Now of course talent comes into the equation here, but plenty of great bands drift through their careers without ever getting noticed. While others end up like, well…. Coldplay. So what’s the difference?

Luck right? You’re unlucky and those X Factor wannabies sail through life on a cloud made of luck. That probably does come to into it but blaming your bad luck on your careers failure to launch is a bit of a cope out lets be honest. Where the Stones ‘just lucky’? The Beatles? Radiohead? Coldplay?

Of course not. Those guys got a lucky break at some point sure, but how did they get in a position where their luck and talent could take over? Marketing.

Marketing is an ugly word in any creative industry. None less than in music where the very idea of marketing yourself sends shivers down the spines of many “artists”. But at the end of the day its your choice – do you want to be the tortured genius or the international rockstar?

The good news is that these days there’s no excuse for you to not market your band properly. Thanks to the web, the things you’re probably doing already anyway can quickly become marketing. Stalking your ex on Facebook or searching for new music to rip off inspire you on MySpace? You’re not procrastinating, you’re “social networking”. There’s plenty of examples of new artists who have shot to fame off the back of nothing more than a few YouTube videos and there’s no reason you can’t at least try to replicate their success. Sure the world doesn’t need anymore Justin Beibers (if fact it could do with one less) but if your band with all your talent could get just 1% of the eyeballs his YouTube video’s have got that’s your break right there.

Although the fashion these days might be for new artists to go straight to market – building up a massive fan base through social media to the point the record company exec’s are going to be lining up and mud-wrestling to the death to sign you up, remember that most bands still get their break in the traditional way, seeding their music out to the people in the know and hoping that their samples will make their way to the people who pull the purse-strings at Sony or wherever. Again thanks to the web the process of getting your music out there isn’t nearly as painful as it once was. Make sure your Myspace page is pimped out with your latest music and videos. Put together a proper website of your own with your own web address. Doesn’t seem to be anything too fancy – use something like Basekit or WordPress to get up and running quickly.

Work out the best way to share your samples with the widest possible number of industry bods. That might be through your YouTube channel. Or something like SoundCloud. You might want to burn 1000 CD’s and deliver them by courier pigeon – that’s cool too. In fact ideally do all 3. The key thing to remember is that marketing doesn’t stop once you’ve posted your sample or got your website live. The real work is getting the right people onto your sites or listening to your stuff by whatever means. For most bands that’s going to mean playing the game, hustling, keeping your ear to the ground for opportunities to play to the right crowds. Don’t forget – it’s a game, and if you’re serious about your music and making it heard you don’t only have to be willing to play but you need the tenacity to play it well and go the extra mile.

photo credit: rxb

Karaoke is a global, unstoppable phenomenon whether one likes it or not. All over the world people descend on karaoke nights to give their best, often painful rendition of their favourite songs. But are there some songs that should just never be attempted? Unless of course you do happen to be Mariah Carey or a professional musician which while very plausible is not going to account for 99.9% of people.

1.       Frank Sinatra-New York, New York.

You are not and will never be Frank Sinatra! Only one man can sing this record and his name….is Frank Sinatra. Even if you do manage to sing it perfectly you will still bore the holy hell out of the room. Leave well alone. To put into perspective quite what a legend Sinatra was, there was an unofficial album made combining Sinatra and Biggie Smalls and you know what; it worked!

2.       Whitney Houston-I Will Always Love You.

Again unless you are Whitney Houston, or a singer of similar renown, its best to leave this well alone. Very few people would be able to hit those high notes and if you can’t, you will end up looking like a car crash with the entire bar laughing at you. For karaoke to work the singer must at least have a chance of doing a plausible version of their chosen song.

3.       Journey-Don’t Stop Believing

This incredibly annoying record was thankfully long forgotten until it was resurrected courtesy of Glee, Thanks. Now it is probably better known and played than at any point in its history. Hence if you sing this at karaoke be prepared for a combination of hatred and the complete hijack of your song by the rest of the audience through a spontaneous sing-along.

4.       B 52’s-Love Shack

Just an incredibly dumb record with a stupid video and stupid lyrics. A Karaoke staple however, if you’re performing with friends. Not only are the majority of friends’ harmonies likely to not be harmony, but this song literally goes on and on and requires little ability to sing, thus the results are generally abysmal. On the plus side though you can remember why you hated this song all over again.

