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Career Saving Tips To Protect Your Voice From A Hit Song

One of the saddest things to me is to see an artist who has worked so hard finally taste success… only to lose their voice from having to use it so much!

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Nourish your body like your voice is attached

The way some singer and speakers neglect the care of their physical bodies, you’d think the vocal cords aren’t attached. Newsflash… they are!

Your body can’t create good energy for singing out of donuts and m&ms. Eat clean, simple, healthy foods that you digest well. This means menu planning should be part of road or pre-show preparation. Good food won’t necessarily be easily accessable everywhere, and inevitable ‘stuff that happens’ can create sudden schedule cram, with little time to sound check and no time to hunt for food. Bring protein snacks and water everywhere, and stock your room or bus fridge with fruits and veggies. If you take nutritional supplements that you’ve found work for you, don’t forget to pack them!

Avoid acid reflux… bring digestive enzymes or whatever meds your doc has prescribed, and eat only what doesn’t cause you heartburn. Even good stress can mess with your digestive system, so treat it with respect. Your voice will thank you.

Work your body out like a pre-game athlete

Your muscle tone, flexibility and core strength can really affect your vocal ability and your voice’s succeptability to strain and damage. Use wisdom… to reserve your energy for performance, save your strenuous workouts for between tours. Before a show do gentle stretches and light physical workouts, being especially careful with free weights so as not to strain your neck and shoulder muscles. Your voice will be much more ready for performance demands if your body is, too.

Avoid voice saboteurs

Steer clear of the following like the voice destroyers they are:

Avoid alcohol, which is dehydrating, interferes with vocal control including pitch, and can allow you to punish your vocal cords without realizing it. Also it can make you be stupid in sundry career damaging ways. At least before and between shows, abstain. 

Avoid smoke, whether from cigarettes, wood burning fires or wildfires. The fine particles you breathe in will of course irritate and interfere with the workings of your lungs, but also will irritate the lining of your throat, including your larynx and vocal cords. If possible, don’t let yourself be booked in smoky places.

Avoid ticks! The Shania Twain story about losing her voice because of Lyme disease from a tick bite really is a thing. She did fully recover is now back with her first album in 15 years. Most artists don’t recover from such a loss of momentum.  Don’t take chances with your voice or the rest of your health… use bug spray if you explore tick infested areas.

Don’t avoid your fans, just wash your hands a lot, and keep them away from your face! The blessing of lots of hands to shake means lots of opportunities to catch something your voice doesn’t want. Keep your immune system rocking with your chosen supplements.

Use in-ear monitors you’ve rehearsed with.

During most of my former MTM Records career I used wedge monitors, and I got used to hearing my voice that way. But it’s very tricky to learn to ‘feel’ where pitch is when you can’t hear it. Now in large venues I use in-ear monitors. There are lots of different kinds … the cheaper ones come with standard ear tips, then you go up a level and get ear impressions made for a custom fit. Quite a bit more expensive are the ear monitors that give you the ability to dial in some ambient sound from the room. Whatever type you use, be sure to practice with your in-ears and your sound person to get used to how they sound to you. Oh… and protect your ears as well as your voice… never use just one. Stick them in both your ears.

Stay in touch with your vocal coach

Even if you start your busy hit career with naturally good instincts for singing correctly, you can become stressed, tired and worried, all of which undermine good vocal technique. If your voice is important to you… when you finally experience career success and the performance load that comes with it, you need a vocal coach to keep your technique at its peak and correct sneaky saboteurs that can snuff out the career you’ve worked so hard to build.

I suggest the following habits:

Warm up with vocal exercises before every show… and make sure you’ve been trained in the correct form for your exercises. Most people don’t know that doing vocal exercises wrong is just like doing physical exercises wrong… it won’t help you; it can hurt your voice!

Cool down after the show with light vocal exercises.

Take a snapshot check of the condition of your voice after every show.  Check in with your coach for an online lesson if you experience any sign of vocal strain – don’t let it build! If you’re singing correctly, you should never get vocally tired… only physically tired and hungry!

Bonus Tips 

When writing this 2 part series, I initially had 10 tips for you, but then thought of a couple more that are too important not to add:

Be Prepared for the emotional ride

The inevitable place after you reach a mountaintop is the valley. Be prepared for the roller coaster ride of album completion, performance success and industry kudos interspersed with a feeling that nothing is going on. You may experience boredom, dissatisfaction or fear. As a woman, I equate this with post-partum depression. Knowing there will be valleys after the peaks can really protect you from depression and the anxiety that goes along with fame and the lack thereof. Creative people can tend to have larger mood swings anyway. If you need to, don’t hesitate to get help. Even a talk with a trusted friend or adviser can help, but sometimes you need to seek a professional therapist to get everything in perspective.

