A quick How To guide on getting started in the business.
Ok, so let’s first look at starting a band from the singer’s point of view. Let’s imagine that you’ve reached a level of expertise that you feel comfortable with, and practicing in the bathroom is no longer cutting it (this article also being aimed at the novice, i.e. you want to break in to the music business but aren’t sure where to go from here). There are as many ways of starting a band as there are genres of music, and all over the world there are a million bands forming and re-forming as we speak (figuratively, of course, give or take 2 or 3). So let’s start with the obvious: what genre of music do you want to focus on? What kind of singer are you? And the most obvious: always choose a genre, or even genres, because you love the music and it feels right. Not because you think it’s going to make you into a star/popular/win the lottery/sell your Aunties pig.
So let’s break it down and look at a few main genres. This is obviously limited to my own experience and what I’ve learnt from fellow musicians and from teaching (and, of course VERY occasionally from the TV), but if I leave anyone out, let me know – there might be new genres growing out there, especially since the Internet feels a bit like the Wild West. And, since I’m old, Father William, I might not be hip to some scenes at all. Shocking, I know, but true.
Rock – aka ‘ You Raaaaaaaack’
The kind of rock band you’re in depends very much on how old you are when you join. If you’re in your teens, then you probably joined the band because you were all friends or neighbors or didn’t know anyone else. Or it’s with a school rock band, and you all gravitate together. Whichever way it turns out, these are often the bands where you have a great time, practice sporadically, write your own music (the level of expertise not being the answer in question) and last for any number of years, months, days or hours.
Moving on to the next phase of this incarnation, is the signed rock band. You’ve usually lasted because of either one or some or all these reasons:
You’re all gorgeous
One or more of you is a talented writer
You are all gifted musicians with a great work ethic (i.e. you practice regularly and with focus)
You work at getting along/you understand you need to leave your egos at the door/you barely tolerate each other but don’t want to go back to working at Walgreens
or
You have a great manager who has somehow helped to guide you through the landmines of the music industry and/or made good business decisions for you and/or is Wolverine in disguise (see the blog ‘How To Find A Manager’)
If you’re auditioning for one of these bands (their singer is leaving, for example), it’s like as not you’ve reached a level of expertise and general knowledge re. the business that you don’t really need to be reading this. If you are reading this, GET BACK TO THAT AUDITION.
There are a few other Rock genres:
You’re all professional musicians who start a rock band ‘as a project’ and/or serious business venture. You know who you are.
You’ve been in bands all your life, and always have a band, or are in a band. You love it, and do it mostly for fun and for the love of it, although it sometimes drives your wife/girlfriend round the bend/she/he loves it and has started managing the band. Many such bands find each other on forums such as Craigslist.com, and if you’re starting out and just seeing what’s in the area, like as not you will be involved in some way in this community, or similar communities. And the type of experiences you encounter will be many and varied: depending on the genre of music you’re involved in, the area you live in and other such factors. The feedbacks I’ve had back from these experiences have usually been positive. Although, of course, and this is obvious but also worth saying, trust your instinct. If it seems iffy, don’t touch it with a bargepole.
You live in Nashville, and are a part of the music scene. Nashville is a city whose focus is, basically, the music business, so it’s a good one to look as at as an example of a ‘music microcosm’. It’s one of the true homes of the music industry, full of talented writers and performers. All of these writers, performers and music producers are continually working together – often with a great level of expertise – writing, performing and creating music. It springs to mind the image of a hive of extremely efficient bees – cross-pollinating, tending to the hive, working, working (and, I’m sure, in some cases plotting – aah, realism). And doing it with an extremely high level of professionalism and enthusiasm. If you want to move to Nashville or similar city that’s central to the music industry (LA, London or New York for example) and join the elite squad, then practice, practice, practice. Nashville’s focus is generally Country and soft rock (the soft rock, pop and the country scene meet at many points nowadays). However, the music business is tough, and all the corny old stories are true. So become the best you can possibly be. If you’re doing it all for the right reason, you’ll find your own path (grasshopper), whether it’s becoming a jobbing session singer, being signed with some sort of deal, starting your own band, finding musicians through the grapevine, or simply singing in a local gigging band for fun . Or some, or all of the above, sometimes at the same time (a common Nashville or music biz example: put together with a writer, or co-writer, and/or a band looking for a singer. Check out the article ‘Finding A Manager’ for ideas on how to put together a promo package to get help and start finding contacts).
