There are many singers who make a very good living imitating other singers. If you want to be one of the ones that get imitated, though, you need to come up with a style of your very own. Here are a few ideas to get you started towards the elusive goal of becoming a singing icon.
WHO DO YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO?
One of the ways the best got started was by imitating singers they really admired. Many baby boomers got their first urges to sing emulating Elvis' southern drawl, or the growl of early blues stars. Modern girls are trying to recreate the soprano chirps of Madonna, Britney and Christina or the yodels of Bjork and Alanis. Trying to match these note for note, one can learn to sing well just like one learns drawing by using tracing paper and going over the works of the masters one pencil line at a time. You will find, though, that you will get a lot more respect if you start blending a few different ideas, and trust me, no ones' blends will ever be the same, because none of us ever seem to have exactly the same favorites we like to sing along with. Don't be afraid to try out some of the mannerisms of someone of the opposite sex, either. Many top male singers admit to copping styles of some of the great female Broadway artists, and many gals love the sensuality of some of the top male rock, R&B and Latin performers. Even making fun of some of your parents' fave yowlers can help in building up your own signature sound.
TAKE A FEW LESSONS
True, many of the greatest singers today never had any formal voice training. Sure, you can always add your own special style to a tune, but hitting the notes accurately is really a must. If you can't take the time to take at least school choir, try singing at your place of worship, and make a point of really noticing the music notes in the hymnal, and attempt to sing harmony parts, not just the melody if they show those notes. Actually singing in your worship choir can get you some free pointers from your fellow singers, too. You'll learn the basics of breath control, holding long notes, following music and a band the way many of the hottest new singers as well as many older ones got their start, and that includes Elvis. You can also look out for workshops from your local songwriters' group. I got some of my best tips attending one for voice at a local song pitch convention. A panel like this is easily worth the entire price of admission, if you've ever seen the going rates for a top vocal coach.
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