5.       Sinead O’Connor-Nothing Compares 2U

Firstly karaoke, if anything, should be a laugh and fun. This song is utterly depressing and will cause a nuclear shift in the room’s mood. Never ever, ever should anybody sing this in public! Furthermore the only reason you would sign or listen to this is to dig up the past, either publicly or in your mind, so what is the point? I would bet money this song receives more boo’s than any other.

6.       Wham-Club Tropicana

Anyone who sings this is a complete jackass. Damn you George Michael for inflicting this on the world. At least George could sing, personally not my cup of tea anyway, but for someone to try and sing this at a karaoke night, considering all the other songs they could have chosen, would worry me immensely. There were some good songs in the 80s; this was not one!

7.       Aqua-Barbie Girl

Without a doubt one of the most ridiculous record ever devised! Nobody actually likes this record if you do may I suggest a trip to the doctor! If you wish to inflict this on an audience then I applaud your bravery, nothing more. I can think of few other songs that would merit such a response of drinks being thrown and raucous booing. If you sing this I pretty much guarantee you will leave the bar soon after, hanging your head in shame.

8.       Albino Black Sheep-Peanut Butter Jelly Time.

Not that I condone assaulting people but if you were to choose to sing this at a karaoke night then a severe physical assault is probably on the cards. Think flying glasses and a stage invasion. I stand corrected this is the worst, most annoying, stupid, ghastly record ever created! It’s so bad I can’t even bring myself to talk about it. LEAVE WELL ALONE PLEASE.

9.       Adele-Someone like you

Again Adele is a phenomenal talent, how often have you heard someone cover this record and genuinely liked it? Rarely at best! Bear in mind I’m talking about professional singers here. It’s her unique voice and emotion that makes this record as amazing as it is. Now think of some drunken idiot trying to sing the same record and it’s almost a crime against music. Some records should never have the ignominy of being an option for karaoke. This is one.

10.   Bonnie Tyler-Total Eclipse Of The Heart

Another shocker from the 80s that people feel compelled to resurrect. The original version is 7 minutes long! While the radio version is almost 5 minutes long! If you’re unfortunate to have the longer version performed in front of you by any Bonnie Tyler wannabes, I think pulling the plug is acceptable you’ll probably receive more cheers than boos.

So there you have it; the 10 most annoying and impossible to sing karaoke songs. If you think I’ve forgotten any obvious songs please comment below.

Written by Annabel, Event Organiser for Chillisauce, Specialising in Stag Dos and Hen Party ideas

10. Public Enemy

Public Enemy logo

The image of a black man visible in a rifle’s cross-hairs is perhaps the most recognizable rap logo of all time and it belongs to Public Enemy. Their name, logo and lyrics clearly let you know where the members of Public Enemy stand on the topics of politics and the social climate.

9. Dead Kennedys

dead kennedys logo

A white and black DK on a red and black background is well designed and artistic. Appearing on almost every album the Dead Kennedys made, the logo was designed, it is rumored, to be easily spray-painted on any surface.

8. Tesla

Tesla logo

The band’s name is set against a globe and surrounded by four lightning bolts. Not only does it leave no doubt as to the group behind the symbol but it pays tribute to Nikola Tesla, after whom the band was named.

7. Metallica

Mettalica logo

Singer and guitar master James Hetfield designed the group’s two logos himself. The better known of the two, the band’s name in large, angular script, appeared on the band’s albums and business cards until the new logo was introduced in 1996.

6. Guns N Roses

Guns n Roses logo

Though we miss the days when the band didn’t suck, the logo remains tried and true. Two guns facing in opposite directions, wrapped with roses and centered between the band’s name, the logo has lent itself to tattoos around the globe.

5. Van Halen

Van Halen Logo

The logo for Van Halen, a stylized VH, would look right at home on the front bumper of any car in America. Many don’t know that the wings of the letters were switched from plain to curvy to announce the departure of lead singer David Lee Roth and to welcome Sammy Hagar into his place.