Know what to do about laryngitis

Learn your response to strategies you take when coming down with something. If your career has any degree of longevity you will probably experience a loss of voice for one reason or another. Keep my blogpost on Laryngitis bookmarked, and if you haven’t already, sign up for my 5 pages of tips on Vocal Health.

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“Jephte Bastien: Crafting Cinema, Challenging Norms, and Championing Authentic Stories”

Jephte Bastien, a multifaceted director, producer, creator, and editor, has carved a unique path in the film industry. From his humble beginnings in Haiti to his groundbreaking work in cinema, Jephte’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and an unyielding passion for storytelling. In a recent interview, Jephte shared insights into his life, inspirations, and the challenges he has faced as a filmmaker.

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Early Beginnings: A Childhood of Creativity

Jephte’s love for storytelling began in his childhood. Growing up in Haiti, he would cut out paper silhouettes, align them with thread, and use a flashlight to project characters onto a makeshift screen. This early form of shadow puppetry allowed him to mimic voices and create stories, laying the foundation for his future in filmmaking. Music also played a significant role in his upbringing. As the seventh of nine boys in a large Christian family, Jephte started singing in church at the age of five. His family’s tradition of entertaining one another—through poetry, singing, and dancing—fostered his creative spirit.

Haiti: A Source of Inspiration

Haiti holds a special place in Jephte’s heart. Despite the media’s often negative portrayal of the country, Jephte describes it as a paradise filled with vibrant culture, music, and natural beauty. His early memories of Haiti are filled with joy—playing games, eating mangoes straight from the trees, and forming lifelong friendships. When his family moved to Canada, Jephte struggled with homesickness and depression. Haiti became a recurring theme in his dreams, a place he would revisit mentally to find solace and inspiration. Even as an adult, he traveled back to Haiti frequently, using the trips to rejuvenate his creative energy.

The Church and Early Questions

Growing up in a religious household, Jephte was deeply involved in the church. However, he began to question the narratives he was taught, particularly the lack of representation of Black people in religious imagery. These early questions about identity and representation would later influence his work as a filmmaker. Jephte’s departure from the church was not a rejection of faith but a search for truth and authenticity in storytelling.

A Journey to New York and Beyond

Jephte’s pursuit of his passion led him to New York in the 1990s, where he studied theater despite his parents’ wishes for him to become a lawyer. This decision marked the beginning of his independent journey. He worked tirelessly to pay for his education, immersing himself in the arts and honing his craft. After returning to Montreal, Jephte faced the harsh realities of the film industry. Despite his talent, opportunities were scarce, especially for a Black filmmaker in the 90s. Determined to tell his own stories, Jephte enrolled in film school, where he began to develop his unique voice.

Breaking Barriers in Filmmaking

Jephte’s career is marked by a series of groundbreaking projects. One of his early successes was editing a music video for the song “Due to the Interest” by Garou. Despite the director’s inexperience, Jephte stepped in to manage the set, ensuring the project’s success. The video became a buzz clip, earning praise from industry heavyweights like Luc Plamondon. However, Jephte’s refusal to accept a $2,000 bonus from the director highlighted his commitment to integrity over financial gain.

In 2003, Jephte produced Haiti Through My Eye,” a docu-series that showcased Haiti’s rich culture and history. The project was a critical success and opened doors for future opportunities, including funding for his feature film Exit 67.” Despite the challenges of securing funding and navigating the industry’s systemic barriers, Jephte remained steadfast in his mission to tell authentic stories.

The Draft: A Powerful Vision

One of Jephte’s most ambitious projects is The Draft,” a film about a young Black hockey player whose dreams are shattered by a brutal act of racism. The story follows his journey as he mentors his younger brother, offering a new paradigm for success. Jephte describes “The Draft” as the most powerful film he has ever written, a project that challenges the status quo and highlights the resilience of marginalized communities.

However, the production of “The Draft” was not without its challenges. Jephte faced significant obstacles, including interference from unions and a lack of support from industry institutions, except Telefilm and Harold Greenberg Fund, who supported the project from the beginning. Despite these hurdles, he remained committed to the project, pouring his own resources and energy into bringing his vision to life.

The Struggles of an Independent Filmmaker

Jephte’s experiences shed light on the difficulties faced by independent filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented communities. In Canada, the film industry is heavily reliant on government funding, which often comes with strict quotas and limitations. Jephte has faced numerous rejections and setbacks, including being blacklisted by medias after an interview. Despite these challenges, he continues to create, driven by his passion for storytelling and his desire to challenge societal norms.

A Legacy of Resilience

Jephte Bastien’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. From his early days in Haiti to his groundbreaking work in film, he has remained true to his vision, using his art to challenge stereotypes and inspire change. As he continues to work on “The Draft” and other projects, Jephte’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the enduring power of storytelling.

