What do you do with the singer?

 

Everyone remembers the singer in the band. The singer was the director of the music. The singer added words to the music (or otherwise it would be an instrumental). The singer was in the spotlight while the band plays behind.

The crooners of the last century were the headliner on the billboard and the draw of the show. Most would just sit still and belt out a song. Between songs they would work the crowd with banter and jokes before breaking into the next song.

In the 50’s there were groups of singers with one lead. They had some dance moves but there was a star and the back-up singers. They were booked as “star singer” and the whatever names they came up with.

The folk music craze started with Hootenannies of group singing, like casual choirs playing guitars. Now and then a single singer, supported by a guitar and a standup bass would pick up the baton left by the crooners.

Then Elvis arrived. Though he wore a guitar his charisma was the magic. A long group of white boys with good hair followed but none captured the audience’s appreciation.

The 60’s brought boy bands from England with sharp suits, electric guitars, long hair and 3-part harmonies. A few had a front man who was the singer.

A singer could keep the audience attention while the boys in the band tuned their guitars, got a drink, figured out the next song, took a leak…

The singer was in the spotlight until there was an instrumental.

Then what do you do with the singer?

Some got some fancy dance moves. Some had fancy clothing that shimmered up the lights as they waved their arms. Some would wander the stage appearing to be lost or cheerlead the front row. Some would just stand behind the microphone stand.

When the drummer took a solo the rest of the band walked off the stage. At the end of the solo the rest of the band came back and the drummer continued to play. When an acoustic song started, the drummer would still sit behind the kit.

Some singers try to put on a guitar or sit at a piano but then they are distracted and forget the words. Some singers jump into the mosh pit and surf the crowd hopefully getting back to the stage in time for the next verse. Some singers will run offstage and change outfits trying not to have an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction.

So the next time you see a live performance (if that ever happens) pay attention to the singer. They are strippers.

Want to be creative in a pandemic?

Painters and dancers and musical performers are all in a funk over this pandemic. There is plenty of time but every theatre; club, museum or other platform to show creative works is closed.

Most creative’s would normally appreciate this free time but this time is not inspiring. This time is covered in a cloud of anticipation and fear.

Everyone is writing dark novels about apocalypse. Mix in some religion and it would be a best seller.

Filmmakers are making scary movies on Zoom and handheld phones with unknown actors to upload to their websites.

Painters can make landscapes or skylines but there will be no people and people like faces to relate to. Photographers will have the same problem; a pallet without a cast.

Dancers can dance in the kitchen but if you dance outside you maybe hauled away or if you decide to perform at the grocery store stay two carts apart. Clean up on aisle 8.

Now songwriters can have a field day. With a single guitar or a piano and a piece of paper and pencil, the next Billboard hit could be knocked out. If you have a computer you can record multiple tracks and upload to an array of sites to get noticed or have your song stolen.

If you want to write a pop song, make it about a relationship. All the hit pop songs are written about a relationship forming or enjoyed or breaking up. To prove my point, look at the Beatle’s catalogue.

Write that dark end-of-the-world song for heavy metal or trash talk rap but they will not be chosen for your wedding tunes. Try a slow dance to Motley Crew.

Hope you get inspired in these dire times.

Oh, and turn off the television.