4. Scissor Sisters

Scissor Sisters logo

Who could mistake these scissors as anything but the band’s logo? A simple pair of scissors is given a makeover with a pair of high-heeled legs where the blades would be.

3. Tool

Tool logo

Making what we hope is a joke of their name, the logo was surprisingly uncontroversial. An adapted spanner was labeled with the group’s name and had a decidedly fallice-like feel.

2. RUN DMC

Run DMC logo

The simple and stark logo of RUN DMC, the rap group’s name flanked by a red line at the top and bottom, was as recognizable in its day as it is now. The logo adorned boom boxes everywhere and was seen across the chests of teenagers all over the world.

1. Smashing Pumpkins

Smashing Pumpkins logo

The simplistic heart containing an SP has been carved into school desks and drawn on notebooks of fans everywhere. Beautiful in its minimalism, the logo will be in our minds for a lifetime.

Logos, like any great marketing tool, serve to keep products in the minds of the consuming public long after those products have outlived their use. Rock logos are no different and, while there are hundreds of bands with great logos, these are the ones that we’ll never forget.

Avery Petersen consults small businesses on their marketing strategies. Logomojo.com is his trusted partner in providing logo designs that stand out in a crowd.

Here are a few that stood out to me in the review of albums that came out in 2011.

The Weeknd – House of Balloons

Nobody knew much about The Weeknd when House of Balloons was released in early 2011 – but after the buzz and hype of the mystery of the artist died, it was discovered that House of Balloons was the work of Toronto-based artist Abel Tesfaye.

Interpreted as a testament to heartache as imagined through the eyes of a playboy drowning in drugs (not literally), Tesfaye’s tenor is part R&B, part soul part “druggy atmospherics” – this album is quite an ingenious mix of genre.

Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues

The turbulent creative journey to write (or perhaps, re-write) Helplessness Blues is reflected in the darker, more uncertain mood and lyrics.

There is still the bright indie-rock vibe that Fleet Foxes has become known for, but there is a new tension in the album that is new – but it is a tension that has allowed for the growth and expression of the artists. The self-reflective, analytical and inquisitive nature of the tracks of the album did not, for me, dip into the territory of self-indulgence.

And if you decide not to take a listen to the lyrics, the beat and the musicality of the tracks is sure to keep you smiling.

St. Vincent – Strange Mercy

The third solo album of Annie Clark is being heralded as her best yet. Weird and beguiling this album touches on the history of 60′s brit-rock and practically crowns Clark as the queen of intelligent alt-rock.

This is another album, like, Helplessness Blues, where the melody and the lyrics don’t quite match – the album may sound catchy and upbeat, but listen to the lyrics and you’ll find that it is full of doubt, insecurities, and heartbreak.

Kurt Vile – Smoke Ring For My Halo

People hadn’t really heard of Kurt Vile until 2011, and 2011 could be called the year of indie folk. And the year of indie folk found their anti-hero in Kurt Vile.

Compared to Bob Seger, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan the self titled “epic folk” artist has cleaned up his act in this album. Previous work, though praised as steps in the right direction for this throwback artist, weren’t seen as his ultimate achievements. Smoke Ring For My Halo is polished and intelligible conversation with an artist who knows exactly what he is saying to both himself and the audience.

PJ Harvey – Let England Shake

The 10th studio album of artist PJ Harvey is rooted in an engagement with the world and the times that is evident throughout. Considered her most complete album to date, Let England Shake is a meditation on the current global-political situation – a record “tailor-made for times of recokoning” according to nme.com.

If you missed these albums, it might be quite worth it to take a listen, and if you have heard them, what are your thoughts?

Jade Evans is a freelance writer who works in an industry she loves, but has to take a break sometime. Occasionally that means getting tickets to Roger Waters or her favorite band that is playing locally; everyone needs to decompress.

The Miami Winter Music Conference (or ‘WMC’) is an annual festival of dance music that takes place each year under the warm Miami sun. The conference first began in 1985 but since then has grown to become one of the most respected events on the dance music scene. The WMC provides an opportunity for some serious networking for dance music insiders, as well as the chance to gain valuable exposure for those who are looking to make their mark on the scene. While the event has become incredibly popular with producers, DJs, promoters and record label insiders from the US, a good proportion of the 300,000 attendees are made up of visitors from overseas, particularly countries like the UK, France and Spain.

