Going Solo

I have played music from the age of 12 but I had not written a song. Why? Because I am accustomed to being an accompanist. I deeply enjoy being lost in sheets of music, hiding behind a stand, a part of the whole. Being in a band gives a sense of being in a family. Like any other family, there is comfort in being able to hide in it. I find playing and singing alone in front of people daunting which is cray-cray because as a counselor, I taught 4-hour groups in front of 56 people. Five days a week. No sweat. But, like many artists, I write from pain and tribulations so I think that is what is the difference for me. The transparency.

I already leave it on the stage as a performer. I get lost and dig for every performance...can't help it. To an empty cafe, or to a packed listening audience...I bring it. I guess I felt like I wanted to keep something for me, my work, my poetry, my voice.... While busking all over the country I started to see the bravery of people. Putting it out there. Beautiful. If you are in a band, you are not betraying the band by growing as a solo artist. Plus it adds to the band. When you can let your vocalist rest, it's a win-win.

Art From Betrayal

I love Lisa Hannigan, not just for her beautiful voice. She is a fighter. After leaving (getting kicked out really) the of the band with Damien Rice (Here is the link to her interview with the Irish Times), She went solo and she killed it. In a good way. She found her voice and went song by song until she had an album.  Undertow really showcases her style. It is on her album At Swim.  Here are some steps she has taken and I am currently taking, going from an accompaniment to having a full solo set.

1. GO FROM BACK UP VOCALS TO DUET STYLE SINGING
2. GO FROM DUET SINGING TO HAVING A FEW SONGS A SET
3. HAVE HALF A SET PREPARED OF THE BANDS SONG WITH A FEW OF YOUR OWN
4. HAVE A WHOLE SET PREPARED OF YOUR OWN

Not only is it doable and not betraying your band, it is nothing but beneficial for a person to grow.