Rockabilly bands – they often demand a high skill level.
Rockabilly also has a definite scene, huge fun factor and vibe. Rockabilly singers remind me a lot of early big band singers. All from the chest and diaphragm. A good rockabilly singer has to have power and swing (check out the article ‘How To Feel rhythm’ for the definition of swing), and work well with the band. As well as be a good showman. Getting started in Rockabilly is the same as for any other scene. Either start with putting ads here, there and everywhere and see who responds, and/or go to some gigs and get to know the scene. See why the most popular bands are popular. See if the musicians cross-pollinate, i.e. play with other bands as well. If you can get a gig lined up, and can pay them, they might want to play for you as well. It might take some serious persuading, so you’ll have to have your end of the deal together.
Live gigging bands usually have to play for at least two 45 minute to 1 hour sets, sometimes three depending on the venue and the pay (sometimes 4 if it’s an event). That’s a lot of playing time. Each song usually takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on the arrangement and the song. So we’re talking between 7-10 songs for a 45 min set, usually. If you haven’t written enough material, then learn some of the rockabilly standards (or some other standards if you’re interested in another genre), or find some little known unusual songs that you can get together to rock the crowd.
That’s about all I know about Rockabilly. Personally, love the hair. And the vibe. And the groove.
Shoe Gazers, aka Indie Bands.
Love Indie bands. They’re very much about honoring the inner you, I think, which I’m all for. And sometimes the relevance of a small experience being huge, either at the time or in hindsight. Or so it seems to me. If you’re in an Indie band you have to come from a true place, or the hardcore will never speak to you again. Ever – i.e. integrity is key. Indie bands always write their own material, and cross-pollinate with the rock circuit, to a certain extent, and are usually very committed to the music. So if they’re looking for a new singer and you get to audition, take it very, very seriously.
I’ve had a number of students who were in Indie Bands, and the problems that they found technically were those of purely physical power. The songs were personal and internal, and so it sounded wrong to really ‘sing out’. So they were’nt getting beyond the first few rows. The diaphragm is key here, and to keep it relaxed as you breathe in, no matter the intense subject matter of the song. The more you can focus your core energy; diaphragm, chest and note (in the mouth) all ‘connected’, the better. Get the tongue working. Speak the words of the song like it’s a poem, out loud, using the ‘deadmouth’ technique. Then sing the song again, focusing on the feeling of the song. Start to rely on the diaphragm and get rid of the jaw completely, it’s only getting in the way.
Heavy rock bands. Metal bands.
Many first bands are heavy rock bands, or metal bands. They take a lot of energy and commitment. I think it gets much harder after about 35, 40, something like that. Although, many heavy and metal bands have been together for years and love it. Or get together again years later and play better than ever. If this is your calling, then remember that these gigs can be mega heavy on the vocal cords. Get lessons, seriously. Or use this program diligently.You might have great natural technique, but if you find yourself getting hoarse, or out of breath or straining in any way, then get some help. Worse case scenario is nodes on the vocal cords. This is usually caused by continuous strain to the vocal cords. Also, you’ll sound better, over time, and you’ll enjoy singing all the more. It’ll also give you good breathing technique – if you’re gigging a lot, it can be tiring, and this is always a sign that you’re not breathing efficiently.
The same holds true for starting a heavy rock band as it does for the other genres. These bands tend to be very committed, so it’ll be harder to find musicians from other bands willing to just jump ship. So look to start the band from scratch, initially, and wait until you get a really rocking unit before you go to the next stage of regular rehearsals. Get it really tight before you make a demo.
Rock. Hmm, Rock is not so simple anymore, methinks. It includes a broad spectrum, from ‘internal’, brooding rock (Goth on one side, baring the dark soul and facing the dark night), through Indie Bands, to the Cure to U2, not necessarily in that order, to really heavy metal bands and punk on the other side. Rock is primarily about taking the emotion to the max. And singing Rock is just the same. As long as you’re singing truthfully, you can’t be over the top, or seem ‘hammy’. In fact, Rock audiences demand that you do this. It’s the modern form of opera. Just think of classic rock bands from the ‘70’s, aka ‘Iron Maiden’ or the hair bands from the ‘80’s. A lot of technique needed. And long, round vowels so the chest is used, opening up to head resonance at the same time. But get the feeling right and everything else follows, as night the day. And the focus isn’t so much on playing well (although that helps – greatly) so much as playing and performing with integrity.