So what is it that attracts people to the WMC? Miami flights are not cheap so there must be something other than the promise of partying? As the WMC has developed over the years, a whole series of events have grown up within it and around it, so that now the event has a comprehensive schedule of lectures, panel discussions and exhibits. There are also competitions – for a range of industry careers, including VJs and DJs – which provide the chance for valuable exposure, both to a new, American audience and to the industry figures attending, who might just spot a talent they want to develop. One of the highlights of the week are the annual International Dance Music Awards, which are decided on votes from more than two million music enthusiasts in 206 countries around the world. There are 57 categories of awards, recognizing legendary industry contribution, as well as the best in up and coming talent.

Of course it’s not just the serious side of the dance music business that the WMC is known for. In a place like Miami it would almost be a crime not to get out and enjoy the weather and that’s where the WMC pool parties come in. Ever wanted to network your way to a record deal while sitting by the pool listening to a gorgeous DJ, surrounded by lots of tanned people in swimwear? Well at the WMC you’re likely to get closer to this dream than anywhere else! The WMC pool parties really are legendary and are attended by the cream of the electronic music world, many of whom will take to the decks, to the delight of the partying crowd.

Tickets for the WMC go on sale in the autumn of the year before the March event and the ticket price varies quite a lot depending on when you register. If you register for the event in early autumn then you will pay around $300 for your ticket. After that the prices continues to go up until the month of the WMC itself (March) when you’re looking at paying between $450 and $500. The fee will buy you a WMC badge and this guarantees entry into most of the events, panel discussions, forums etc. It will also get you into a number of the parties and club nights, but some tend to charge extra – usually in the region of around $10 or more.

If you want to book yourself in for a trip to the WMC it’s a good idea to book this in early, both from the point of view of getting the best deals on Miami flights and also the early bird ticket prices for the event itself. Whether you’re looking for a step up in your career or you just want to indulge in the latest music technology, you’ll find an event, exhibit or club night at the WMC where you can do just that.

5. Billy Ocean “Get Outta My Dreams”

Even though this is an old school song, Billy Ocean could really sing. His video that accompanied this song that just featured him using the car as a prop speaks perfectly to the song’s message. It’s a great way to relive the 80′s.

4. Audioslave “Show Me How To Live”

The opening of this video with the radio station talking about the freedom that comes in driving the open road is just perfect. Moreover, the video ends with the band crashing their car into a police baracade with total abandon.

3. Dr. Dre “Nothin But A G Thang”

This song introduced Dr. Dre as a solo artist and brought Snoop Dogg onto the scene as well. Anyone who grew up in the 90′s can relate to the scene with the car rolling down the street as all the people in the neighborhood party.

2. “Life is a Highway” Tom Cochrane

Even though he doesn’t drive in this video, the idea of standing on the highway and taking it over it a lot of fun. Cochrane hit this one on the head.

1. “Just What I Needed” The Cars

No list like this would be complete without the cars. All of their videos feature references to cars and driving whether the band is actually driving or not. A great video from a classic band.

This was a guest post on behalf of Oils & Stuff who sell engine oil for cars, motorbikes and other vehicles online.

photo credit: Lotzman Katzman

Extracurricular activities are often encouraged from a very young age in school children. It teaches them to have fun, make long lasting bonds with other children, teaches the discipline needed to improve at whatever it is they choose to do, and how to work in a team. Playing in an orchestra is one such extracurricular activity that has immense benefits for those who take part.

In the ever-increasing competitiveness of higher education and the first steps into the adult workplace, more and more encouragement is being given to children to enhance their educational CVs. Extracurricular activities, such as joining an orchestra, are a great way to add a bit of gloss to an application form in years to come.

Even though joining an orchestra sounds like a good idea to put down on a curriculum vitae, the defining benefit has to be that it makes your child a more rounded person. Joining an orchestra demonstrates commitment: commitment to choosing an instrument that you have to love and cherish for years to come; commitment to becoming a vital cog as part of a wider team effort; and the commitment to spend hours and hours of daily life honing a musical craft.

