Country music is a genre that is about life stories and experiences. Use simple melodies and topics inspired by everyday life. By working hard, it is possible to pursue a career. By perfecting your singing and composing skills, you could get noticed and maybe get to the level of artists like Carrie Underwood.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Have Country Sound
Step 1. Learn to sing
You can't become a country artist without knowing how to sing. While you consider yourself good and get a lot of compliments, you need to make sure you have the skills to become a singer. Examine your vocal range and practice singing regularly.
If you have a long way to go or want to perfect your voice, seriously consider taking singing lessons. You can also learn to sing with the help of websites and apps
Step 2. Sing along with other famous singers
To better mimic and understand the style, practice singing while listening to artists you like and have the same vocal range as you.
- Women can listen to Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Allison Krauss, and Kellie Pickler.
- Men can listen to Hank Williams, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, George Jones, Rodney Atkins, and Toby Keith.
Step 3. Learn to master twang, a country-specific vocal technique
The voice of singers of this genre has a particular sound. Whether it comes naturally to you or not, it is possible to learn how to adapt your voice to the country style.
- To start, try to insert the twang to your spoken voice. Imitate that of singers, actors and other famous people.
- Begin to insert it in the song emphasizing its effect, in this way you will become familiar with the sound you need to obtain. Once you have an idea of this vocal technique, use it as normal.
Step 4. Learn to play the guitar
It will help you find your personal sound and make composing easier. If you are not capable, you can form a duo with a guitarist and sing, but remember that playing this instrument is a very important part of being a country artist.
The most important chords to learn in this genre are G, C, D, and A. Country music is usually played by combining these chords
Part 2 of 3: Writing Songs
Step 1. Decide if you prefer to write songs or do covers
There are many country artists who play the songs of other "colleagues". Start by performing the songs of other country artists before deciding if you want to write your own material.
Step 2. Choose your style
There are several types of country music. Traditional country western is simple and deals with real life topics. Bluegrass is similar to country western, the only difference is that it is entirely acoustic. Stringed instruments are used such as the double bass, the acoustic guitar, the banjo and the fiddle, that is the violin of folk music. There is also a new genre called pop country, which is pop music with a touch of country.
Step 3. Decide on the topic to write about
You can write about any topic you want, but country music tends to be about the same topics. Basically, they are stories told through music. They present a plot and characters, just like a story, with the only difference being that they are rhymed and accompanied by a melody.
Some of the most popular topics are love sickness, betrayal, Jesus, the Devil, the mother, melancholy, the southern United States (Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana…), death, love, cowboys and pearls of wisdom
Step 4. Write the text
Once the subject is established, you can write the lyrics of a song. Many songs are sad, but usually it is the ones that convey a message of well-being and optimism that become the hits. Country music is very literal, so write simple lyrics. They should tell a story about what's going on around you or what you know.
Unlike pop, the chorus is the most important part in country. Use a lot of adjectives to describe something. Avoid bad words. In some genres, usage is widespread and even encouraged, but this is not the case in country
Step 5. Write the melody:
when a person listens to a song, this is the first thing they remember. You can build a song around the melody, but don't let the melody control the lyrics. The melodic line is fundamental in a country song, otherwise it is impossible to hear a song deeply and appreciate it.
Country songs have very simple melodies, harmonies and chord progressions. Progressions such as G, C, D or G, D, A, or a combination of these chords are usually used to write. Sophisticated sequences are generally not required
Step 6. Record the song
You can do this in several ways, it all depends on your resources and budget. You could collaborate with an experienced friend, book a session with a sound engineer, or record it at home with a microphone and a dedicated program. Whichever method you choose, having a physical copy of a passage will open many doors for you.
Step 7. Protect your music with copyright
The copyright is yours from the moment of creation, but if you don't deposit the music, you risk not being legally protected in case someone steals it from you. As soon as you finish writing and recording a song, deposit it at the SIAE, in this way it will be yours. If you live in the United States, file it with the US Copyright Office for a small fee. Nobody will be able to use it without your permission. If you skip this procedure, someone can steal the lyrics or melody and record a song. He won't need any permission and won't have to pay you royalties.
Part 3 of 3: Getting Caught
Step 1. Join a body dedicated to copyright protection, such as SIAE in Italy or ASCAP, SESAC and BMI in the United States
These entities collect royalties and distribute them to members. If your song is to be used on TV, iTunes, YouTube or Spotify, you will be entitled to receive the income you are entitled to. Some associations are free, others require the payment of a fee.
Step 2. Present your music
It is not immediate, but with today's technology it has become faster than ever. You can send demos and song collections to get noticed.
- Send demos to reporters, promoters or managers. Write your name, phone number, email address and website on every CD you send, not just on the case. This way you can be contacted by anyone interested in your music, even if they lose the CD wrapper. Make a simple presentation product. Attach a brief introduction and indicate the dates of any concerts you will do.
- Examine the booklets and album covers of the artists you like to find record companies and managers to send demos to. Websites like Showcase, The Unsigned Guide, and CMU Directory can help you find the names and addresses of people to send your material to. The heart of the country is in the United States, so chances are you have to move to do all of this.
Step 3. Perform
Many singers get caught playing live. Start singing for friends, family, and other people you feel comfortable with. Then, move on to small clubs that organize open microphone evenings, talent shows and other initiatives.
- Take advantage of your knowledge to get hired. Even proposing to play on a friend's birthday is a step in the right direction.
- Take advantage of the concerts to find other opportunities. If you impress, promoters or other people in the audience may ask you to perform elsewhere.
- Ask small clubs or event planners if you can play for them. Try to see them in person or call them by phone, avoid contacting them by email.
Step 4. Create a fanbase:
it is necessary to get you noticed. You will have to work hard to promote your work and win new fans, but having an audience will open many doors for you.
- Publish your songs online. If you've recorded a song that suits you and deposited it, promote it. Anyone can do it on the internet. Submit it on YouTube or Soundcloud to make it known to other people.
- Attract fans with social networks. Use Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other social networks to get noticed. Participate actively and establish a dialogue with those who follow you. Promote your music.
- Create an image. You have to be yourself, but you also have to have something unique, like a certain outfit, a certain hairstyle, or a certain way of doing things. Taylor Swift became famous for her blonde curls, while Lady Gaga for eccentric outfits. Their image helped them to be recognized.
Advice
- Before you try to become a singer, make sure you have a good singing foundation.
- Be yourself and sing with your heart.
- Practice singing and writing lyrics until you master the art.
- Try to learn to play an instrument, such as the guitar, to accompany you as you sing.
- Be original, don't copy anyone.
- Sing while listening to country music.
- If you can, go to Nashville to advertise and experience the country music scene firsthand.
Warnings
- Try not to strain your voice.
- The world of music is highly competitive.
