5 Proven Ways to Start Your Singing Career

Wendy Alane Wright is a Hollywood Talent Manager with WAW Entertainment. Her clients have appeared in numerous national commercials, movies, webisodes, short films, and on television networks such as ABC, NBC, Comedy Central, BIO, Lifetime, plus many more. Previous to being a Manager and a Talent Agent at Burn Down Entertainment, she assisted many high profile Managers, Agents and Publicists in the careers of Neil Patrick Harris, Johnny Galecki, Sarah Michelle Geller, The Four Tops, The Bee Gees, Meatloaf, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Guttenberg, The Cranberries Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and Neil Diamond. Wendy is also a Recording Artist, Actress, Author and Music Producer all  giving her a 360-degree perspective of the industry.
 
When you first start performing live as a solo act or a band your goal is to try and build a following. You want to create a fan base and keep in touch with them through email, Twitter and Facebook. You are also performing live to get experience mastering the stage, mastering your own performances, and mastering making a connection with your audiences - so you keep becoming a better, and more interesting performer.

An artist grows by performing live, so you want to perform live everywhere you can. The bottom line is...it all come down to what happens when a solo singer or band performs live. Do people get riled up and excited, or bored? Loving an artist is something organic that either happens or doesn't. You can not force it. People either show up or they don't. People either come back to listen to you again, or they don't. Of course you have to invite them back and offer them a great show, have merchandise available if you have it and giveaways like free t-shirts are always nice; but it won't make them like you or your band. Music is subjective. And when someone is feeling the music their body reacts, or it doesn't.

Here's an example, after the great comedian Chris Rock finished his stint on Saturday Night Live, he wasn't getting much work, no one would hire him. He decided to go back to Chicago to a theater and start doing standup again. He worked on routines and jokes and his performance, but no one was really coming. He continued to try new material and work on his act. Finally he started getting lines on the street for people to come see him. And over time he was sold out. He worked out his act until whatever he was doing was working.

It is the same for singers. It takes time to figure out what you do that makes people stand in line to come see you. Singers may have several bands before that happens, or it may happen with the 1st one. The reaction people have is organic and cannot be forced. They either like it or they don't. By performing live as much as possible, as artist can find their wings on stage. They learn about themselves and what they do in their own expression of their music. They learn how to connect with an audience. They learn how to speak with an audience. They learn which material speaks to an audience and which material does not. In a band they need to find the chemistry between them, which comes from time and shared experiences. They should hang out in between gigs to get to know each other so that camaraderie appears on stage. They all need to have fun on stage so it will show.

# 1 BOOKINGS
Artists need a booking agent locally, who can submit video of the band or solo artist to local venues to see if they will have them - colleges, fairs, festivals, clubs, charity events etc. So the artists can get out there and see if they can cause a stir. At every gig they should hand out a bumper sticker or postcard with the bands pic on it and contact info. Someone should be on hand at every gig to collect email addresses to enter fans into a drawing to win a Band T-Shirt. Then they take those email addresses, enter them into a contact list and stay in touch with their fans, letting them know where they will be performing next. Constant Contact or Mail Chimp is great for this.

# 2 PRESS
Artists should also send a press release to local papers letting them know about their gigs. The booking agent can be a friend - or a professional. But has to be someone who can consistently make phone calls to venues/events and send emails with links to the bands video to ask for bookings.

# 3 FAN BASE
This business is all about contacts and exposure. So singing every where you can is key. And making the most of each gig is very important. So at every gig you should be dressed the part, have business cards you can hand out so people who like your sound can see where they can buy your music, or they can follow you on Twitter or like your Fan Facebook page. Use your mailing list to keep everyone informed about where you are singing next

# 4 4 SONG CD
If you have been at this for awhile you probably already have a 4 song demo recorded. If you are just starting out you need one.

# 5 WEBSITE
Of course you need a website with your music, cool photos of you in your regular life and on stage? A place where people can go to find ou all about you, your music, buy your music and see your upcoming gig dates. Fan want access.

