Parenting as a Rockstar: How to Rock Out With Kids in the Home

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Whether you are a full-fledged rockstar or you are an intermediate musician, if you also have kids, then you’re going to have some issues. You’re often stuck between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, you need to be there to nurture your children and help them grow, but you also need to practice so you can pay the bills and keep a roof over their heads — so what do you do?

Luckily, you are not the first musician to have to juggle your music career with raising a family, so there are many helpful tactics that you can try. From making the most of your alone time to getting them into the act, here are a few ways to make it work.

Importance Of Time With Kids

A balance in the home is an absolute necessity. Even if you are a busy musician, you must make time for your kids during the day. There are many benefits to this quality time, including the chance to reinforce positive behaviors, teach them about new life lessons, and simply show that you care. Time together as your kids develop is especially important because it allows you to pay attention and notice if they have unique needs. For instance, some toddlers deal with a speech delay that can develop when they are young but can be improved if you are able to catch it and work with them.

This is why, as a musician, your family should be the priority. One big thing you can do is to create a music studio or practice room at home so you can at least be in the house when the kids are around the most. Your space will differ depending on the size of the instrument you play, but some musicians often use a spare bedroom or even a closet. While there are times that you will have important work where you can’t be distracted, you should try to let your kids into the room whenever you can so they can be near you and you can keep an eye on them.

You need to be smart about the design of your studio space. Place dangerous items high above the ground so your kids can’t get to them, and try not to play loud music if they don’t have proper ear protection. Again, extra caution will be necessary if your child has a medical issue. For example, the optimal environment for a child with ADHD features muted colors that will not be too overwhelming for their senses, and it should also be designed with a minimalist strategy so your children aren’t constantly distracted. By making these compromises with your kids, you are setting everyone up for success.

Make Most Of Alone Time

When you do get the chance to be alone to work on your music, then you need to take the chance to do so. You probably shouldn’t practice while your kids are trying to sleep or if they are doing educational activities at home, but if they go to daycare or are outside playing with friends, then you should jump into the music studio and do your thing.

Since you may have limited time, you’ll want to make the most of the hours you do have available. You may not have time to be indecisive, so hammer out the parts of your music that you are absolutely sure about and get it recorded now. You also may not have time to record the same track multiple times, and that is okay for now. Remember that you can edit your work later if necessary.  

Set up a schedule ahead of time that lists what you would hope to accomplish when you get this alone time. It is important to remember that you cannot do it all at once. If you try to do too much, then you will just get flustered. Instead, think about what you want to do. Maybe you want to write some music during this time or record or edit. Do what you can in the time allotted, and don’t stress yourself out.

Get Your Kids Involved

You may not believe it at first, but you can be a good parent and improve your music at the same time by involving your kids in the musical process. In addition to sounding good, music can also improve your child’s development. It has been found that even listening to music while in the womb can help improve your child’s intelligence and can make them be more creative as they grow. With that said, try to involve them whenever you can.

If you are ever struggling with finding the right lyrics, then invite your kids into the studio and have them talk about their lives at home and school. The innocence of a child can make for great lyrics, and you never know what you’ll hear. Even hearing them hum absentmindedly when they don’t know you’re there can be a great inspiration. 

As they get older, you can also have your kids join the band or follow in your footsteps. Teach them an instrument that compliments what you play, and you can make beautiful music together. Even if your kids are toddlers or are otherwise too small to comprehend what they are playing, then you can give them something simple like a percussion instrument or even a coffee can that they can play like drums. It is a small way to trigger their creativity.

In the end, it is important to properly combine your profession as a rockstar with the proper care and love that your child needs. Consider the tips discussed here, and you can get the best of both worlds.

Parenting as a Rockstar: How to Rock Out With Kids in the Home

Hitting the Road Again? 3 Tips to Remember for Your Tour

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For the last two years, concerts and festivals have been at a halt thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more artists and venues feel comfortable enough to get back to “normal” and start playing shows again. If you’re a musician, you’re probably breathing a sigh of relief, and you also probably have a lot of excitement rushing through your veins at the idea of hitting the road again!

However, after some time away from touring, it may be beneficial to recalibrate your checklists. It might be just like riding a bicycle, but it never hurts to make sure you and your band are as prepared as possible. 

The music will always come first, and you probably don’t have to worry about putting on a killer show. But, staying safe, healthy, and comfortable while on tour should be a top priority so you can continue to hit the road for years to come. 