The Professional Musician
I mentioned Nashville earlier. This type of musician’s community is often true of any city, even small communities, and the genres often cross-pollinate. Which brings us on to another type of musician: the jobbing, professional, modern day, playing musician. Becoming a professional singer and musician changes your view of the music industry and your place in it entirely. For the jobbing musician, your skill level is usually recognized, as is also your earning power – and it becomes a job. I’ve been lucky enough to play with some fantastic players over the years, and it never fails to blow me away how many wonderful musicians there are around the world, often playing to a very small audience, and all of them continually working at their craft. Musicians often know other musicians and someone may well be in a rock band, and play jazz on the side, and play in an orchestra, or big band, and also do sessions. And have a home recording studio, which they use regularly. All of which is just part of their job of being a musician. So there is a lot of movement in the music industry, and often a lot going on. As your ‘network’, for want of a better word, grows, so does your knowledge of music and also the music business, grow. And you’ll find more and more opportunities to find your true métier. So you get to know a lot of people as your sphere of understanding grows, and you find yourself in many different, and often hilarious, situations.
The Professional Singer
Singers are often different, however, in that they often specialize in a genre of music that really suits them, rather than jumping regularly from genre to genre, as in the early bee reference. This does happen, of course, but a singer will usually know in their heart of hearts, what type of singer they truly are. True Session singers are the only different type of singer that I can think of. They can often emulate many different singers and styles, and so they cross-pollinate often! A musician’s word for having a good skill level is ‘chops’. Some session singers have awesome chops. Of course, singers of types and sizes can be called upon to do a session. And now, in this computer age, technology is so wonderful and we can have the equivalent of a full studio working from our computers, there is a huge online creative community of every genre and taste imaginable, that’s growing and changing all of the time. So, especially in the beginning stages of your career, you will meet all manner of people doing projects in their bedrooms, forming bands, creating gigs and who knows what else. Yet again, trust your instinct.
However, I digress. I’ve a theory that you’re usually kind of born the singer that you are. Opera singers are definitely born. You can’t fake opera. I mentioned earlier that rock singers (the good ones, anyway) are often akin to opera. Think of Freddy Mercury, or again a lot of 80’s hair bands. There’s also an incredible purity in Opera and force of power, and often the same holds true for rock. Classical singing is something else completely, and needs a completely different set of chops than, say, Jazz singing (see the article, ‘For Classically Trained Singers: A Few Tips On Modern Genre Songs, Especially Jazz’). In fact, the two genres are very different in essence. Classical singing is like a perfect vase going from moment to moment, and jazz singers differ by playing around with the time of the piece, the rhythm, the notes and phrasing. Two very different ends of the scale.
I mentioned that I feel we’re often drawn to the music we most respond to mainly through the feeling of the music, and also, just importantly, it’s rhythm. How we naturally feel the beat contributes greatly to how we respond to the music. If this is an issue for you, then check the article: How To Feel Rhythm.
Many singers gravitate towards the music they feel most affinity for, and, if they persevere, get drawn into the scene of that music. Whether they can make a career in that genre depends on a few factors:
The major genres are usually well represented in the major cities of the world. Except that I expect you’ll get more rock in New York and more Euro Pop in Zurich. So the more ‘out there’ the genre you’re involved in, generally the smaller the scene. This can make for some very loyal and committed fans, which helps with a fan base and so regular audience, so that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a strong platform from which to expand (or you might like the small scene and are’nt concerned about making it grow hugely).
The Function/Event Singer. If you’re looking to work as a jobbing singer, like as not you’ll gravitate towards the work of the jobbing singer. Wedding bands, Top 40 bands, corporate music, music in restaurants, especially Jazz music or singing standards (i.e. Cole Porter etc), cabaret, sessions, jingles. Or else pop bands, and rock projects and sessions. These often fuel (i.e. pay for) your own private projects where you might write your own music, or have a special project or band that you join or form. For many people, the idea of being this kind of singer does not work. They want to do what they want to do, not a whole lot of else besides. These are the singers who have another source of income through a day job or similar such activity.
