lucky to have worked with Lionel Cole who is the cousin of Natalie Cole. He has also co-written songs with Mariah Carey and toured with her. The experience with him went beyond song arrangement for Be heard. He dug deep into my soul to help me bring out the message of “being heard.” I’m looking forward to working with him on a few songs that I co-wrote with Van Sereno in the next few weeks.
One Voice students singing the earth song with Charice
9. We are all learning in this world.
We meet people so that they teach us about ourselves. I find myself searching for reassurance or compliments to make myself feel better. But deep down it all boils down to how you feel about your efforts. If you have tried your very best then that is all anyone could ask for. Be gentle and kind to yourself.
10. It’s all about the kids!
When things didn’t go the way I had expected there was one thing that made everything ok. That was seeing the kids with Charice backstage after the show. Charice got lost in the kids huge hugs it didn’t help that she was soooo tiny!
Charice singing you are not alone with front acts- Allyssa, Mikee-Anne, Chelsea, Leilani, Bernadette, Jinky and Dani.
I hope each hug made Charice feel loved and appreciated.
I hope each smile made her feel that she made a difference in their lives.
I hope each selfie moment she had with every child is etched in cyber memory so that we can remember how she has made each of us feel proud to be Filipino.
Most of all I hope that she knows how much we appreciated being on the stage with her so that we can continue to sing and make people happy!
Rehearsal
Because One Voice can change the world! Your Voice and mine!
Tina Bangel backstage with Charice after her Sydney concert 2014 Photo Credit: Bernadette Corpuz
If you were inspired or watched the show last night, I would love to hear from you. Comment below or share this post.
When is the best time to start formal music lessons for my child?
Parents ask me this question all the time. My answer is always the same.
It depends on the child.
It’s fantastic that your child loves music. Give them every opportunity to keep the love of music alive and burning. Take them to live children’s shows, listen to music in the car, listen to the birds sing and the sounds of nature, make homemade instruments using pots and pans as drums or water bottles with rice as shakers, take them to structured music classes.
My concern is when you start a child in private lessons too early, let’s say at the age of 3 or 4, may lose the joy of just playing and exploring and by the time they hit 7yrs or 8yrs old they have no interest because they have loss the joy of being curious about the instrument or the voice. They may find practice and performing a chore.
If it’s not fun, each practice session, especially the one at home, may feel like a performance. The pressure of always having to perform can be too overwhelming. When you have pressure it leads to tension, which then restricts the voice or sound from coming out the best it can, it then leads to poor practice and limited improvement. Unfortunately, it then becomes a cycle. I have seen and heard parents tell me stories such as this.
There are exceptions; I had a student (whom I taught Vocals to in high school) who started drumming at 11 months old. His dad used to tie him to the chair so he wouldn’t fall off. This student became a child prodigy in drumming and was awarded multiple awards and scholarships by the age of 8. He now works as a jazz musician and is being mentored by James Morrison.
Here are a few tips to help prepare your child for private lessons:
1. Make sure you take him to a structured music class that prepares them for private tuition. Does the class foster Active listening skills? This skill is a learnt behaviour and is different “overhearing” the teacher or music.
Do parents stay in the class or wait in the waiting room during the structured music class? Having a class like this would be a great start to help your child with separation anxiety.
Does your child like to explore the instrument e.g. plays the drum inside and out? Does he tap on the resonator bar on the plastic and the metal part? Does he try to disassemble the instrument and try to put it back together, does he shake the tambourine and then rolls it so see and hear the difference in sound. This is wonderful!! It’s a process that must be embraced.
I encourage you to find a teacher that is willing to let that control go- the control of “Playing the instrument the proper way”(of course it must be explored in a safe and appropriate manner) and there should be allocated time to play the instrument the proper way after exploration.
Your child’s curiosity must be celebrated. The more he explores the more he understands the instrument and how to play it. Take for example if someone handed us an ice-cream for the first time we would instinctly smell it, touch it, break the cone, taste it with the tip of our tongue- we would explore it to figure out what it is, what its made of, where it came from and what it does.
Does your child need to move? Is your child a child that learns through movement? Does the class incorporate movement together with music concepts in a fun, relate-able and engaging way?
Does your child flourish with a small group or a big group? Sometime having group lessons are a fantastic idea. Some shy kids have the opportunity to observe and then try it out in the safety of others. It can also build confidence without the pressure of performing. Your child can learn from other children. Or your child may display leadership skills. Being in a group helps foster ensemble play which develops social skills. Being able to play with others and taking turns is an important skill needed as a musician. Once again this is a learnt behavior.
6. Is your child physically ready (have they developed their fine motor-skills, are their fingers long enough to reach the keys on a piano) can your child read yet? Are just some more questions to consider?
If you are not sure, why rush? Music is a life long gift, which can be enjoyed at so many levels and at any age.
Every parent believes his or her child is special. And they are! Every child is special. Only you can foster and nurture that creativity, joy and spirited awakening that only music can give.
My advice is to be persitant in a caring and loving way. Don’t just do a structured music class for a few weeks and stop or move to another class or school – give your child consistency and let them settle into a class, it may take 8 weeks for them to settle and get to know their surroundings and group dynamics. Be aware of your child’s needs.
Let it be for your child’s heart and don’t make the mistake that your child needs to perform for you.
Music is a beautiful gift for not only your child, but also for your family- it can bond a family together.
Which ever you decide let it remain a beautiful gift in the eyes and ears of your child and give your child something to sing about!
If you found this blog useful or know someone who needs this advice please like, comment and share this post.
Tina Bangel
My belief is that everyone needs to be heard. From young to old and no matter what background you have. You have the right to be heard.
