Singing as a career can be a tough field to stick in. It seems like everyone sings these days, and with social media, it seems like we all have a platform.
The competition is pretty thick, so you have to go above and beyond to get noticed and discovered above the sea of singers.
Before I get to the actionable tips, I want to point out that many singers have a unique edge which should also be the foundation of your attempts at fame. What sets you apart? What is your story, and why should anyone want to pay attention?
Take the time to craft your brand and your story as a singer. The more people can learn about you and get to know you, the more they will connect with you.
Be authentic and entertaining with your journey, and you will find that people will cling to your art and become fans for a while, maybe even for life!
The second point I want to point out before you really start to take action in getting discovered is that you must always be learning and growing in your craft. Before you worry about getting noticed, make sure your talent is even worth noticing.
You need to be practicing your singing skills weekly and even daily if you have the schedule for it. Practice can include performances, studying music theory, learning vocal techniques, and studying other successful singers.
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Once you've found your unique edge and you're in the groove of consistently bettering your craft, it's time to start taking action to put yourself out there.
The most common and very effective current way to put yourself out there as a singer is to publish covers on social media.
The hot social media sites to put your covers on, for now, are TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. YouTube is at the top of the game, but they've been having a lot of pushback against artists lately with copyright takedowns that you may find tricky.
TikTok has a growing trend of singers who are doing covers and fun singing exercises and going viral. Now is the perfect time to get in on this wave of music fun before it gets way too crowded.
Instagram and Facebook are still good for posting covers, too, but TikTok and YouTube are really outshining other sites. Twitter is also a good option for covers, but not the greatest. But who knows, you may get lucky!
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Local singing for friends, family, and community connections is always a great way to gain experience and network in your area. If you're near a major city like New York, Atlanta, or DC, your chances of getting heard by the right people can skyrocket.
The key to singing for events in your network is to make sure your friends and family can spread the word about your talents to their friends and family.
The power here is in word of mouth since your audience size won't be as large as it could be with something like the internet.
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Local and non-local competitions are constantly being held somewhere across the globe. Many of them can accept digital submissions. With a quick google search, see if there are any contests being held that you qualify for and can submit music to.
Be careful about contests with high submission fees and large prizes that may not be able to be backed up unless it's by an established company.
Many famous singers were previously session vocalists or background singers for famous artists. These types of behind-the-scenes singing gigs are a great way to network with people who are important in the industry.
Many of these types of opportunities are marketed as contests and competitions, so a google search will also help you find gig auditions like these.
Sometimes you can be surrounded by talented singers and instrumentalists who can just elevate your status by being at the right place at the right time.
Link up with the greats in your area, create good songs, collaborate in videos on social media, throw music events, or even create your own tours with the fan bases combined being your audience.
In the end, becoming a famous singer requires a combination of talent, strategy, and perseverance. To stand out in a competitive industry, it's crucial to have a unique edge and a compelling story that resonates with people.
Hone your skills continuously through practice, studying music theory, and learning from successful singers. Utilize social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to showcase your talent through covers and original content.
Singing at family and friends' events can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities. Participating in singing competitions, both local and non-local, can expose you to industry professionals and potentially open doors for bigger opportunities.
Auditioning for non-local gigs and collaborating with other artists can further expand your reach and connections.
Remember to stay authentic, engage with your audience, and be open to new opportunities. With dedication, talent, and a strategic approach, you can increase your chances of becoming a recognized and successful singer.
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As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
