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Cheryl

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Posts posted by Cheryl

    Success With Writing Songs? Who? How?

    in Songwriting

    Posted

    Hi, Ferry,

    If I were a fast talker I would have been successful long before this...!

    And what do you determine to be "success"?! Success is in the eye of the beholder. I make

    a decent living from music, but I'm not rich. However, that's still a success story; since I'm

    surviving nicely doing something I love!

    To begin with; if you ain't got a product, you ain't got a chance. It isn't like some great producer

    is gonna walk by your apartment, hear your music and get you signed.

    Sure: I've had lots of exposure; and lots of fans, now. But this is the digital age, and sadly, other

    than a FEW (like Katy Perry, Michael Buble, and Adele), I know very few rich and famous folks right

    now in the field of music... SORRY.

    However, since you ASKED; here are some of my "minor" wins (yes; in my book, a nomination is a "win"):

    2012: Nominated for Best Roots & Blues Artist, Kootenay Music Awards; top 10 Latin Beat Mag.

    2011: Nominated for Best Blues Song, Hollywood Music In Media Awards; top 10 Latin Beat Mag.

    2010: Nominated for Best Jazz Song, Hollywood Music In Media Awards; top 10 Latin Beat Mag.

    2009: Featured Artist; Coast to Coast AM with George Noory

    How do I do it? I wake up every morning and immediately go to the internet. I make tons of connections.

    I use ONE source (Reverbnation.com) to send ONE daily message to most of my sites (Facebook, twitter, etc.), simultaneously.

    Takes a whopping 5 minutes.

    Then I check emails and immediately get back to the important ones (bookings, etc.)

    I market thru the following sites:

    My own 2 websites (http://cherylhodge.com; http://jazzboulevard.com

    Reverbnation (I do daily postings; mail-outs and enter contests from there)

    Facebook (5,500 followers)

    CD Baby (check sales; this aggregator sells to about 20 others; including iTunes)

    Just to maintain, I spend about 2 hours a day on the web.

    It's all about killing several birds with one stone....

    Hey, good luck; hope this helps! - Cher

    Getting To Know You

    in Introduce Yourself

    Posted

    1. Do you sing, play an instrument or instruments? Yup.

    What instruments? Pno, Voice, Guit.

    When did you start playing? 3 1/2 yrs. old

    Did you teach yourself? In the beginning; yes.

    2. Are you in a band or bands? Several

    What is the name of the band? The Cheryl Hodge Group; The Cheryl Hodge R&B Band

    What do you play? vox/piano

    What other instruments are in the band? guit./bs./drums

    Do you have a band website?

    3. Do you write songs? Uh-huh.

    Do you write lyrics, music or both? Both

    Do you have a writing partner? Sometimes

    4. Do you record your music? Yes

    Do you use a home studio? If so what gear do you use? Protools

    Do you use a recording studio? Yes

    Do you have music available on the web? if so where? Everywhere (cherylhodge.com, itunes, CDbaby, etc. - lots of aggregators)

    5. What other roles do you perform in the music business? Teacher, player, producer

    Management? Label owner? Publishing? Promotion? Other? My own label: jazzboulevard.com

    6. Are you a tech head? Slight.

    7. What country do you live in? US/Can

    8. What are your ambitions? None; I'm already doin' it.

    9. Do you draw/paint/write stories/computer art/dance or other creative pursuit? Sometimes.

    What are your pastimes? Walking, exercise bike, reading, movies

    10. What would you like to get out of Songstuff? Already gettin' it! Communication with other writers; networking.

    What Can I Reference To?

    in Performance

    Posted

    Hi, Baloo,

    There are two ways to hear your voice - and only one when you are singing WITH a group. You have to cup

    your hand over your ear and sing into the middle of your lower half of your arm (like an early days radio deejay).

    At home sing into a corner, and your voice will come back directly at you.

    To work on your intonation, use an audio recording device. Hit notes on the piano, match them with your voice;

    then listen back to the recording... do the pitches match? Finally, please visit my article:

    "CAN PITCH BE LEARNED AND/OR CORRECTED?"

    Good luck, Cheryl

    Watta Think?

    in Performance

    Posted

    Hmmmmm - tried to listen - went to the link and just got "This video is Private." Then, when I tried to

    subscribe (to hear it) I was still unable to. Is it on youtube? What is the youtube link?

    Thanks, Cheryl

    How Do I Get My Voice Back?

    in Performance

    Posted

    Dear Gazebo,

    Wow; before you even told me about the acid reflux, the thought crossed my mind that this was the cause. You

    need to go on a strict alkaline diet, to re-stabilize. Acid reflux is horrible. I have suffered from it, too (still am). The

    acid suppressants aren't great, because after a while you stomach is unable to function by itself, without the pills.

    I'm trying to kick the stomach pills, as I write. More on that, later... But first, here are the answers to your questions

    (and thanks for asking!)