With that, let’s cover a few tips you should keep in mind for your upcoming tour. The more you focus on the importance of behind-the-scenes issues, the better your shows and your tour experience will be. 

1. Keep Yourself Safe

As much as we’d all like to think we’re suddenly living in a COVID-free world, that isn’t the case. 

While we’re entering a post-pandemic society, the threat of the virus is still very real. If you or someone in your group is immuno-compromised, you might be at an even greater risk of catching COVID or another virus while on the road. So, instead of going on a traditional full-fledged tour, you might consider dipping your toe back into the lifestyle by only performing outdoor shows or keeping your performances limited to small venues. 

It’s also important to remember that COVID isn’t the only threat. When you’re on tour, it’s common to share a van or bus with several other people. You’re also interacting with fans every day, visiting local facilities, restaurants, and more. It’s easy to “catch” something, from a common cold to more serious viruses. 

And, as much as you don’t want to “jinx” anything, accidents can happen. Whether someone trips and falls over a cord or ends up with a broken toe from heavy equipment, the last things you want to worry about are illnesses and injuries. 

Keeping a first aid kit in your van or bus is a good start, but it’s also essential to make sure you know where local medical facilities are, or how to find them wherever you’re staying. 

2. Consider a Side Hustle

If you haven’t been touring in a while, you also may not have been making as much money as you used to. While touring isn’t necessarily a cash cow, it’s the lifeblood of many musicians’ careers. 

You might have taken on a part-time job or side hustle to make ends meet throughout the last couple of years. There’s no reason that has to stop when you hit the road. 

Remote work has become more popular than ever over the last few years, with over 4.7 million people working from home at least half the time. If you have a strong Wi-Fi connection and a few hours to kill each day, you can earn extra money while on tour, which can sustain you and your band and help you to stay on the road longer. Some of the best options for remote work for musicians include

• Graphic design

• Freelance writing

• English tutoring

• Coding

• Marketing

Remote work isn’t for everyone. Some jobs require you to be present during specific hours of the day, and that might not be feasible with your lifestyle. However, if you can find something with flexibility and something you enjoy, you can improve your financial well-being while on the road. 

3. Maintain Your Health

There’s a difference between having safety precautions in place and practicing preventative healthcare. 

Tours are notorious for long stretches of being sedentary, eating a lot of fast food, and not getting enough sleep. No matter how rock-and-roll it sounds, that’s not exactly the “healthy lifestyle” anyone should maintain for too long. 

Make sure you and your bandmates are prioritizing your physical and mental health while you’re on the road. That includes basic things like

• Exercising

• Eating healthy

• Getting enough sleep

• Avoiding alcohol

If anyone has any underlying conditions, such as GERD or other digestive issues, managing diet is extremely important. It’s worth it to pack your own healthy snacks, rather than relying on fast food and convenience stores that could trigger symptoms, and you should always have antacids or other medications on hand to help with symptoms. 

Managing your mental health is just as crucial. It’s not always easy to be away from home, no matter how much you love the lifestyle. To combat the feelings of stress and loneliness, consider things like mindfulness, meditation, or journaling. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed while on the road, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Remote work has seen a rise in recent years, but so has teletherapy, allowing you to talk to a counselor or therapist anywhere in the country. 

By focusing on physical, mental, and financial well-being, you’ll be better prepared for your upcoming tour, and you can enjoy every moment on stage that much more. No matter how ready you are to hit the road, don’t forget about this important “checklist” for a better experience no matter where you are.

Hitting the Road Again? 3 Tips to Remember for Your Tour

Tips for Recording Percussion on Acoustic Guitar

How do guys like Antoine Dufour, Andy McKee, and Jon Gomm get those crystal clear and snappy drum sounds from their guitars?

Well, keep reading this post to know the secret!

These are 4 tips that’ll help you get a super-crisp percussive sound from your acoustic guitar.

1. Invest in a Great Microphone

If you’re going to mic your guitar, then the majority of the sound will be determined by the quality of the microphone itself.

Something like the Rode NT-USB or AKG P170 is an excellent microphone for the price. Andy McKee likes to use the Rode NT4, and if it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for all of us.

A bit more costly option would be the Neumann KLM184 or any small diaphragm condenser mic. A steeper investment when you’re starting out, but you get much tighter bass and shimmery highs.