THIS IS A BUSINESS
Treat your career like a business. You are selling a product - YOU. You need to make sure the product always looks good, define your image, and your work either a 4 Song Demo or full length CD is easily accessible to buy on line and at shows.

Use these handy tips to get started and keep me updated on your progress!

Follow your dreams!

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Wendy Alane Wright Smith
WAW Entertainment
wawentertainment@yahoo.com
Twitter @WAW_Wendy

If You Believe It, And Work Hard, You Can Achieve A Career in Show Business!

Wendy Alane Wright is a Hollywood Talent Manager with WAW Entertainment. Her clients have appeared in numerous national commercials, movies, webisodes, short films, and on television networks such as ABC, NBC, Comedy Central, BIO, Lifetime, plus many more. Previous to being a Manager and a Talent Agent at Burn Down Entertainment, she assisted many high profile Managers, Agents and Publicists in the careers of Neil Patrick Harris, Johnny Galecki, Sarah Michelle Geller, The Four Tops, The Bee Gees, Meatloaf, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Guttenberg, The Cranberries Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and Neil Diamond. Wendy is also a Recording Artist, Actress, Author and Music Producer all  giving her a 360-degree perspective of the industry.

I was listening to Casting Director Amy Jo Berman talk about the time she coached an actress who landed a series regular role. Amy Jo said, this actress became a series regular because she had been planning on it for years. She had visualized it and had determined nothing was going to get in the way of her getting it. In fact, everything single choice the actress made in her life was to lead to that outcome. In her mind she already was a series regular, as if it were her truth. She believed she was meant to do this. Amy Jo said that kind of focus and specificity is why people reach their goals and become successful.

I thought back about my own career to see if that concept applied, and found, yes it did. I had that kind of focus for a very long time, from age 10-35. When I first decided I wanted to hear my voice singing on records I was about 10 years old. I knew that was what I was going to do. Everything I did from then on in my life was to advance that goal for myself. I practiced singing 3-4 hours every day for about 7 years. I went to counseling to overcome feelings of inadequacy, and did insight seminars twice and EST to gain more personal power for myself and to become less fearful. I entered singing contests, I studied voice at college and finally packed my bags, left home and moved to LA to sing. I got a job in the office of an entertainment company so I could learn how everything works and get close to people who could help me. I had no doubt I was going to be a singer. I had no doubt I would sing on records. I wasn't going to allow any other option. In fact, there was no possibility for me not to do it. I was going to make it happen, no matter what. Period. This is the kind of focus and mind set Amy Jo Berman was talking about.

I looked for opportunities, and I took every opportunity that came my way. I studied with one of the best singing coaches in the world, Seth Riggs. (He also taught Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, and Anita Baker.) I auditioned, I met producers in banks and sang for them, I ran into execs at Hollywood parties and sang for them. People were going to see what I could do because I was singer, I had talent and I knew I was good. Period. I knew I was good enough, (if not better than most) and I knew I was good enough to be on records. So I was going to be. I had 3 jobs and sometimes no money for food. But I had a goal to fulfill and I wasn't going to stop until I reached it. After I sang on over 65 records, (well they turned to cds shortly after I started singing professionally) I started writing and producing songs for other artists. I wrote a single for Dutch artist Tatjana Simic that went Platinum. Then I decided I wanted to sing with a live band and sang with three amazing live bands for a few years. I opened for big artists. I wanted to go on tour so I did. I wanted my music to be on TV, in commercials and to release a couple of cds of my own. I did all of that. I had been working as a professional singer for 13 years and one day, I no longer had the desire to sing like I used to.

At first I was mortified and confused, because that hunger had driven me and defined me since I was 10, and all of a sudden I no longer had it. I was sad at first, but I evolved into an amazing place where I decided I would rather help everyone else achieve their goals. I could share all my knowledge with young new talent who had the same dreams I had. Now I have a new hunger, to see each of them become successful in their goals. It drives me, keeps me awake at night and working in my office all hours of the nights. I love it.