    So my questions are:

    1) Is there a risk I have damaged my voice permanently? NO; if it's acid-reflux the larynx area can and will regenerate

    itself in 6-8 weeks - but STEER CLEAR of all acidic foods for that amount of time!

    2) What can I do to help things get better?

    See above; and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Do NOT vocalize; but rather practice soft sighs. Speak above

    your larynx, if possilble; in the cheek bone area. Don't talk very much... and once again: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

    3) Should I take some lessons?

    YES, by all means. PLEASE do take lessons - but not from an amateur teacher; find an extremely knowledgeable one.

    GOOD LUCK! - Cher

    Vocal Tune Inspiration

    in Performance

    Posted

    Hi, Laurence.

    When you play the melody, what emotions do you get??? That's the place to start when it comes

    to adding lyrics. It's a tried and true method. Start by picking the highest point in the melody, and

    then try to add a lyrical HOOK, which focusses primarily on the emotion you got when you heard

    the melody. If that doesn't work, read on....

    In my experiences I found that before going solo on writing songs, it's a good idea to co-write, first!

    Try finding someone who's keen on it, and has the opposite strengths of yours, musicially and/or lyrically.

    It's a great, highly enjoyable process. When it's done, copyright the song, and perhaps perform it at a coffee house

    or club, on an open mic night.

    All the best, Cheryl :phone:

    Cataclysmiic - Electrohouse

    in Performance

    Posted

    I checked this out.... I like the production! One thing, though - the vocals are well-done, but there is distortion on the track.

    I think more people will take this seriously without the distortion. It's because of a few possiblitlies:

    1. Voice too close to the mic (maybe it was mic-ed too high to begin with,

    OR

    2. Voice mixed too high in the mixing process

    OR

    3. Too much compression can cause this effect.

    I hate to say the dreaded "Re-mix" word, but.... This IS great writing and performance!!

    All the best, Cheryl :001_rolleyes:

    Should I Enter X-Factor?

    in Performance

    Posted

    Hmmmm. I can't tell very much about you or your style at all from this video. I can't say I recommend you joining anything, until I see a better production. This is breaking up like crazy in my speakers, and there is a problem with the way it is saved. Sorry! :001_unsure:

    My Vocals

    in Performance

    Posted

    Hi, Alana,

    This is really nice! Love your vibrato... it's subtle. You sing with great feeling. Have you ever had

    lessons or is this a naturally honed sound? Really nice. I would love to hear you being produced

    in Nashville. First thoughts: that's where you belong. Ever thought about moving there?

    All the best, Cheryl :ilovemusic:

    Do you warm up?

    in Performance

    Posted

    This topic is near and dear to my heart! [smiley=rockin.gif] Please see my YOU TUBE warm-ups!

    My fave QUICK warm up (which is the minimum to do every day; if you can't do more...); and IN THIS ORDER!:

    1. 5- 10 minutes of body stretches and muscle relaxing exercises (try Yoga), and special jaw release exercises.

    2. 5 minutes of SIGHING exercises (8ves down/8ve circles)

    3. 5 minutes of DIAPHRAGM pushes (low register, middle, and high)

    4. 10 minutes of scales.

    5. NOW onto your song(s)!!

    Seeking Some Feedback

    in Performance

    Posted

    Sorry it took so long to get to your query! [smiley=vocals.gif]

    I've always loved this Leonard Cohen song, "Hallelujah". You sound nice.

    My feedback is that there is actually a guy on the vocals site looking for male singers! Maybe you

    should check the vocals board and connect?!

    Technique-wise, I would love to see you get more breath support, and work

    on strengthening your diaphragm muscles, and practice projecting up the

    back of your body. Try out my beginning techniques on YouTube, if you get the chance.

    All the best, and good luck, Cheryl Hodge

    Seth Riggs Speech Level Singing

    in Performance

    Posted

    Hi

    I forgot to drop a link here saying that I'd just added 28 training videos for Seth Riggs Speech Level Singing to the Songstuff Channel Singing playlist on YouTube.

    I've attended Seth Riggs seminars and tried out the techniques. I've even incorporated some

    of them into lessons and find them great for opening up the breaks. However, word of warning:

    I would temper his methods with some solid classical breathing technique and diaphragm

    development. I've often found that without these solid foundations for support, students

    can misinterpret Seth's techniques and end up with those nasty critters we call nodes and pollyps.

    Thanks, for this, though! [smiley=vocals.gif]

    Your fearless vocal editor, Cheryl Hodge

    Phlegm

    in Performance

    Posted · Edited by Cheryl

    I'm a vocalist. I sing karaoke, record my own sings, and just joined a band so I'm going to be putting in some pretty long hours on stage. I'm a decent lead vocalist for the most part, but I do have some issues I need to deal with since I'm going to be gigging. I don't smoke. Never have. But it seems I'm always battling phlegm in my throat/chest and this hampers my ability to sing. It decreases my range, decreases wind capacity and the constant clearing of my throat can even sometimes raw out my voicebox, making things even worse. I'm not sure what the problem is, if it's something I'm eating drinking, or just that I'm not drinking enough. I don't think it's allergies, because it's an all the time thing. Not just seasonal. And it doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing. I've tried robitussin chest decongestant before, but it doesn't seem to help much.