Cheaper mics like Zoom and Tascam can definitely work, but they won’t be able to reproduce everything as well as the Rode or Neumann. Slaps might sound fine, but body drumming won’t be as boomy.

2. Decent Pickup and Preamp

If you’ll be using a pickup, you should invest in a good one. If you own an entry-level or mid-range instrument, you should consider replacing the pickups and preamps on that baby.

I really like the K&K Trinity Pro Mini system. It picks up percussion effects from the entire body. But DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan, and Fishman also make great pickups.

3. Get an Awesome Guitar!

I think it’s obvious. A cheap knock-off won’t ever sound like a well-built acoustic guitar from a decent brand.

Taylor Guitars are extremely popular among percussive guitarists. Their Grand Auditorium shapes produce a balanced sound and respond well to percussive hits on the body.

But those aren’t the only good ones out there. Yamaha, Martin Guitars, Takamine, and Breedlove are some other great brands for acoustic guitars.

4. Polish your Percussion Skills

You’d be surprised at how much the quality of your recording changes with the proper technique and skill. Make sure to learn basic percussive effects: thump, snare-drum slap, kick drum, hitting the sides, and tap harmonics.

Once you get familiar with these building blocks, move on to practicing some riffs or short sections from your favorite songs.

Here are some easy percussion songs for guitar I recommend starting out with. Once you learn them, gradually move your way up.

Percussive fingerstyle guitar is unlike any other guitar style and is something that’ll let you expand into unimaginable territories with guitar.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time,

- Pranshu

Harmonyvine

Tips for Recording Percussion on Acoustic Guitar

TikTok vs Douyin vs Instagram Reels vs YouTube Shorts vs Triller: How to go Viral on Short Video

TikTok vs Douyin vs Instagram Reels vs YouTube Shorts vs Triller: How to go Viral on Short Video

What is Short Video?

It is the video content that is made and shared on TikTok and similar video platforms like Instagram reels and YouTube Shorts. In China they have Douyin (TikTok’s big sister), Kuaishou, Watermelon and Bilibili.

How To Get Your Music On Short Videos

1. Go to the App, make the video, add your music and upload yourself.

   1. This is important because by posting your own videos and music, your audience will get to know you and find your music. What if you don’t have any audience? If you build it they will come.

   2. It can be a paid post so other audiences can see your videos and hear your music.

1. Get your music to the short video platforms’ library with a distribution service so others can use your music on their videos.

   1. This is important because your music is available for others to use. The usage of your music is tracked and royalties get paid back to you. Word of video (word of mouth): More people use your music in their videos, not only do these videos get played over and over again, but they get shared more, which means that more people will listen and use your music in their own videos. Viral baby!

Go Viral

We have now seen this happen with Musicinfo artists. It can be 10’s thousands of streams a day or 10’s of millions streams a day. What do you consider viral? Both of these scenarios tell me that a heck of a lot of people are using your music.

What music is getting picked up? Well, right now our top artist is a breakbeat artist getting around 12 million hits a day. This has been going on for a few weeks now. Generally there tends to be more instrumental music: classical, ambient, cinematic music getting used, but our 2nd viral artist right now is a hip hop artist, so go figure.

Royalties

The question I often hear from some artists is, “Can you show me a report of the level of royalties paid out.” The short answer is no I can’t, I can’t tell you how much specific artists are getting paid. The ironic thing about this scenario is that most often I see this question come from artists who have a very small following on other music platforms like Spotify.

I am interested in all our artists, and it is not unnatural that my attention would be piqued by artists whose success is more obvious than others. And then when I say, “Sorry I can’t share the reports with you, I can’t tell you how much you will get paid,” they don’t sign up, they don’t distribute their music. 

The amount of payout is growing. Services in China have now been more or less established by way of offering free subscriptions; there are 100s of millions of MAUs. Now these free users are becoming paying users, upping the amount of pay per stream to the creators. Listeners are paying more for your music.

Get To The Point

The point of getting your music on short video is that your music can get visibility and plays like never before, like it never would have if you had left it on the shelf. But then those who bravely have signed up have the potential to get 12 million streams every day! 

Now, do you care how much you are getting paid now? Yes of course you do. But, what is even more important is the visibility and followers that you have now gained, millions of new listeners who now know who you are, who now have heard your music. You have a massive new fanbase that you can build on. 

