Artists and teachers consistently talk about making sure you are authentic. What does this really mean? The definition of authentic, “real or genuine: not copied or false.” How do we know if we are being real? As artists we are comprised of our influences. How do we stay true to ourselves and make sure that what we create is authentic and comes from you? When we start we don’t even know what comes from us! I believe artists should explore as many avenues of music, study them, and embody them so that when they create their own style they can mesh everything that worked for them in different musical styles. When you listen to Amy Winehouse you think how original! She meshed Jazz and Pop and got this bluesy, laid back, cool, sound that was a huge hit in the pop world.  She did what was right for her. She was mellow and liked playing with her vowels and timing. She didn’t worry about the range of the song; the songs lay pretty low and had a very spoken sense to them. She brought power and sensuality to her songs through her phrasing and tone. When Christina Aguilera covered A Song for You with Herbie Hancock they completely changed it. He played with the form and voicing while she played with her phrasing and added many vocal runs (which is one of her stamps.) They even have a section where they go back and forth with the piano and vocals. Here is a link to the original so you can hear the difference. Christina is known for her vocal acrobatics but finds power in it and that stamp is in this cover.

When it comes to being authentic you have to make sure you aren’t choosing something because it’s cool. It must feel right and you must know that you can embody it. You should be able to grab a song that speaks to you and change it to make it yours. Make choices that help you create a vibe, an emotional connection, and musical connection. That way your audience can experience the song the way you experience it and live it. It’s the way you want to present yourself when you peel back the layers. The biggest thing is that you have to feel it and 100% believe what you are doing so that your audience can connect to it.

Finally, here are some bullet points that you must keep in mind:

  • Make sure that the song feels right and there is a strong connection so that you can really sell it.
  • The lyrics must speak to you, you must be able to say them comfortably, and stay true to what you are about with them.
  • Know what is comfortable for you musically so that you have the freedom to play with phrasing, timing, melody, and form.
  • Hear what you want to do with the arrangement of the song so that it takes a life of its own and creates an emotional connection with your audience.
  • Make sure that the song you are performing isn’t a replica of someone else’s version but a new take on it.

Mostly, have fun with it! Your audience knows when you are comfortable and giving a piece of yourself. In the end, isn’t creativity and expression what art is about? To create a connection with those we are sharing it with?