I truly believe you have to have that kind of hunger to drive you to succeed. You have to see that you have no other options. Your passion for your talent and what makes you happy has to be all consuming. It has to be everything you are, everything you think, want and exist for.

When you have that kind of focus, you will always find a way. Quitting, or any other form of self sabotage like procrastination, fear, laziness etc, are just not acceptable and are qualities that can ruin everything for you. You must get rid of those at all costs. Use positive affirmations, go to therapy, pray, mediate, surrounds yourself with positive people who are doing the same things you are and believe in you. There is a saying, "The 5 people you spend the most time with will determine how far you will go in your life." Make sure you choose them wisely.

I lot of people "say" they want something, but do they really? Or are they just giving it a "try?" There is a huge difference.

I saw myself as a signer. I saw myself in the studio making records. I saw myself on stage performing for thousand of people. I saw myself being excited and happy doing it. I knew I was meant to be on stage singing. That's who I was already in my mind before I ever did it. I was a professional singer in my mind. I think you have to have that kind of confidence in who you are, passion and determination to succeed in this business. I had some insecurities, we all do. But I never had insecurities about who I was going to be. That kind of passion will have you talking to people you would normally be intimidated to speak to. It will have you going for it, when it is scary. It will get you up in the morning and make you say, okay what next? What can I do today to meet someone who can help me? It will drive you to meet other singers, to get into the studio, to write a song, to record someone else's songs, to contact producers, to practice singing.

Of course the same focus and determination applies to acting, or sports, or any other dream you have. If you can see it, really see it in the depths of your soul, you can be it, you can achieve it.

I say step back and take a real honest look at your life. If you have anybody around you who is trying to bring you down, or squash your spirit or your dreams, get rid of them. If they are a family member, move them off to the side for a bit. If they are a boyfriend or girlfriend, they may not be the right one for you. You need people around you who believe in your dream with you. You will always believe in your dream more than anyone else, because it's your dream. But when you can see it, others can see it too.

My advice is to go within. Look deep in your heart. What do you want? What is driving you? Then be true to your heart and listen to what it says. Maybe your true passion is in the entertainment field, maybe it isn't. Follow your heart and your own path. Don't do anything because of other people's expectations of you. Be true to yourself. It's your life. You can make anything happen if you just believe.

If being a successful actress or singer is your goal, decide that nothing is going to get in the way of that for you. Nothing. You are going to be successful at this. Period. Stay focused, stay committed, never stop. Keep believing. See yourself there. You are there. Do it!

If you found this helpful or inspiring leave a comment below. I love to hear from people. Check out my other blogs too. If you have any questions go ahead and ask. I want to help you :) Follow me on Twitter @wendyalane1

And as always, make your life everything you dream it can be. You are worth it!

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Don't Be Afraid. Believe In Yourself.

Fear can be your worst enemy. It can suck the life out of you. It can drain you of your inspiration, your motivation and your actions. It can keep you from being who you are capable of being. It is a raper of creativity. But, you have to accept it's existence, learn how to live with it and over come it. You should never let fear define you or your life. That will be a life you will regret.

Performers deal with fear all the time. Fear of not being good enough is a huge one! There is also fear of making mistakes, fear of failure or even fear of succeeding. Failing and falling down only means you have to get up. Taking chances that may have you looking badly is part of the journey. Let's be honest. Everyone will not like you. Not everyone will care for your brand of humour, or style or looks or talent. And that is okay! You are who you are. You are a unique gift to this world. Stop and breathe that in. It's true. You will never be someone else and you will never be repeated again, ever. You are a miracle. And what is inside of you is special. Your talent is uniquely you. Only you can bring it.

John Kimble from the William Morris Agency says, "I believe every person on the face of the earth is unique. Therefore you are not in competition with anybody else."

It is important to say this mantra to yourself every single day, "What other people think of me is none of my business." Say it in your car, when you wake up, looking straigh into your eyes in the mirror. Post it on the mirror. This will change how you think. And when you have done this for several months, you will notice you care so much less about what people think and you will gain new strength to follow your own heart.