You need to hop on the bandwagon and ride the wave of your viral music on the short video platforms. Boost your streaming music. Short videos that use viral songs do better. Make videos with your music and share links to your streaming music. 

Top Short Video Platforms 

TikTok: 

Does it need an explanation? Well, I guess for any of the other 6.7 billion people in the world not using it. Please take a look at our previous blog: What Artists Need To Know About TikTok And Douyin.

Douyin: 

Tiktok’s big sister in China. Visually almost identical, Douyin came out first and is a much more robust platform allowing users more options and services that its little sister doesn’t provide. Both keep to their own rooms and are not allowed to play with each other’s friends.

Douyin vs Tiktok

Douyin’s top posts are based on comedy or pets, while TikTok’s top posts are more arts-based, featuring lip-syncs and trending dances. With posts that have context, a quick caption usually does the trick in TikTok. Douyin videos are more content-driven than TikTok. 

Instagram Reels:

Now instagram draws you in even harder into a mélange of, “look at what I can do!”

YouTube Shorts:

Has come up a little short compared to the rest but has more long term potential for professional  users.

Triller:

Been around the block longer than TikTok and likes to hang with music groupies.

Short Video Comparison Chart

TIKTOK VS DOUYIN VS INSTAGRAM REELS VS YOUTUBE SHORTS VS TRILLER: HOW TO GO VIRAL ON SHORT VIDEO

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Sources

https://www.eggsist.com/en/insights/tiktok-vs-douyin-which-are-the-main-differences

https://influencermarketinghub.com/what-is-triller

​​https://gab-china.com/what-are-the-main-differences-between-douyin-vs-tiktok

https://www.makeuseof.com/tiktok-vs-instagram-reels-vs-youtube-shorts

https://vidooly.com/blog/instagram-reels-vs-youtube-shorts/

https://wallaroomedia.com/blog/social-media/tiktok-statistics/

https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2021/12/07/converting-douyin-engagement-and-why-it-s-not-the-same-tiktok

https://www.statista.com/statistics/325587/instagram-global-age-group/

https://earthweb.com/instagram-reels-statistics/

https://filmora.wondershare.com/tiktok/triller-vs-tiktok.html

https://targetmarket.com/2021/04/instagram-reels-vs-tiktok

https://blog.hootsuite.com/instagram-reels/

TikTok vs Douyin vs Instagram Reels vs YouTube Shorts vs Triller: How to go Viral on Short Video

Saving for Retirement as a Professional Musician

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Saving for Retirement as a Professional Musician

Being a professional musician can mean many different things. You could make your living selling records, touring, playing an instrument, or singing. You may not win a Grammy for your work or end up on the Billboard charts, but it doesn’t make you any less of a professional. 

No matter what level you’re on, being a professional musician can be a lot of fun. However, it also comes with several challenges and uphill battles you’ll have to face throughout your career. 

One of those challenges includes saving for retirement. You might be able to make a living playing music now, but saving for the future is another story. 

Whether music is your primary or only source of income, it’s not impossible to save for retirement. However, the sooner you get started, the better! Let’s take a look at how you can make the most of your income, manage your money, and build the capital you need to lead a comfortable retirement. 

Managing Your Money

If you have a consistent, day-to-day job as a musician, setting money aside is easy. You probably don’t have to worry about things like tax penalties or even calculating how much you can afford to save. 

However, not every professional musician has that luxury. When you’re concert-hopping or living gig-to-gig, it can be difficult to practice healthy money management. 

It’s easier than you might think to manage your money, but it can take some organizational skills. Start by creating a budget for yourself. Look at the income you’re bringing in each month and how you’re spending it. From there, you can come up with ways to “cut back” on your spending habits, both in your personal and professional lives. 

For example, as a traveling musician, you might spend a lot of money on gas to get from one gig to another. Think of ways you can save on gas, like preserving your car’s efficiency and optimizing your driving. Choose to bring your own food along rather than stopping at fast-food joints, and keep a separate “road budget” so you don’t end up buying things you don’t need. 

In your personal life, you can manage your money and decrease your spending by cutting back on things like subscription services and dining out. 

You should be budgeting to save, not just to pay your bills now. Whether you set aside a section of your budget as an emergency fund or specifically dedicate some of your monthly income to savings, it’s easier to manage your money when you have something tangible written down. 

