United States

Just putting this out there because that's been my experience. I believe vocalists and musicians are equal in terms of song. True, unless it's an instrumental.

No perfect match than gorgeous & amazing vocals(as yours) mixing orgasmicly with a great musician. Sadly I don't play keys and you're not in this state. : (

Using your body as an instrument is not an easy skill to obtain, but everyone has tried at some point. That is why instrumentalists do not always respect vocalists. Not everyone has tried to play the guitar or the trumpet. Not to mention, there is no upfront cost when you are learning to sing (the instrument is free).

Vocalists are (or can be) musicians, too. I've never seen any instrumentalists put down talented singers. What you may see is instrumentalists putting down mediocre (or bad) karaoke singers or the hyped-up stuff we see on shows like AI or The Voice.
I encourage almost everyone I listen to at open mics (and other shows with soloists or bands) - there is almost always something to praise about everyone's performances.
Notice I say 'almost' as there occasionally people who I can't get behind, so I dont' say anything. (Don't ask about 'Lisa the SInging Poet'!! )

The only issue I've encountered with vocalists is that some of them think I should buy their PA. The singer should have at least some of that stuff.

Talbot

My .02
Sometimes it's the singers job to take over a song other times maybe the lead/Guitar/Horn/etc...
Whatever the song calls for should be what matters.
Usually by design.

Depends on the musician and the vocalist.

One could be amazingly talented at one or both, and still not be worth a sh*t in a band.

The only issue I've encountered with vocalists is that some of them think I should buy their PA. The singer should have at least some of that stuff.

Talbot

I hear you. Would any of us take seriously a guitarist who showed up for an audition and did not have a guitar ?

A "serious" vocalist should have at the very least an equally serious mic in hand.

But then, the rest of us would likely have a heart attack from the surprise.

And the ER bill would be astronomical if they showed up . . . on time.

You cant have a gigging band - 99% of the time - without decent vocals ...
IMHO - many at the bar cant tell a good guitar solo from a bad one but if the vocals are weak you are sunk
People seem to relate more to vocals than other instrument ....

I hold great singers in high regard. Worked with some great ones in past who never made it and quit. Never take any performer for granted. Your voice is your amazing instrument and it takes a great one to master songs.

I admire your voice Ms. Ponder, you have that rare ability to sing many genres equally well. Your songs on itunes are unique, refreshing yet unexpected. I look forward to hearing your finished album.

Thx for the honest feed back!

I know what you mean about being ill prepared for auditions and gigs.

Booked my studio's performance area twice and schedule time slots. Lots of no shows and I'm not ready to play that song.

I'm a vocalist and even with all my experience and knowledge of the biz, I'm a female first and not taken seriously.

If you read my bio, I had my own band and owned all the equipment we used for our steady Saturday night gig. I was also manager, agent, etc.

I play but my tickling the ivories skills need a ton of work after not playing for years.

@Branson_I wish you had samples of your work online so I could perhaps pay you the same compliments. To answer your Q; My album is a work in progress. I managed to get songs on itunes, amazon and other sites on net. I have songs ready to go but getting them recorded with musicians is challenging. I'm patient and it'll happen in time. Even with all the minor problems(and all is minor); I'm not starving for fame this time around, I'm enjoying the journey.

Forgive but I'm watching for responses from you. You are, as is said, very interesting. Why no seek out major label? if you would not mind answering please.

Did you audition for those video tracks?

@Branson_I was signed years ago to a development deal. I was green and being signed to that wasn't what I thought it'd be. I quit showbiz for my own reasons. truth be told, the older you get, the harder it is to get signed. Though I'm going to indy route this time, I wouldn't turn down the right offer. That's doubtful, unless I have a string of hits, then I'll be signed. You need to prove yourself marketable. It's all about how they will get back the investment in you and more.

I didn't audition for those videos. Someone heard my songs on Myspace asked if she could use one of my demos for a homeless awareness project she was working on. I was reluctant at first, I never felt it was ready to be heard. She said my version of "God Bless The Child" was perfect for what she wanted. She wanted to pay me but I declined, it's an important issue and I shared her views. Long story short; she wanted to repay me somehow, so she used some of my music to help promote me in return for my kindness. If I had said no, she wouldn't be using my songs on mmorpgs videos she created.

There will be no more posts for today from me. Hope I answered your questions and have a great remainder of your afternoon and evening.

Thanks for answering and have a great nite Ms. Betty Ponder!

George and I have apparently worked with the same singers!

For all that, I believe the vox are the key element. With covers, the vox make them sound familiar. With originals, the vox define the song.

Talbot