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Jephte Bastien: The Visionary Filmmaker Behind Exit 67 and The Draft

Whether through his portrayal of gritty urban landscapes or his exploration of the human spirit, Jephte Bastien continues to push the boundaries of cinema. As we await the premiere of The Draft, one thing is certain: Bastien’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

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Jephte Bastien, the award-winning filmmaker renowned for his gripping storytelling and raw cinematic style, is set to captivate audiences once again with his upcoming film, The Draft. Best known for his debut feature film Exit 67, which garnered critical acclaim and won numerous awards, Bastien has established himself as a powerful voice in the world of cinema.

From Haiti to Canada: A Unique Perspective

Born in Haiti and raised in Canada, Jephte Bastien brings a unique perspective to his work, combining the rich cultural heritage of his homeland with the multicultural influences of his upbringing in Montreal. This blend of experiences has given Bastien a distinctive voice in filmmaking, allowing him to explore complex themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience with authenticity and nuance.

Breaking Ground with Exit 67

Bastien burst onto the scene with his first feature film, Exit 67. Released in 2010, the film tells the story of a young man named Jecko, who is caught between the world of street gangs and his desire for a better life. Drawing from his own experiences and the reality of many young immigrants in Montreal, Bastien crafted a gripping narrative that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film’s success earned Bastien a Genie Award, cementing his status as a filmmaker to watch.

The Draft: A New Chapter

With his latest project, The Draft, Bastien is poised to once again capture the imagination of viewers. While details about the plot remain under wraps, the film promises to explore themes of power, corruption, and the human condition—elements that have become hallmarks of Bastien’s work. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and moral dilemmas, The Draft is expected to be another compelling addition to Bastien’s filmography.

A Filmmaker with a Mission

Beyond his artistic achievements, Jephte Bastien is a filmmaker with a mission. He aims to tell stories that reflect the realities of marginalized communities and challenge societal norms. His films often delve into difficult subjects, shedding light on issues such as crime, poverty, and the immigrant experience, all while maintaining a deep sense of humanity and hope.

Looking Ahead

As Jephte Bastien prepares for the release of The Draft, anticipation is building among fans and critics alike. With his track record of compelling storytelling and his commitment to exploring important social issues, Bastien is sure to deliver another thought-provoking film that will leave a lasting impact.

Whether through his portrayal of gritty urban landscapes or his exploration of the human spirit, Jephte Bastien continues to push the boundaries of cinema. As we await the premiere of The Draft, one thing is certain: Bastien’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19799652

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3904454

https://www.instagram.com/the_draft_movie

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“Spark Davidson: The Visionary Behind Montreal’s R&B Revolution”

THIS IS THE TRUE STORY OF SPARK AND HIS HUSTLE THAT NEVER STOPS AND NEVER SLEEPS AS HIS DREAMS BECOME REALITIES AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE BIGGEST HE CAN IMAGINE.

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Spark Davidson, a Montreal-based artist, has made significant contributions to the music industry since launching his professional career in 1995. At the age of 28, Spark began managing multiple music groups, including his own R&B ensemble, “Portfolio,” featuring three of Montreal’s most talented vocalists: Alan Prater, Chris Millington, and Danny Blanco. With his keen eye for talent and innovative management style, Spark quickly established Portfolio as a powerhouse in the R&B scene. Within a year, the group achieved remarkable success, consistently selling out performances and captivating audiences with their soulful harmonies and dynamic stage presence.

Spark’s strategic negotiations for Portfolio’s publishing and recording contracts in both Montreal and Los Angeles further solidified his reputation as a savvy music industry professional. His efforts culminated in the launch of his own music production label, “4indamorning,” which rapidly became a household name in Montreal. Under his guidance, “4indamorning” emerged as a pivotal force in the local music scene, known for its distinctive sound and dedication to nurturing emerging talent.

Beyond his work with Portfolio, Spark Davidson’s influence extended throughout Montreal’s music community. His commitment to innovation and excellence helped elevate the city’s R&B and hip-hop genres, setting a high standard for artistic expression and collaboration. Spark’s ability to fuse traditional R&B elements with contemporary influences showcased his versatility and deep understanding of the evolving music landscape.

Spark’s impact on the music industry is a testament to his passion, creativity, and determination. As a manager, producer, and artist, he has left an indelible mark on Montreal’s music scene, inspiring a new generation of musicians and contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry. His journey from a rising artist to a respected industry leader is a remarkable achievement, reflecting his dedication to music and his unwavering pursuit of artistic excellence.

His latest music project IT’S ABOUT TIME -DA 4AM MIXTAPE ALBUM is available NOW

https://www.4indamorning.com

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