Taking Care of Taxes

We touched on tax penalties above, but are you aware that some of your savings could actually be costing you money? Taxation penalties are destructive and can take away some of the hard-earned cash that you’re trying to store away for retirement. If you want to maintain and grow your savings accounts, it’s important to be aware of exemptions. Some of the most common tax-exempt savings accounts include:

• 401(k)s

• IRAs

• Roth accounts

• FSAs

• HSAs

You can still be taxed for things like early withdrawal and minimum distributions. However, if you work with an investor or accountant on setting up an account, they can guide you through the process and help you mitigate penalties. 

As a musician, you probably pay your taxes every year. Maybe you even pay quarterly taxes to avoid a large lump sum owed at the end of every fiscal year. The last thing you want is to deal with more taxation when you’re trying to get ahead. In fact, you should be looking into expenditures that you can write off and deduct! Invest your time and money into working with a tax professional that can help to ensure financial stability for your future. 

Have a Back-Up Option

Whether you’re gigging every night, you’re a “seasonal” musician, or you rely on record sales and royalties for income, it can be hard when things aren’t consistent. Even if you tend to do well throughout the year, you might find that most of your income is going directly to the here and now, just so you can get by. 

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to have a backup option when it comes to your finances. Thankfully, there are a few different ways to approach a backup plan. 

One is to invest your money. 

You don’t have to have a lot saved up to invest, and your return could be something that sets you up for a comfortable retirement. Some of the best high-yield investments include

• Value stock funds

• Short-term government bond funds

• High-yield savings accounts

• Rental housing

• Cryptocurrency

If you’re not willing to take a risk with your money through investing, consider using a “side hustle” or part-time job as your backup plan. It might not seem very rock ‘n’ roll to have a side gig doing something more consistent, but it will allow you to live more comfortably now while you live out your dreams, and give you the opportunity to have a nest egg in the future. 

Whether you penny-pinch to save your money, invest in the stock market, or find ways to avoid tax penalties, there are plenty of ways to save for retirement as a musician. While it’s okay to focus on the fun you’re having now, it’s crucial to recognize that one day you’ll want to sit back and relax. Consider some of these ideas when it comes to making sure you can do so with comfort and ease.

Saving for Retirement as a Professional Musician

Traveling Considerations for Musicians

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is beginning to wear down and vaccinations are making the rounds, many musicians are taking advantage and hitting the road. Since most artists make a majority of their money on tour, it is important to take this opportunity, but before you hop in the van, proper planning is essential. It’s a new world out there, and you need to do what you can to prepare for everything and keep yourself sane.

If you are planning on taking your music back on the road, then we are here to help. Read on for essential tips for smart packing, planning, and how to stay sharp in body and mind. 

Smart Packing Is Key

If you’re touring the country or taking an international trip, you’ll likely have a lot of outfits and accessories so it is important to plan ahead and make a list so you don’t leave anything behind. The longer you are away, the more luggage you will likely have, but you should keep your most essential items in a breakaway bag, which is a smaller carry-on that you keep with you at all times. You never know when your luggage could be lost by the airline or an issue could happen to your tour bus, so the breakaway bag could be a lifesaver.

In addition to necessary medications and your lucky guitar pick, make sure that you use this extra bag to store your identification. Before you leave, verify that your driver’s license and passport are up to date and keep them on you at all times. It is also a wise idea to keep a copy of the addresses to any hotels and venues on your person at all times so you are never lost when you need it most.

While most musicians will likely pack comfortable clothes or their stage outfits, it is important to keep in mind that not all cultures will appreciate your wardrobe, especially if you are going overseas. For instance, in England, people tend to dress a bit snazzier than we do in the United States, so your sweatpants may not impress them how you’d like. Research your landing spots before you leave and pack accordingly.

Maintain Your Physical And Mental Health

Traveling on the road for a long period can be hard on the mind and body, especially if you have gigs planned daily. Staying healthy is essential. Even though you won’t be in one place for long, you should still make it a habit to eat well. Focus on high-protein foods like nuts and fish that will keep you lean and naturally energized. Exercise is important too. Even if you don’t have access to a gym or equipment, you can still do plenty of exercises with small hand weights or nothing at all, including squats, push-ups, crunches, and many other moves that will get the blood flowing.