These are all attributes that will stand your child in good stead as they move through life. Some people are lucky and have a natural talent for a musical instrument, making a career out of the choices they made as a child; others are not so lucky but still find huge enjoyment out of playing music as a leisurely pursuit.

By choosing to be in an orchestra, your child will have to learn quickly how to take direction to become an effective part of the team. This will be vital in teaching them important life lessons; in any line of work or any type of relationships you find yourself in, there has to be a common work ethic, team effort and of course dedication to your individual role.

The earlier your child can learn the lessons, and of course the enjoyment to be found from playing music as part of an orchestra, the better they will be in the long term. Learning to play an instrument can be hard work and it will take time and dedication to learn, but it will be worthwhile in the end.

So if you want to teach your child how to work independently on an acquired skill whilst working amongst a team and taking key direction at the right times, inviting them to join an orchestra would be a good idea. Orchestras at school teach the utmost discipline to work in time and tandem with other skilled individuals, whilst also allowing your child to develop musically, with an instrument that could potentially provide a future career or at worst a life-long hobby to enjoy and cherish.

This post was written by Rachel, a keen orchestral player whose love of classical music began when she played in the orchestra at Bromsgrove School.

Adelle – Someone Like You/ Rolling in the Deep

This hot UK artist proved at the recent MTV video awards that she can really sing. She doesn’t need backup dancers or a whole team of sidekicks on stage with her at the same time. All she needs is a piano or her own voice to deliver a moving performance. But at the same time, it’s almost impossible to listen to the radio for any amount of time without hearing one of her current hits. They are haunting and beautiful, but much less so now that we’ve heard them hundreds of times before. But fear not, Adelle undoubtedly has more hits up her sleeve and shall be making great music for a long time to come.

Foster the People – Pumped up Kicks

This band is the most likely candidate to be a one-hit wonder on this list. Their first hit out of the gates is incredibly catchy and proven to be incredibly popular among hipsters and anti-hipsters alike. But we’ve already heard this song enough times that we’re ready for another track off their latest album. There’s no doubt a second release won’t be able to live up to the hype created by this particular song, but they definitely need a second hit to stay relevant.

Katy Perry – Last Friday Night

This song is immediately catchy and the video is genius.

Katy Perry proves she can break free from the mold of Lady Gaga-like music videos that seem to be dominating the scene these days. This tune is fun and self-aware, and this hit obviously doesn’t take itself too seriously. It shows a charming girlish side that is definitely important for reaching a whole new fan base. Unfortunately, this is a prime example of a song that is catchy from the beginning but eventually wanes in staying power.

Maroon 5 Featuring Christina Aguilera – Moves Like Jagger

Who would’ve thought that a song about dancing like Mick Jagger would’ve been a hit? It either takes extreme genius or complete cluelessness to even think about writing a song like this. This song had the benefit of debuting on “The Voice” and it has taken on a life of its own ever since. This was the tune that managed to knock Katy Perry off of the top, and it’s still going strong today. But in all honestly, can you really stand to hear this tune one more time?

Nickelback – When We Stand Together

This song is relatively new and really hasn’t received a lot of airtime. But since all nickel back songs sound the same, it seems like we’ve heard this one time and time again. Some people didn’t even know that this Canadian band had released a new album because this song sounded exactly like the last one.

LMFAO – Sexy And I Know It

This hit is fun to listen to and a great radio jam that is beginning to wear out its welcome. It’s still a popular hit in clubs and has a kitschy appeal that adds to its lifespan. But LMFOA should thank their lucky stars that they had a few hits before this one. Otherwise it might have been the “I’m too sexy” for today’s generation, and the destiny of the band would’ve taken on a whole different direction.

This look at popular music of today comes to us from our friends at karaokemachineguide.com where you can find information on home singing, karaoke versions of the songs, or great equipment like wireless headphones so that you can enjoy music in your own living room.

Do Your Research

Think up all of your favorite artists at the beginning of the year. Look up whether they are touring online and find out the schedule. Summer tends to be the busiest time for the concert season, so chances are there will be a concert somewhere near you soon. Find out the exact day, time and location of the concert. Call the venue to find out the ticket price several months in advance and find out if there are any rebates or deals available for the tickets. Research helped you write better papers in school and can help you save tons on tickets.

