Singer

Let’s face it, it’s a job we’d all love to do.

Who wouldn’t want to be a singer? You could tour the world, make lots of money (depending how good you are!) and stand on stage as thousands of people belt out lyrics you’ve dreamt up!

Perhaps you’re a wiz at karaoke. Or maybe you’re a shy retiring type who only sings in the shower. I know I haven’t sung since...well, ever!

Either way, shows like the X Factor have made it possible for average Joe’s to become superstars overnight. Glasgow’s very own Nikitta Angus came sixth in 2006. You have to be able to take the good with the bad in the music business, and the bad news is that you’ll have to wait another year if you want to audition for the X Factor, as the Glasgow auditions for this year’s show were held on June 9th at the SECC. Look on the bright side, YOZILA reader, that’s a whole year to prepare yourself mentally for a slagging from Simon Cowell! Here’s an account of how the auditions went (Geri Halliwell look away now) http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/2010/06/11/geri-halliwell-flops-as-judge-at-glasgow-x-factor-audition-and-is-booed-off-stage-86908-22325917/

X Factor’s not the only way to make it as a singer. There’s Britain’s Got Talent... I’m joking of course, the road to fame does not necessarily involve Mr Cowell.

If you’d rather adopt a more academic approach the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) is the place to go. On their Bachelor of Music programme you can perfect your vocals in masterclasses with famous vocalists, and work with all sorts of instruments from keyboard to strings. http://www.rsamd.ac.uk/undergraduate/bmus/

Alternatively you might be a fan of bands with a little style and swagger like Kasabian or The Killers. Here’s some handy tips if you want to start your own band. http://top7business.com/?id=814

The encouraging thing for young musicians is that some of today’s most successful acts like Lily Allen and The Arctic Monkeys started by simply recording their tunes and sticking them on their MySpace sites. Also bear in mind that Glasgow pubs and clubs regularly hold ‘Battle of the Bands’ events or open mike nights. Whether you’re a solo artist or in a band, go along and strut your stuff-you never know who could be in the audience.

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