While physical health is important, mental strength is just as important when on the road, especially if you are traveling solo. You need to keep your spirits up, so make it a point to call home every day and talk via video chat whenever possible so you can see the people you love like you were there in person. If you are ever feeling down or anxious, utilize technology to get the support that you need. With the touch of a button, you can use a telehealth app to talk to a mental health professional face to face and get the support that you need. 

Even though life on the road can be a blast, do your best to party in moderation. Drinking to excess can be especially dangerous because it can leave you dehydrated, and over time, it can lead to serious ailments, including heart and liver disease. A drink here and there is fine, but if you are thirsty, hydrate with water instead.

Plan Ahead

Before you head out on your trip, you must solidify all of your arrangements and have a contingency plan in place just in case. When it comes to lodging, it is a good idea to call the hotel ahead of time or earlier that day to make sure that your room is still available, so you don’t show up exhausted only to find that there is no longer an open room. If you do find yourself in a hard spot, then consider using an online lodging app like Hostelworld or Couchsurfing, where you can find somewhere else to stay on short notice.

It is also a good idea to verify your bookings before you head to the venue or at least call ahead of time and make sure there aren’t any big changes that require an adjustment on your end. If your pay depends on how many people you get in the door, then you will want to do plenty of promotion the day of the show. You can spread the word by sending press releases to radio stations in the area, and you can buy ads on social media that will get people in that area excited.

If your only source of income while you’re on the road is the cash you earn at your shows, then it is a smart idea to have a second income stream in place, which could be essential if your shows are canceled. Many musicians have side gigs to bring in extra cash that can include anything from giving online music lessons to freelance writing. Consider adding in some side work during your downtime for that financial safety net.

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when you take your musical act on the road, but with the proper preparation, you can have a relaxing and successful trip. Consider the tips above and have a prosperous 2022.

Traveling Considerations for Musicians

Olivia Rodrigo Dominated Pop Streaming in 2021, Beating Adele and Taylor Swift

There were many resounding album releases in 2021, but few dominated the media headlines more than those of three Pop heavyweights: Adele’s “30”, Taylor Swift’s “Red (Taylor’s Version)” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “SOUR”. But which release brought its author the most attention in terms of a growing Spotify fanbase? Music research and analytics platform Viberate looked into the data to settle the dilemma once and for all.

For unbiased results, Viberate examined how many new Spotify followers each artist gained in two weeks following each release (the surrounding hype usually brings in new fans within that time period), and looked at spikes in monthly listeners after the release. To see if the artists have fans among their peers (other artists and festivals), Viberate additionally checked out how many notable social media mentions each artist got throughout the year.

The results show Olivia Rodrigo was the overall winner.

Olivia Rodrigo brought the most attention to her profile, as she gained over 14M new monthly listeners and 969K new followers in just two weeks. Her top-performing track was (and still is) “drivers licence”. It was clocking in almost 800M daily streams at the time of album release and has already amassed 1.2B streams so far.

Taylor Swift placed second with similarly incredible numbers. She gained 11.9M new monthly listeners and 759K new followers in two weeks. “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” was streamed the most, averaging 50M streams per day.

Adele came in third. She gained 7.4M new monthly listeners and 694K new followers in two weeks. “Easy On Me” was streamed the most, with 385M plays at the two-week mark.

All three artists were mentioned on social media by their peers and music festivals a lot, with Taylor Swift being mentioned the most.

What can we learn from all this?

It’s interesting to note how different release strategies impact the streaming numbers. Adele’s biggest leap corresponds to her announcing the album and releasing the “Easy On Me” single, meaning that she brought in the majority of new fans in the promotional period. Taylor Swift released two albums in 2021, so she was omnipresent throughout the year. Her releases were placed on a ton of Spotify playlists (her current reach surpasses 390M Spotify listeners), and the steady growth suggests she’s been successfully converting listeners into fans along the way. Olivia Rodrigo is the Pop newcomer of the year not only because of the industry awards won, but also because her strategic releases (hit single first, album second) increased her Spotify following 50 times over in 2021.

For more data insights such as these, visit Viberate.

Olivia Rodrigo Dominated Pop Streaming in 2021, Beating Adele and Taylor Swift

The Straw: A Singer's Best Friend

Have you ever tried singing through a straw?  Today I introduce you to Voice Therapist extraordinaire, Mary Hanson, who will share why straw exercises are so effective, and how to do them properly.