I hate when people are born with great gifts inside them and never realize them fully because they are too afraid to take chances, to fail, or to succeed. It breaks my heart because we are all worth so more much than we remember we are. Artists are notorious for self sabotage and fear "interfearing" with success. But remember, because you are born with your gifts already inside you, they are your birth rite to share. God has placed them within us not to hoard and be selfish with, but to share with others and make the world a better place. (if you believe in God). If you don't, it doesn't change the fact that we are all born with gifts and they are there to be shared, period. Not sharing them will only cause you personal stress. And that is no fun to live with.

The great singer Michael McDonald told me one day after a concert, Wendy not everyone will like your voice. Not everyone likes mine. I sing for the people who do and I sing for myself." Man was he right. I sing because I love to sing. It fills my soul to be creative and to express. And when that dirty things called fear creeps back in, I have to work hard to embrace it and get past it. The most successful people in the world have to do this too. When Mayor Bloomfield was asked to sing at a NY event he panicked. Even though he had spoken in front of thousands of people at countless events, he had never sung at any of them. Doing something new was terrifying. Even a very successful and wealthy man can be afraid of not being good enough, or making a mistake, or a fool of himself. The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people feel the fear and do it anyways. Unsuccessful people feel the fear and let it stop them in their tracks, or cause them to run away from opportunity. Half of success is just showing up.

Artists are sensitive, often insecure, and deeply self centered by nature have to work very hard at this. Being an artist means taking chances and being willing to bare all of your heart and soul in front of strangers, and opening yourself up to public criticism and rejection. We stand on a stage and say what do you think? It can be so scary, but our art calls us in a haunting, never let go of you sort of way. As artists we must do this, or we feel trapped inside ourselves. And that can be unbearable for ourselves and others. Just ask the people around us!

I recommend a concept called Contrary Action. It means to take an opposite action than you currently feel like taking. If you get afraid and start to back out of an audition, you take contrary action and go anyways. If you think speaking to a producer or director is scary and you procrastinate on the call you should be making, take Contrary Action. You will have to force yourself to take Contrary Action. But what will happen after 6 months of this is you will have realized that none of what you were afraid of was ever as scary as you had imagined it to be. And sometimes you will have really enjoyed it. Wow! To learn more about Contrary Action and how to apply it to your life for drastic changes you can purchase my Book "Contrary Action, An Ordinary Girl's Dialogue with God straight from my Contrary Action website. Yes, the title mentions God, but it is not a religious book. It is a spiritual book that will truly help you make drastic changes and create the life you really want to be living. It has worked for me and many others!

So to wrap this up... if you are alive and if your are human which I assume all of you are. That dirty things called fear is present in your life. You do yourself a huge disservice by letting manipulate you. You are strong and in charge of your thoughts and emotions. You can choose what to give your power to. We have tremendous power and the ability to manifest what we intend. Use that for your own benefit and the benefit of others. Focus your Power of Intention and all that good energy you have inside yourself on taking Contrary Actions and being the creative, expressive person I know you really are.

This applies to people in all walks of life. We need scientists to follow their dreams and intuition and share their gifts. We need doctors to do it, teachers, veterinarians, etc. etc., and even plumbers. No offense...we really need them to do it. However artists are my personal favorite people. I am moved to the core by people who are willing to be vulnerable and share their humanity. Actors, Writes, Singers, Directors, Producers, Musicians, Casting Directors, Costumers, Special Effects and so many more have the amazing opportunity to express their creativity and bring forth light and love into t he world through their art and talents. Yaaay! I love them and I thank them.

You follow your dreams and your heart. Your gifts will be appreciate by many, not everyone, but enough to matter.
If you touch just one heart with your gifts haven't you made the world a better place?
If you liked this information and found it helpful leave a comment! I love to hear from new people.
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Wendy Alane Wright Smith
Talent Manager
WAW ENTERTAINMENT
wawentertainment@yahoo.com