NOW, other genres
Pop Singers
So you want to be a pop singer. If you haven’t yet found the ‘poppy voice’, first of all experiment with ‘The Mask’ and the pop reverb, aka the band ABBA, i.e., that kind of sound, and on pulling up from the perineum on really high notes (link to pop reverb chapter). Placement of the note is also key, because a pop singer’s sound is often very pure, then manipulated through the vowels and note placement aka Alanis Morisette. Good pop singers always get the diaphragm thing and have great control of the note.
Vibe wise, pop singers more often than not feel the note right on the beat (or their voice is placed on the beat by the mouse click of the sound engineer at a later date. Aah, cynicism). Also, and obviously, learn to dance. And wear a scrunchie, but only when really appropriate.
Pop songs are often projects. Started by a record company, or a producer, or a recording geek, or a group of friends, or even, by you. It often takes a high level of expertise to be a really good pop singer, however. Don’t be fooled by the frothy lyrics and bouncy charm/gut wrenching ballad. Christina Aguilera, for example, has great chops. Mariah Carey has chops. Celine Dion has great chops. You might not like their music or style, but you can hear the chops. So if you want to be a pop singer practice, and focus. The voice is a muscle – develop it day by day.
OK, let’s say that you have the chops. Or have a chop, or ch, and are working on the others, and feel ready to get more involved with the scene, i.e. finding work as a pop singer. First of all, try every avenue. One thing will lead to another. For example, sign on with a casting agency, especially extras and advertising, and put ‘singer’ in your vocabulary. Make sure your picture is up to par. You might find this appalling, but the pop world especially, is very competitive, akin to the acting lark. A lot of money is to be made, and with that comes it’s up and it’s down side. So, be prepared, and, aware. Look at craigslist, look at rehearsal, recording and dance studios. Oh, and take dancing lessons. Make a demo of yourself singing, and also, preferably, footage of yourself performing, either in a staged setting or at a gig (see Starting A Band). See if there is an agency for session singers. See if you can get some session work. Often people starting a professional, moneymaking project will turn first and foremost to an experienced session singer. You might be just what they’re looking for. Follow you’re instinct, and you will no doubt learn the business, and find your métier (also check out the article ‘Finding A Manager’ for some tips on getting together some promo material).
Soul singers. You have to have soul to be a soul singer.
It’s obvious when it’s sung true, and the opposite when it’s not. When it’s right on, it’s wonderful. There are many forms of soul music, all the way back to Gospel. And you have to have chops PLUS natural ability to be a soul singer. Soul singing is a lot about technique. The pure voice controlled from the diaphragm, through the chest, for the sound feeling, aka Soul. Think of the chest and the diaphragm being linked, UGH! Soul singing, at it’s best, is also about joy. Stevie Wonder from the 70’s, that gorgeous tone and amazing groove. If you want to get into a soul scene, try joining a Gospel choir initially. Or get to know the musicians in the Gospel band. They often know the scene, or are involved in it, or know people who do. Look in Craigslist, look in the local newspaper, record store, recording studio. Go to a few gigs. See if you can talk to the musicians. Soul musicians are usually of a high caliber and will cross-pollinate. If you have the work, they’ll get involved. If you feel you’re at the right level and can run a band, put the feelers out (an advert in the local paper or music paper, posting on craigslist et al. Check out the article: Starting, And Then Running Your own band).
Jazz Singers
Jazz singers are often the ones singing standards in a restaurant, or performing at a late night club, or doing an art gig, or (often) a wedding. One of the primary reason being that Jazz has become an ‘art’ music and isn’t even a teeny bit as popular as it was, say, pre Rock Around The Clock era and the advent of Rock and Roll. So they have to feed their addictions through wine bars and bat mitzvahs.
Jazz singers usually feel the music way behind the beat, and love the old standards. They also like to be a part of the vibe, rather than the lonely diva out front. Part of the cake, and not the only baker. In fact, the old word for a band working well together was ‘cooking’. A good Jazz gig bakes a very good cake. They’ll often do other gigs as well as other genres, but they’ll keep coming back to Jazz as a first love.