1.     Let’s start super basic - what does phonation mean?  What is a straw phonation?

 Straw phonation is what it sounds like! Really this means that you are “phonating” (i.e., making sound) through the straw. If you put your straw in water, you can think about it as making bubbles with your voice on. Typically, it’s made with an /u/ sound, like we hear in the word “you”. It’s a great exercise for the casual speaker and the professional singer, alike! 

Straw phonation is part of a group of exercises called “Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises” or “SOVTEs”. Really this means that you have a small opening for the air to escape at the mouth or nose. That small opening creates back pressure, which is super beneficial. 

2.     What are the benefits of straw exercises?

Straw phonation can really be quite magical, and its benefits are endless. However, it really does three main things. It reduces the tension, impact and collision at the level of the vocal cords.  Vibration at our vocal cords can only happen because some of the pressure from our lungs is reflected back once it reaches our lips. When we use straw phonation, we increase the level of back pressure, essentially making the vibration at the vocal cords even more efficient. This efficiency acts as a little massage and reduces vocal fatigue.  

This efficiency also balances the vocal cords in a way that provides extra support for changes in pitch.  Practicing those transitions with a straw can improve flexibility and power of the vocal folds and can translate to when they are not using the straw. That balance also provides singers with the opportunity to expand their range, without tensing as they explore new notes. 

 Lastly, that efficient voicing and balance, gives opportunity to strengthen the vocal cords in a safe way.   

3.     Is there any voice type or condition that should NOT do straw exercises?

There is no one condition, or voice type, that straw phonation is automatically not appropriate for, but the type of exercise that you do, and what you focus on may be different depending on your voice goals! If you are attempting straw phonation and it’s not clicking after a couple minutes of playing with it, and especially if you feel tense or have increased tension with its practice, its best to consult a professional. Straw phonation should only feel beneficial, and a voice professional can walk you through how to best use the tool for your voice! 

4.     Does it matter if you use a glass of water or not - is there a greater benefit each way?

It depends on what your goal is and also the size/shape of your vocal tract! Water will provide more resistance, resulting in increased back pressure. For most, that is beneficial and can help stabilize a tone and create more tension relief. However, for some that can turn a tension relief exercise into a strengthening exercise, and they may not be ready for that yet. I like to trial both with everyone and do what feels best for the person. (*Note from Your Online Singing Coach - I prefer using a glass of water, but it can be messy, so make sure you use a large/tall glass and don’t fill the water too high. ALSO, I have found that glass straws and paper straws don’t work as well as plastic, silicon, and stainless steel).

5.     Does size matter (ha ha) - straw size, that is?

Straw size does matter! In this case, the smaller, the better (generally)! However, that doesn’t mean you should go grab a coffee straw from your favorite locale. A smaller opening means increased back pressure. While this can have more therapeutic benefit for balancing and tension relief, that’s only if you are doing the exercise correctly! It’s generally recommended to start with a larger sized straw and then work your way down to something smaller as you get better at maintaining a clear forward tone and balancing the back pressure from the smaller opening. Its also important to keep your goal in mind, if your goal is purely tension relief, do what feels easy-and that may be a whopping smoothie straw! 

6.     Can you talk us through how to do a straw exercise correctly?

 Straw phonation can look different for various people, as we all have different shaped vocal tracts.  However, there are a few things that we like to think about for “successful” straw phonation. 

The first is lip placement. Its important to ensure that all airflow is going through the straw. You need a good lip seal, but at the same time it’s important to not over-tense the lips, as we want straw phonation to feel open and easy. 

 The next is airflow. You want to take a deep (*low, diaphragmatic) breath and start your voice off gently. You can use a  /u/ sound like in the word “you”. Use a full breath but keep your volume soft. You should have steady airflow flowing through the straw. You can tell you have that good airflow by either feeling for it with your other hand or putting the straw in water (just the tip!) and make sure you see bubbles. Our voices are really just chopped up air! If you don’t see bubbles or feel air, that’s a very clear sign that your phonatory system (your voice box) and your respiratory system (your lungs/air supply) are out of sync. 

