 L*A*M*P Hits a High Note with
Vocal Mecca 2004!
by Jimi Yamagishi, SongNet
June 19th
marked the return of L.A. Music Productions' VOCAL MECCA!
In the cool new setting of Hollywood's Cinespace,
the event started off with attendees networking over the complementary continental breakfast (the filled croissants were the BEST!) followed by a keynote
address by respected performer and coach Roger Burnley. Roger shared a bit about what he does as a coach, running through both the mechanics of singing as well as dealings with the industry.
Attendees were then split into three groups to work directly with three of the most respected voice specialists in the world.  Lisa Popeil took her group through the anatomy of singing, how upper and lower
chest and diaphragm muscles need to work together to avoid losing power and "running out of air". Keeping the ribcage expanded while singing was demonstrated with the group "shhh-ing"
as the breathed out. She explained that the old adage "No Pain, No Gain" was totally incorrect for vocalists, that ANY exercise in range expansion or change in technique
should be comfortable, and anything beyond that could possibly cause injury.
 Meanwhile, in the next room, Steven Memel provided insight on performance, how to better connect with your audience, not only by vocal technique, but also
subtle changes in body language and phrasing. Simple things like the nod of your head, or the look in your eye, how a word is pronounced. Whether you're a
performing artist or not, it all translates into how a song comes across, and is an important part of delivering emotion.
 In the patio area overlooking Hollywood
boulevard, James Lugo ROCKED the house, explaining how to achieve the kind of power required to fill an arena or get that in-your-face presence needed by touring artists, by using
muscles that are normally overlooked in traditional vocal training. Starting off with a "witch cackle", everyone in
his area was able to see and feel the change and how spreading the load across the different muscle groups affected how the vocal cords worked.
While an hour with any ONE of these great trainers and educators would be an extremely valuable experience, after a wonderful catered lunch buffet, attendees got to switch to another
teacher, and once again after that, so that everyone got to experience ALL THREE before the day was done! BUT THERE'S MORE!
After three hours gathering different parts of everything you need to know about singing, a listening panel made up of some of the most successful vocal contractors in the business
discussed what kinds of jobs are available and how to get them before finishing off the event with a listening session of CDs from the attendees. Contractors included Maxi Anderson,
Monique Donnelly, Jon Joyce, Randy Crenshaw, and Angie Jaree. Amazing demos were heard, with an underlying buzz of "why aren't these people signed?"
going through the room, proving that some of the best talent in L.A. is still yet to be utilized.
Utilized, not discovered, because as was also mentioned, you have to be pro-active and knock
on your own doors, and work your own careers by making the right connections at seminars and events. Learning how to do it yourself is essential, and if you're serious about your career,
L*A*M*P will help light the way!Read bios of Vocal Mecca 2004 panelists HERE. Photos courtesy of Judy Lamppu and Steven Scott of Los Angeles Women in Music. |
