Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 4/4/2011

Question
I'm having a no of questions. Please try to answer all of them.
Hi, I'm arun from India, currently doing my pre-final year in Engg. But only after joining the college & getting exposed to MJ, I realised my true calling to be a singer. Yes, I want to be, so badly (and I'm having a good fluency too). So, here goes my questions...

1. Is it possible to become a singer being right here in India - I mean, gaining that much popularity & global exposure, fame etc.?
2. If I release my albums from here, in case, how to get my songs reach a wider audience & enter the billboards?
3. Is it necessary that I make US, my abode to make my dreams come true?
4. How much will be the expenses to record & to release a single song?
5. Is it possible to release songs independently without signing a contract with record companies (expenses, if any)?
6. I'm having a little stage fear too...
7. Finally, mine's not a good voice...
Please help.

Answer
Hi there, Arun...And thanks for writing.

I appreciate your questions.  However, I am not a music industry expert.  It would be better for you to ask someone who is.  What I am is a voice coach - music coach - skill coach - performer.  So in terms of your questions for becoming a singer, marketing your work....that is not for me to answer.

I do know that there are many people who live in India who do well in the music industry.  A move is not necessary.  That is your call though.

I also know that to record a song in Canada it is around $2000 and up - depending on musical score and instrumentation - who you have supporting you on your song.  The more people/ voices/ instruments you have working with you and playing with you, the more expensive.  

A friend of mine and I have released songs online with a company called Tunecore.  This is a digital distribution company for music.  So you can release songs and tell people about them yourself - yes.

As far as stage fear and voice, the best thing for that is to find a voice teacher and take lessons to build up your confidence.

Does this help you?


Wanda