 Pick a note in the middle of your speaking range and hold out the note for as long as is comfortable. Don’t go near the end of your breath, as we need the good pressure in the lungs to balance the back pressure from the straw. If you hear the tone sounding wobbly, or feel pressure in the throat, think about the placement of your articulators (i.e. lips, tongue, teeth). Can you adjust them in ways that makes the tone clearer? Feel easier? If you are unable to make the tone feel good and sound stable, don’t push it too much. (*Note from Your Online Singing Coach - pitch glides into a straw in a glass of water 5 minutes at a time delivers incredible bang for your singing buck.  Try it, and I’ll see you when you join the Straw Phonations fan club!)

Mary Hanson is from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and holds a Master’s degree from George Washington University in Speech-Pathology.

Your Online Singing Coach provides live, private online singing lessons and vocal coaching for singers of all levels.

The Straw: A Singer's Best Friend

The Future of Music isn’t in Streaming – It’s Happening on Social Media

The rise of social media has revolutionized the way artists get discovered. Justin Bieber made it thanks to YouTube, Shawn Mendes broke through on Vine, and, more recently, Lil Nas X went from Tik Tok jokester to one of the world’s most streamed artists on Spotify.

Instead of looking for talent the old-fashioned way via local gigs or personal recommendations, labels and promoters are now turning to data. Realizing the need for specialized analytics in the music business, Viberate (co-founded by acclaimed DJ and producer UMEK) has recently announced the newest addition to its platform: a comprehensive social media analytics tool for artists, labels, and other music professionals.

Music pros using them can work with up-to-date information via the Viberate platform, where every artist’s key Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, and Facebook metrics such as audience demographics, fanbase and engagement growth through time and top-performing posts are rounded up and neatly visualized in a single tool.

UMEK explains: “Social media demands quick action, so we wanted to give the artists and labels managing them a tool that helps them work faster, and more cost-effectively. Our analytics are also connected to each artist’s radio airplay, Spotify, and other music channels, therefore offering a full scope of insights for easier talent discovery and more effective promotion.”

The Viberate platform has already gained the trust of prominent industry names such as Glastonbury and Roskilde festivals, Insomniac Music Group as well as the management team of the world’s most popular DJ, David Guetta. Any artist or music professional who wants to leverage data can start by checking their own stats on Viberate, and work from there.

The Future of Music isn’t in Streaming – It’s Happening on Social Media

How To Be A Musician During The Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we do everything from working and shopping to the way we play music. For musicians, it’s been especially challenging. Venues closed their doors and large gatherings are dangerous — and in some cases, even outlawed. This doesn’t mean you have to stop playing or putting your music out there, though. What do you need to do to be a musician during a global pandemic?

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Tips For Setting Up A Foolproof Home Practice Space

While it’s easy to set aside any old room for a practice space, a well thought out home music area actually requires quite a bit more prep than simply a floor, four walls, and a door that closes. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when going about creating that all important, foolproof home practice space for the homebound element of your musical journey.

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Are Musicians Really More Likely To Use Drugs?

I used to do social work for a living, the kind of social work where you work with people in the field to reinforce what they’re learning in therapy. I was also (and still am) a musician. Throughout my time as a social worker, and really throughout my life, I’ve noted the pervasive picture of the musician as addict, the musician as drug user, and the musician as junky. 

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Aretha Franklin Songs That Inspired Us, Touched Our Lives

Guest post by the Soundfly Team. This article originally appeared on Soundfly’s Flypaper

Singer, songwriter, pianist, inspiration, Aretha Franklin, known to many as the Queen of Soul, passed away Thursday. She was 76 years old.

In the last 24 hours, as we assume will continue for days, weeks, perhaps years, many artists and people of all walks of life have been sharing stories of how Franklin’s music and spirit touched their lives. Since we, too, have been sharing our own stories of the unique places Franklin’s music holds in all of our lives, we thought this was perhaps a more appropriate way to show our “Respect” to the Queen herself. If you’re looking to read a straightforward obituary of Franklin’s life and career, we highly recommend The Guardian’s piece.

Here’s how the Soundfly community remembers Aretha Franklin through some of her songs that left a lasting impression.

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Remembering Jerry Garcia’s Musical Impact

Guest post by Elyadeen Anbar. This article with full links originally appeared Soundfly’s Flypaper

Jerry Garcia was the lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead, a rock band formed in 1965 in San Francisco that forever changed how music is written, performed, distributed, and engaged with on a global scale. The Grateful Dead performed their last show on July 9, 1995, and Garcia was found passed away on August 9, 1995. He had just turned 53 years young.

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