Order Ahead of Time

After doing your research, buy your tickets as far in advance as possible. Many venues offer discounts when you order tickets months in advance. Tickets often end up being more expensive closer to the date of the concert. Buying in advance can help you get better seats for cheaper prices.

Work Through the Venue

Buy your tickets directly through the venue whenever possible. Websites and other venders usually charge processing fees and shipping fees. Call the venue and purchase your ticket over the phone or travel there ahead of time to pick it up yourself. Let the venue hold onto the ticket instead of having it mailed to you. This will save on shipping fees through the venue itself.

Use Multiple Websites

Sometimes you can’t help but purchase tickets through a site. Look through multiple websites, such as Ticket Master, See Tickets, Ticket Web or Star Garden. Prices can vary wildly at different sites, as sites may offer specific discounts or deals that others do not. Do your research on these sites well in advance to find which one offers you the best deals.

No Scalpers!

Sometimes you can get desperate while looking for tickets. That’s understandable. We’ve all been there: waited too long to buy the tickets, got busy, life took over and suddenly it’s two days before the concert and we don’t have any tickets. Its at this point that scalpers can seem appealing. Never go to scalpers! They’ll often charge double or triple the cost of the ticket. Just accept you missed the concert.

There’s no reason you can’t be saving a lot of money on concert tickets. Imagine saving five dollars a ticket for 10 concerts. That’s 50 dollars! You could go on a date for that much money. You could even buy a different concert ticket!

Photo credit: Metallica at Rock Werchter 2009 by Christian Holmer/flickr

Mary Blanchard is a self diagnosed coupon addict! She loves to find the best deals, share her advice and investigate options. As an addict, she provides information for other addicts or just those who want to find the best buy for their dollar. One of her favorite free online coupons sites is Coupon Croc in the UK, check them out to see why.

Music is a source of joy for many people, but actually singing can cause some people distress and embarrassment. Although singing on pitch and with clear, strong vocal timbre comes more naturally to some people, everyone has the ability to sing in a pleasing manner. The trick is to apply yourself properly. Singing, just like reading or writing, is a skill that requires plenty of practice in order to be done right. It’s never too late to learn how to improve the quality of your singing.

One important aspect of making your voice sound musical is paying attention to pitch. If you have a piano, this can be a big help, as lining your voice up with the piano will help you to perfect your pitch. When you want to learn how to sing, practicing scales is a time-honored method for getting used to how the notes interact with each other. If you are serious about singing, you should run through your scales regularly, several times a day if possible. You can also practice by singing along with a favorite recording so that your voice matches up with the singer. The better your ability to sing along with another voice, the more prepared you will be to sing on pitch without the benefit of a guiding melody line.

Another important element for good singing is maintaining breath control. One problem that people frequently have before they learn to sing is that they will run out of breath in the middle of a phrase or sentence. It is vital to train yourself to store up breath so that it lasts as long as it is needed. Take deep breaths between phrases so that you don’t need to halfway through. Discipline yourself to avoid shallow breathing. Not only will this have a positive impact on your performance, it will boost your energy and improve your vocal quality.

Along with the breathing, you need to make sure that you are singing from your diaphragm and not just your throat. Your voice should come from deep inside you. Gather up your vocal power and sing in such a way that the listeners can hear the fullness behind those notes. You don’t want to sound reedy or nasally; these are not pleasant voices to listen to, and you will tire more quickly if you sing in this manner. Breath control and singing from your gut go hand in hand and result in a much more impressive performance in which you can focus on caressing the melody for all it is worth.

While it might not be easy to learn how to sing, it is a talent that will bring joy to both yourself and others. Taking the time to learn from a professional at SingingSolutions can make a big difference in the quality of your voice and help you to achieve your goals. You may not become a superstar, but you will know how to turn your voice into a beautiful instrument, and that is a wonderful thing.

Chris Pentago is a Singing Solutions marketing associate and has strong musical background. Have experience in electronic music and live performances. Works for http://singing-solutions.com as a marketing associate and occasionally lectures at Live Performance subject class at Australian Institute of Music in Sydney.