Subscribe

Artists

Featured article

Rejected by TV but Still Singing‬

20 Singers turned down by X Factor, Pop Idol and The Voice find a new way ahead.

VoiceCouncil Magazine speaks with Paul Stuart Davies about his new vocal “supergroup” who are trying to turn heads with their new release.
‬‬
What’s your experience been with Reality TV?‬
I auditioned for The Voice UK in November 2011 in Manchester. In the past I have auditioned for X Factor and Pop Idol too and have always made it through the initial “can you sing” stage.‬

Have you figured out why you were bounced off these shows?
When it comes to later rounds, your image and background seem to be more important; I have always been sent the “well done for getting

> read more

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Rating: +3 (from 3 votes)

Success and Numbers

What do you need to be “successful enough?” –asks Petra Tool

His unique facial expressions, boyish charisma and characteristic movements on stage have inspired me more than once (scroll down to see the full size images).

In Holland Wouter Hamel has had some modest hits.

In Japan and Korea he’s even doing better: he’s a star, performing his cheerful – and sometimes melancholic – jazzy pop songs in front of audiences of thousands of ecstatic fans.

I wanted to know where his heart was in > read more

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Whitney Houston’s Final Vocal Work


She had one of the strongest vocal muscles I’ve ever worked with –says Gary Catona

Vocal Coach Gary Catona recently gained widespread media attention in the wake of Whitney Houston’s untimely death.

In the seven years leading up to it, Catona trained Houston who he said fought hard to restore her singing voice to its former glory.

But there had been years of drug abuse, resulting in > read more

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Songwriting Habits that Work

A. J. Croce exposes the close relationship between creativity and hard work –says Petra Tool

His music has been compared to that of John Lennon, Elvis Costello and Van Morrison.

Son of Jim Croce, A. J. Croce has been a non-stop force in writing and performing songs in various genres, from jazz and blues to pop.

Each time he fuses these styles (think dr. John meets Elvis Costello), he > read more

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)

VoiceCouncil Blogger Becomes Finalist – NEWS RELEASE


VoiceCouncil Blogger Becomes Finalist –NEWS RELEASE
A Grammy award winning producer recognizes singing and looping talent.

Congratulations to VoiceCouncil’s own Sarah Bella – one of 10 finalists (chosen from 17,000) in Guitar Center’s massive singer-songwriter competition.

Sarah is a widely known YouTube artist; see VoiceCouncil’s exclusive interview with her about how to get your foot in the door at competitions.

You might be interested to know that Jocelyn Scofield – whose vid recently appeared on VoiceCouncil’s Peer Review is another finalist!

Jocelyn’s looping vid caught the interest of competition organizers

The ten finalists were chosen by grammy-award winning producer John Shanks –he’s worked with Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban, Bon Jovi and Alanis Morissette

Jocelyn and Sarah will be flying to LA this weekend and could win a large cash prize, lots of gear and a three song EP produced by Shanks.

We wish them well!

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)

NEW Vocal Coach in Residence: Mister Tim

He explores and exploits the force of the voice like few others.

A few years ago his Star Wars Tribute went viral (“John Williams is the Man”), with over 17 million hits in its many forms.

Since then, Mister Tim has taken his all-vocal rock band THROAT to new heights, released popular new vids, an EP, and toured with his solo live-looping act.

But he is also an educator, devoted to teaching voice and contemporary a cappella singing across the United States.

An unforgettable vocal performance you witnessed
“Weird” Al Yankovic live in concert.

What made it so?
He blasted through > read more

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Rating: +2 (from 2 votes)

Release Your Inner Songwriter


Share your unique vision of the world –says Sarah Bella

Your voice will sound its best when you’re singing something you have passion about.

Songwriting is a path to find your own voice and the artist you want to be.

I’m not a professional when it comes to teaching songwriting—but here are some ideas from my personal experience that may help vocalists take their first steps on this rewarding journey.

Jot things down. Some songs just > read more

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)

NEW Vocal Coach in Residence: Shlomo


It’s not just his voice – it’s his mouth.

Beat boxing artist Shlomo has been dazzling audiences around the globe with his looping performances and what he calls “vocal pyrotechnics”.

He’s also worked with some of the biggest names in music including Bjork, Damon Albarn, Jarvis Cocker, Martha Wainwright, Imogen Heap, The Specials and DJ Yoda.

–and now he’s VoiceCouncil’s Vocal Coach in Residence for the next 8 weeks.

We caught up with Shlomo during his “Mouthtronica” show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – and gave him only one > read more

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Rating: +2 (from 2 votes)

Create Audience Magic


Show more of your own sensuality, vulnerability and humor –says Petra Tool

When I first saw his charismatic performance on Youtube, I knew I would paint Relax’ front man Llewy one day. (scroll to the end of the article to see Petra’s full sized image: “Black Birds, White Birds”)

I just had to find out what it was that connected him to his audience.

A few years later I saw my chance, when Relax performed in my hometown.

The conversation took place at one of the strangest places a young hip-hop vocalist could be living > read more

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)

Garfunkel’s Elusive Voice


Check out this new piece in our Vocal Injury 101 Series – by Megan Gloss

Case: Art Garfunkel
Diagnosis: Vocal Paresis

While Simon & Garfunkel often are regarded for Paul Simon’s brilliantly crafted melodies, it’s the voice of Art Garfunkel that lends the classic folk/rock duo its signature harmonic sound.

And, though Garfunkel’s voice has been noted for changing throughout the years, it still is considered by many to be one of the most distinguishable and favored voices in the history of popular music.

After years of musical separation, Simon & Garfunkel reunited, announcing a > read more

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]
Rating: +5 (from 5 votes)