The Set Up:
So, Here’s one for the books. I’m on a gig. Another Chick Singer who also works with the piano player is there checking me out, being “supportive”.
The band and I are having fun, being open…. The other Chick Singer starts snapping her fingers really loud trying to increase the tempo of the song we are doing. Later on she sings along to a ballad…. Seriously?
The final straw comes when she puts her arm around the piano player and runs her fingers through his hair!!! (We’re in the middle of a set! Do you mind?!?) Sheesh! I’m telling you we need some rules around here!!!
At the end of the gig the other Chick Singer approaches me with an offer of working together to split the cost of the band…Ha! I think she is insane! Why doesn’t she get her own gig?
Seriously? We need to talk! What’s up with these chick singers? We need some rules around this place! What to wear? How to act? What’s the protocol for sitting in?
DivaRules: I learned from observing a host of champions. I pass it along to fledgling sisters. Who are your influences? Mine were Betty Carter, Al Hibler, Polly Bergen, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Carmen MacRae, Sarah Vaughn, Bessie Smith, Diane Schurr…and so many others….
How to organize your music: Loose leaf folder versus alphabetized with plastic sleeves, tunes in order of set list? What works best for you? I like to be able to locate songs easily and switch around the set list according to the vibe of the night. I work with about sixty to a hundred tunes at any one time. Those tunes are in a “Gig” book. I also have a “Library” of tunes in alphabetical order which I may or may not call. Some performers are using i-Pads to store and access their music. Although I am an avid computer user, I have yet to feel totally comfortable with electronic access to arrangements and lyrics, but if you do, go ahead!
My book includes lead sheets, lyrics, and separate rhythm charts for drums and bass. I have separate books for piano, bass, and drums. The book work requires the mind of a librarian. If you are not adept at organizing paper, get help! This task is never done! I shall repeat, “This task is NEVER done!”
Sharing music is always a dilemma. If you have paid for arrangements or worked with a pianist to develop your material, you might not want to share it. But I have seen some awesome divas just rip one out of their book to pass it along to someone younger and less prepared.
Protocol for Sitting In: Unless you know it is an open mic or jam session, wait until asked. Do not bring your whole book in and start going through tunes. Be cool. Have it in your mind what you’re prepared to do on the fly. Know your key. Bring charts if you have them in a folder to pass out to whoever needs them; ie: Piano, Bass. Choose a standard song. The band may not be ready to improvise on challenging tunes.
Pairing up with other singers increases audiences & exposure. Asking people to sit in or share a gig even when they might be below or above your ability is part of a good social game. It may not always be appropriate depending on the venue, and sometimes people come out to see you specifically, so use your judgement. I have had it work both ways. If they are not as good or prepared as you, it can make you look bad. If they are gonna blow you out of the water, it might make you look bad. They also might end up stealing your gig.
Passing gigs along to other players….Well, this can always work either way. Sometimes it gets you in the door of a new opportunity and sometimes your substitute will end up getting dates you could have had. Still keep up your social game!
Vocalise, vocalize, vocal practice, lessons…Don’t ever stop! Do Not Ever Stop! Don’t Stop! I still take classical voice lessons every week, work with my instructor on exercises to strengthen my voice, my breath, my tone…. I’m dead serious about this! I want to keep as much of my voice as I can! I have almost three octaves, but I used to have more than three. I’ll never get the notes I had above high C back, but I’d like to keep my B flat! OK, at least a high F…(sigh).
Style, pacing, set list construction, book organization… What is your style? Are you a belter? Do you have a head voice? What type of songs do you want to sing? I like to mix things up! I love jazz, Latin, blues, scat, and Broadway. Maybe you like country, dubstep, rap, or rock? Whatever you like, you’re going to need about fifty songs to start. Research the top songs from the genres you like and make a list. Do songs you like! Hello! Do songs you like to sing! Start learning four or five songs. When you have those under your belt, move on to the next.
You need about eight songs per set depending on how many pieces are in your band and how many solos are taken. Try to mix things up. Keep it loose. Start with an easy song you feel comfortable with, make it upbeat, but easy for the listener to get a feel for you. Then move onto another upbeat tune. I like to do a lot of ballads, but it wears the audience out after awhile, so pace yourself. You will need to organize three sets. I like to do one long set, one medium set, and one short set. It’s just the way things work out best for me. Devise your own plan. Get a time keeper in the audience (like your husband, band manager, good friend, fellow diva…)
Sample Set List:
Band Opens
1. Easy Swing or Two Beat
2. Bossa Nova
3. Ballad
4. Up Tempo Swing
Band in the Middle (Sometimes I call the band to do one…)
5. Ballad/Swing Arrangement
6. Blues
7. Heart Wrenching Ballad (Diva Special)
8. Upbeat Specialty Number
Band takes it out.
(Note: You may not do every song in the order you’ve planned. Be open to change things up depending on the feel of the audience.)
Paying to Play… No one likes to talk about this, but it is a reality. You will have to pay your players to play if you want to play with good players. For really good players, you have to pay more. The venues seldom pay you enough money to cover the band. Choose your players accordingly. When the money lines up with your passion, it is like mana from heaven, but don’t expect it. The venues are struggling with their own problems. The people who can accompany themselves make more money and get more gigs. If you can play, it’s a bonus!
Hair, Makeup, Nails, Costumes:
Do it! You need to prepare yourself as if you’re going on a date with about fifty to a hundred people – your audience! You’ve practiced, rehearsed, have your set list ready, organized your books… Now you need to look and be pretty! I consider it like a “Prom Night”…. Buy some new outfits! You need something new all the time! You don’t want every photo of you in the same outfit! Be dressed with hair in a “Up-do” or curled, nails done: toes and fingers, feathers, scarves, hair adornments, jewelry…Who is the star of this show? You? or YOU! Let them know it!
(First published 6/13/16)
