Universal Songwriting

Tuesday, September 22, 2015 by Carmen (Shea) Hillary | Technique & Education

When writing lyrics, it's important to try and make your songs relatable and universal.  You can be specific and clear and yet still leave the message open enough that the listener can intrepret the song how they want to. People are drawn to songs that express emotions they themselves are feeling.  Avoid really specific statements that only you personally could understand.  This song below, Arizona, seems to clearly be about a relationship gone wrong.  But, Adrienne never comes right out and says that.  She uses metaphors and imagery to paint a picture that leaves the song open to interpretation.  In doing this she allows the listener to relate to the song in whatever way they want.  Maybe it's about a break up, maybe it's a relationship between a brother and sister or between a father and daughter.  You decide:   

Singing with a Focus on Emotion and Connecting with the Song

Tuesday, September 15, 2015 by Carmen (Shea) Hillary | Technique & Education

At the end of the day, what really makes a great singer is not just having a nice voice and hitting the right notes.  A lot of people can do that.  What makes an artist really stand out is how they evoke the emotion of a song and relate it to their audience.   Check out this fantastic performance!

Style and Stage Presence

Tuesday, September 8, 2015 by Carmen (Shea) Hillary | Technique & Education

This is an interesting comparative of different performance styles.  Jewel and Jessica Simpson singing the hit song "Who Will Save Your Soul".  Jessica has a more open mouthed and outwardly expressive style.  Jewel maintains an outward connection with the audience but her approach is more inwardly expressive; generating a more intimate, casual and conversational approach.  This approach exudes confidence and ownership over the song.  Sometimes doing less actually grips the audience more.  Check it out and see what you think.

Microphone Control

Tuesday, September 1, 2015 by Carmen (Shea) Hillary | Technique & Education

Check out Christina Aguilera's use of microphone control!  See the angle she holds the mic at, how she moves it away appropriately when she's really belting and pulls it closer when singing softer.