If you want a career as a Jazz singer, be prepared to not make a huge amount of money. If you live in a town, city or community that’s Jazz friendly, that’s great. They are out there. Jazz musicians often find each other by doing similar gigs, and definitely cross-pollinate. In fact, many Jazz musicians regularly do sessions, because to become a good Jazz player you have to have some serious chops. And they also need to make a living. To get a Jazz lineup, get a gig that pays, and they’ll probably agree to do it. At least once. Which is why it’s hard to keep a serious jazz band together. The musicians are usually busy doing many projects, yours being just one of the many. So have a ‘b’ team ready if they’re not available. If there’s a place where jazz musicians hang out, go there if you want to get into the scene. Do a summer school. Or, once you feel ready, put an advert in the paper, or put the word out, once again on Craigslist and see what happens. You might get lucky and find a good band, but it’s better to know the musicians yourself or have an in somehow. This holds true of all genres, but especially jazz: you need the right ingredients to bake a truly good cake.
Rap and Hip-Hop
This is a huge part of the music industry, which also joins with the soul and soul related, hip hop and hip hop related genres. It covers a lot of areas, in fact. I know next to nothing about the rap and related scenes, I’m afraid. Not through lack of interest, it just never came into my sphere of living, and I never gravitated to it. I do have a student who is a hip hop/soul related writer and singer. Something I’ve noticed from watching rap artists etc, the good ones’ energy always rings out, i.e. they’re very centered, onstage. Plus it’s so percussive that the good ones improvise with it and know how to groove. If you’re a rapper and getting short of breath or your throat hurts, you need to learn to breathe from your diaphragm and learn to use your tongue when you speak, not use mainly your jaw and so tense up the vocal cords. Singing is an extension of speaking. Placement of sound in the mouth, key (it might seem ultimately ‘un-Gangsta’ but technique applies to all the arts, unfortunately. Although the mind boggles: ‘No, Yoh, yoh, at the BACK of the mouth. And put the gun on the table, please’).
Blues
Blues is a roots music and can be found in many, many, places. A blues community is also often a great place to try out or develop your chops, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t feel confident enough to join or form a committed band. This is not to denigrate blues musicians at all. There are a lot of amazing musicians, and bands, out there. Doing gigs, forming serious bands, touring, studying their craft. This section applies more to the semi-pro type of blues bands. For example, they play in the local pub or club, everyone playing for the hell and pure fun of it, the accent not being on expertise or competition. It’s great if you play great, if you play crap, that’s OK too. Here you’ll have an appreciative and supportive audience. And Blues aficionados know their stuff, so often the critique’s you receive will be genuine (if not always sought after).
Folk
Folk is often linked with blues, and often cross-pollinates, the music being ‘rootsy’. There are many differing types of folk bands, from Folk Blues, to Folk Jazz, to Blue Grass to Early Music to Appalachian Country Tap Dancing. Although there are many professional folk bands touring many countries in many different guises even as we speak, there are also just as many semi-pro Folk bands performing in pubs, clubs, community centers, school hall and local festival even as we speak. If you want to join a folk band on the touring level, start with the little bands and get your chops together. Practice, practice, practice. These bands are often tremendously skilled and knowledgeable about their genre, and also usually do it for the love of it. As with blues music, folk lovers are often really knowledgeable about their genre, and you’ll learn a lot about the music, plus be honing your craft at the same time. And if the scene if anything like the British Folk scene, downing an awful lot of beer (and in some cases mysteriously waving hankies about aka Morris dancing). Then it’s the same as with so many other genres of music. One thing leads to another and, once again, you’ll find your own métier.
Becoming A Broadway or Cabaret Singer
If you have the wish to become a stage/Broadway singer, then it’s likely that you’re also going to need to act, since the two go hand in hand. This is a highly competitive field. Go to any open audition, and there are people queuing round the block. To become a successful Broadway singer, you need to have a powerful voice, first and foremost. Not only because you need to be heard beyond the first row, but also because this genre of singer has a particular sound. Clear, powerful, good enunciation (i.e. you can hear the words), and diaphragmatic control. You also need to move, since musical theatre shows often require the performer to dance. So get some lessons: acting classes, dancing classes, singing lessons. Try to get into drama school or, at least, summer school. Here you’ll get into a network and meet likeminded people. Once you feel ready, then get some headshots done by a reputable photographer, 8 x 10 along with a short, concise bio. Look at the headshots that friends have had done, ask around the grapevine. Look in the classifieds of local ‘stage’ type of magazine. Even better (and, often, harder), find a theatrical agent. But first find a couple of good audition songs (go for something in the genre of the musical you’re auditioning for, but try to avoid the obvious really hackneyed songs that everyone else will be doing. The ‘auditioneers’ will have heard the song a hundred times. Once you’ve found the song, you’ll need to find it in your key. Check out the article Vocal Ranges if you’re not sure what this means. Then you’ll need the sheet music. Either google the song, or else a good one to start is, yet again, sheetmusicdirect.com You can download ‘Sibelius Scorch’ to enable you to see the first page of the song, and from there change the key by scrolling up and down. Viola. Print it out and you have an audition song in your key).
