It's been more than a month since the last update here, I do hope yourself and your loved ones are all doing well considering?? When challenges like CV19 come it's a good time to diversify, go back to basics and keep things simple.
I think we will be feeling the effects of CV19 for a long time which will change the way we move, congregate and work in our industry. I don't think it will be a bad thing though, there will be many positive changes as a result of all this. There's a lot of pressure to find solutions or envisage what comes next. Why not use this time to be centred, take things in your stride and envisage a positive outcome? Where would you love to visit? Which artist do you want to see live when it's possible? Simple things that we will never take for granted again! Writing this, I'm hoping you also want to stay in the music industry and I want to encourage you to make good changes after this season has passed.
I set up The Vocal Code to act as a community and hub of information to cultivate skills for established and new backing vocalists. It evolved from there to sourcing vocalists for specific projects like a boutique agency. The backing vocal industry in the UK at a top level is quite niche. Musical directors, Producers and Artists alike have their preferred musicians they like to work with and they usually keep those individuals in the team. This does not mean opportunities are few and far between for new vocalists. Instead it means the level of talent and personality traits required has to be matched or surpassed which is why auditioning is important. The audition panel is always made up of individuals working in the field opposed to non-industry professionals.
As a full time vocalist myself, it's been challenging to keep both aspects going. However I want to build the community aspect and cultivate information that can be useful to you going forward beyond CV19. For example I want to be transparent by informing you of your rights when you do recordings at studios and at home, registering and applying for your royalties, territories covered, correct fee structures for live shows, TV and Radio performances and so on. Vocal Code vocalists all have contracted sessions to protect their interests and needs-something that is quite uncommon unless there is a tour in place.
Essentially if you are a full time backing singer or want to be, it's useful to know what you can expect and apply these actions going forward. Protect your income, how you operate and how you claim for what is rightfully yours when you perform during (home recordings etc) and after CV19. Let's get back to basics and come out of CV19 informed and ready to go! If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover fire away and I'll do my best to answer.
Adetoun x
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