    Any tips on trying to rid of this annoying problem?

    Watch your allergies.... Are you eating too much dairy? Drinking too much milk? These are phlegm creators. When I started singing more often, I cut down my dairy by 2/3rds and that did the trick. Another phlegm creator is dehydration - the folds create mucous as a form of self-protection. Therefore, watch your dehydrators like coffee, tea and alcohol and cut down on those, as well. Drink more water! ALSO IMPORTANT: Every time you clear your throat it is a sign of dehydration - this makes the vocal folds chafe and results in vocal mechanism damage. SO... instead of clearing your throat, you need to drink water. At first this is hard to do. Start carrying water around with you!

    Smoking and Singing

    in Performance

    Posted

    I've smoked every day for a few years, though not the typical idea. It kind of messes with it sometimes, but for the most part I don't notice. I think my falcetto could be a little stronger, my breaths a little deeper, but it hasn't affected my tone.

    Forgive me, but I ALMOST always know if someone's a smoker by hearing them sing. After they kick the habit their range increases by at least a fifth. Their voice becomes more clear, etc. They are also less prone to picking up polyps and nodes, as they are more aware of the tension they place on their larynx. Cheers.

    Singing Harmony

    in Performance

    Posted

    I've ALWAYS loved singing harmonies. A great way to start, if you've never done it, is to practice singing along

    (a third or a fourth, above or below), to your favourite artist. I used to harmonize over and over with Joni Mitchell's

    early stuff (Clouds, Blue, Ladies of the Canyon). Now I can harmonize with anything, instantly. I didn't even know

    much about what I was doing, back then. It was the greatest musical training ever, and I didn't even need a teacher!

    Screaming

    in Performance

    Posted

    Im Just curious what people think of songs that scream, like heavier rock, metal, death metal and other things.

    Myself, I can scream, and intend to use it as as backup when recording at some point.

    Who else can scream, and what are your opinions on it?

    I can't even "go there". Whenever I hear someone scream I feel sympathetic pain in my vocal folds!! Good luck with that.

    My only advice is that this is one vocal trick one uses "sparingly". It can lead to nodes and polyps in nothing flat!

    Smoking and Singing

    in Performance

    Posted · Edited by Cheryl

    I stopped smoking April 2003 and have since got a much better voice (and also, I bought my Bassguitar and Digitech GNX3 for the smoking money - whith a LOT to spare - tobacco is expensive in Norway: around $25 for 50 gram pack of tobacco).

    Anyway, what's your experience singing and smoking - or stopping smoking?

    It's also said that other substances, like kaffein, is just as bad. Anyone have experienses here?

    Here's a funny one, for you: I smoked for a year (age 19), because it was written into my contract... when singing with the rock band, "Pride and Joy" in Calif. I say it's funny, because they felt my voice was "too pure" and needed some edginess. Of course that did help, but eventually (a year later), I DID quit. It was easy, because I'm not the addictive type. I know many singers who have never been able to kick the habit, and sound pretty good. What I DO know for SURE, is that if you don't find a way to kick the habit, your future as a vocalist will be shorter than if you DID manage to quit.

    Good luck with that!

    Cheers, Cheryl Hodge

    Author of "A Singer's Guide to the Well-Trained & Powerful Voice"

    http://www.cherylhodge.com

    http://www.jazzboulevard.com

    Looking For An Honest Assessment Of My Voice

    in Performance

    Posted

    Hello Everyone-

    I am an aspiring singer songwriter who is looking for honest critique of my voice. I did have a vocal lessons a few years ago and love singing. My family and friends say I have a good voice. I would like to know what my fellow colleagues think. Please visit http://www.myspace.com/sadieanne2009

    The songs that I am singing are ones that I wrote- there is 30 to 40 second clips of my songs. Unfortunately, the whole song collection that I have is too big and I had to cut them down to clips. I appreciate your advice. Thank you!

    Sarah

    Hi, Sarah,

    I would definitely explore the open mic thing. It's very difficult, though, to tell what kind of a voice you have without some accompaniment underneath (even just your guitar - after all, you ARE holding a guitar in the picture.) You see, you could be singing beautifully, but a quarter tone away from the chord the person is playing. I know the Idol shows listen to singers singing accapella, but that doesn't really tell us if they will sing in tune, once another musician is added to the mix! Back on topic, though, you SEEM to have a lovely voice. I would explore getting more power behind it, and working on your approach to breathing and consonants.

    Best of luck, Cheryl Hodge

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