When Your Voice is Your Instrument

Skate the Razor,
Both Friend and Foe,
Greetings.

B. Thomas Cooper

The human voice is a unique and complex musical instrument. It is my principle instrument, and one I have spent years learning to master. Although I play many instruments, it was always my voice people wanted hear. Try as I might to establish myself as a respectable instrumentalist, there was always someone with better guitar chops, but a strong vocalist was and remains a rare commodity.

I love to sing. I cannot calculate how many hours I have spent singing. I sing on stage, I sing in the studio, rehearsal and yes, sometimes I sing in the shower. (try that with your electric guitar). It seems obvious then that I would want to learn everything available about my instrument and my craft, don't you agree?

Sadly, many young singers overlook the value of learning more about themselves. Many singers, especially those in the rock or punk genres, fear such information will somehow taint the authenticity of their art form. Oh contraire, ye of bruised larynx. In the event your new snare drum should take a nasty fall down a flight of stairs, it can usually be replaced with little difficulty. Your voice, on the other hand, cannot be replaced so easily.
Damage your throat and you risk your dream.

Don't think I'm not aware of the nerd quotient. I realize how ridiculous those ads look, the ones touting vocal technique. I get queasy every time I see one. Here's my advise get over it.

Mozart took piano lessons and Michelangelo took drawing lessons. There are no good reasons why a singer shouldn't seek out professional vocal training. I can't stress how important this is to anyone considering a career as a singer.


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Purchasing Your First Guitar

Skate the Razor,
Both Friend and Foe,
Greetings.


So you want to play the guitar?
I don’t blame you, really. The guitar has been one of the most popular musical instruments for nearly a half a century, and was a major factor in the development of modern music. While players like Duane Eddy and Carl Perkins defined the guitar sound of 1950’s pop culture, innovators like Les Paul and Dan Armstrong were pushing the technical limitations. As the quality of the instrument improved its reputation grew exponentially, until no self respecting teenager would be caught without one. Where would ‘Rock’ music be today without the advent of the electric guitar?

There are many styles of guitar available for purchase, each with a specific purpose in mind. In this article we shall attempt to cover the basics without boggling the mind.

It al began with the ‘Classical’ guitar, an acoustic instrument strung with genuine ‘cat-gut’ strings. These days however, most classical players prefer nylon strings, plucked or strummed with the fingers. By the onset of the US civil war, C.F. Martin had ventured into guitar production, manufacturing guitars that had much in common with the violin. Soon the acoustic ‘Dreadnaught’ became the guitar of choice.

Unfortunately, the guitar remained a rather personal instrument, not loud enough for an ensemble setting, relegated primarily for use by folk musicians of the era. Around 1945 that all changed with electrical amplification. Within a decade, pop music as we know it would change forever. Songs like “How Much Is That Doggy in the Window” vanished from the airwaves, overwhelmed by the new sound coming from groups like The Ventures. Already it was becoming apparent the electrified version of the guitar was far more versatile that it’s acoustic counterpart.

Even now, the guitar continues it’s domination over other musical instruments. Guitars are readily available, and relatively easy to learn. Still, and you may quote me on this… no two guitars are exactly alike.

When choosing the right guitar, one should never be afraid to ask questions. Although the purchase price will almost certainly be higher at your local guitar dealer, I strongly suggest you begin your search with the experts. Unless you really understand what your needs are, I encourage you to steer away from the pawn shops, as they seldom have your best interest in mind. Whenever possible, take a friend along, preferably one with knowledge of guitars. Don’t hesitate to think twice. Take your time and choose your instrument wisely. As your playing improves your taste in guitars will become more discriminating.

Learning to play the guitar can be fun and rewarding, but the wrong guitar will only cause you grief. Ultimately your choice of instrument will be determined by your personal taste and experience. The decision is yours.


B. Thomas Cooper
Skate the Razor

Selling Out For Fun And Profit

Skate the Razor,
Both Friend and Foe,
Greetings.


We all have heard it said at one time or another, usually accompanied by the distinct aroma of unbridled disgust. Some-one we formerly admired has betrayed us. They have committed the unforgivable sin They have "sold out".

Shame, shame.
How could any self respecting artist stoop to such dastardly lows? Oh, and another thing I've been meaning to ask? Just what does it really mean for an artist to sell out?

As a recording artist, I was fortunate enough to work along some amazing talent. Believe it or not, some of them were musicians. I very quickly learned to appreciate the extraordinary opportunity I had been afforded, and I found myself humbled on a daily basis. After years of struggle, I was working at the highest level of the music industry. I certainly didn't have time to foster thoughts of "selling out" In fact, it never came up in a conversation.

Honestly, the term makes me squirm. More often than not, it is bantered about by some-one not familiar with what actually goes into the process of making a record. The music industry is indeed just that, an industry, not some non-profit organization designed to appease the ego of some brain damaged couch dweller who thinks he's the next Kid Rock.

I like to refer to it as bird-house syndrome' Frankly, I love birds, and if ya don't mind me saying so, that's a right dandy little bird-house you've got there! However, we here a Really Big Records are specifically geared toward selling, well you know, really big records. No offense, kid really. Come back and see us when you think you might be interested in building a really big record. Just keep in mind, if you want us to invest in you, you need to be willing to invest in yourself.

Of course, this does not excuse good artists who make bad records, but be honest with yourself. Do you really want to sell less records with each release? Will you be content with relative obscurity? Just what is it you think you want out of this experience? God forbid you catch a decent break and sell a few million units. After all, I know you wouldn't want anyone to think you'd sold out'.


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Lyrics and Song-craft

Skate the Razor,
Both Friend and Foe,
Greetings.


Other than love, music may be the closest thing to real magic most people will ever experience. A song can lift us up or bring us down, inspire us, or maybe just help us fall to sleep at night. Music can be a very personal experience, or shared by thousands.

As a professional musician and songwriter, I find that my opinion often falls from the fray, as I neither adhere to, nor do I encourage reliance on a formulaic approach to lyrics.
Instead, I prefer to concentrate on the essence of my song-craft with the understanding that the lyrics are an integral aspect.

Cryptic messages or entendres hidden within song lyrics are certainly nothing new. For centuries, many found this to be the safest way to express political or religious dissent.
The Mother Goose Rhymes are a classic example. Some lyrics rely on the nonsensical turn of a phrase. A particular rhyme scheme should be guided by the muse, and little else.

Of course, each song should be approached individually. If your goal is to write a hit song, the rules begin to get slippery. Obviously, the lyrics for a dance number should reflect the spirit of the mood. One can’t be afraid to “get down and boogie oogie oogie” when that is what the song calls for. By the same token, one shouldn’t ignore the value behind lyrics like the overtly pedantic “The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald“.

When writing for myself, I always write what I feel, and for me, the little twists and turns are all part of the puzzle. This of course, explains why you have probably never heard my records. Legendary record producer Tony Bongiovi likes to describe hit songs as “Cheeseburger Music”, easy to identify with, and easy to digest. The more twists and turns you throw in, the less your chance of connecting on a grand scale.

Still, where would we be without lyrics like “I am the Walrus” or “Gabba Gabba Hey”?
Both, although seriously stilted, represent delicious song-craft. There are no rules that can’t be broken. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.

I am by no means suggesting you find a way to excuse bad ideas. Settling for less than your best will not bring lasting satisfaction. Push those lyrics hard, and then push them a little harder. Be brave and be diligent. Make those words count.

Later,
B. Thomas Cooper



Skate the Razor