Once you feel ready to go get ‘em, first of all get your head in the right space. There’s a particular mindset needed for auditions, which usually have nothing to do with the actual gig when and if you get it. Be focused, i.e. just focus on your ‘bit’ and try to be put off by all the other hopefuls.
When you are hired, be prepared to work very hard. Long rehearsal hours, then night after night of performing the same show. Your instrument needs to be in great shape to avoid getting tired and run down. The longer the run, the harder the challenge to keep ‘in the moment’ and not be thinking about what you’re going to have for dinner. Luckily for the audience, a lot of Broadway singers don’t see it that way and have a great work ethic.
In the US there’s also a healthy Cabaret scene. Jazz and Cabaret singers usually tour this scene, often with ‘themed’ shows (i.e. ‘The Songs Of Cole Porter’ or a one man/woman show). There are a lot of very high caliber cabaret singers, so this is not a scene that you can just fall into. Just singing a bunch of songs is not going to make your name. So go to see some shows, especially the more respected performers, and get a feel for what they’re doing, and why it works, marry that with what you feel you want to say, and craft your show from there.
Most major city has at least one venue that caters to the Cabaret audience. Usually a venue that has an up-market vibe that probably serves food and drink as well. This puts the price up on the ticket and means, depending on the audience attendance, that you get paid reasonably well. Once again, you will need a demo, headshots and probably footage of yourself performing. Like as not, a reputable club won’t hire you straight off the bat. They’ll need reviews, and a promo package that looks professional, and even better, a fan base. Some of the venues have a regular audience that are going to come to the show anyway, trusting the venue (or it’s a tourist attraction). So the venues’ name depends on it, but they still won’t book an unknown. So get a gig at a smaller club, and try to get the papers down. If you have the money, hire a publicist to do this for you. Get in touch with the Clubs’ rep and try and convince them to come to the show. Or see if there is an agent in town who deals with booking these clubs, and see if you can get on their books.
So those are a few musical genres. The same holds true for every genre. Put adverts everywhere. Get used to networking. The most challenging thing with starting any new band, or career, or project from ground level is getting the ball rolling and getting the first few gigs.
Organizing Your Band Or Solo Career
Let’s imagine that you’ve found the band members, have a set organized and are happy with the way things are progressing. You’ve made a demo you’re happy with (check out the article ‘How to make a demo’) and are ready to get out there and start gigging. If it’s a group effort, then it’s time to have a meeting and see who’s prepared to do what. Regular rehearsals have to be organized, phone calls need to be made, leg work needs to be done. Often the gig is just the icing on the cake. Once you’re underway, things will get easier. The word will get around, you’ll get a fan base and a mailing list and it won’t be so hard to convince club owners you’ll pull a crowd. Once you can pull a crowd, then you can start paying the band properly, but at the start, energy needs to be focused to push that ball up the hill.
The same principles apply if you’re starting a solo career. Once you feel ready, and have a professional promo package together, then put the feelers out to find a manager, or producer, or writing partner, or band, or agent, or anyone to help you on your way.
So, To Sum Up….
I think with every one of these genres, I’ve said ‘These are very competitive fields…’. It’s usually harder to get the ball rolling in the music industry, whichever branch of it you’re involved in. At ground level are the flakes, and the con artists, and the crappy gigs. Of course, this exists at every level, but when you’re learning the ropes, it’s that much easier to see the signs early on and so avoid the pitfalls. There are also some sterling people, some great little venues, and networks that can help you. So keep your eyes and ears to the ground and, once more, use your instinct and you will find your métier.
Tags: audition, Band, blues, broadway, business, cabaret, folk, gigs, gospel, goth, indie, Jazz, manager, metal, pop, professional, promotion, rap, rock, rockabilly, singer, soul