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25 May 2010

Welcome to our Dream Inc Newsletter. As most of you are aware our Workshops for 2010 will be held on 14th & 15th August at the Parkview in St Kilda, Melbourne. Tickets are on sale now and are selling fast. With a limit of 200 spaces available you need to get in quick before they all sell out! To secure your ticket then visit our website and register now.

Announcing the Boost Up Scholarship

We are proud to announce BOOST JUICE as a partner for Dream Inc 2010 and we’re excited to inform you that Boost are providing students an all new scholarship award for 2010.

The Boost Up Scholarship gives one lucky Dream Inc student the opportunity to record their debut single that will be premiered via Boost and also taken to all Australian record companies for their consideration. It’s a bit like our Development Deals, but with the added oomph from Boost Juice. With over 40 stores in Victoria alone and a huge number of people in their Boost Vibe programme the winner's single is bound to be heard by thousands of people, and let’s not forget the all important A&R decision makers at the Record Labels. For more information about Boost Juice Bars check out their website.

Some handy tips from David Jaanz

Many students ask me how to prepare for the Dream Inc Development Deal Performances at the end of each day. Record & Management companies are always looking for someone that stands out from the crowd. Whether you are performing a cover or an original song, the 4 “P’s” of singing is usually a solid guideline to work from. They are:

1. Precision

Always work on singing in key this is the starting point for all of you learning to sing. If you do an R&B trill make sure you can do it otherwise avoid it.

If a song is out of your key pick something simpler. Keep it simple and emotive!

2. Passion

Always love what you sing and always sing from your heart. The trademark of the greats is the ability to bring "life to a song."

3. Purity

Always "create and innovate" bring your own sound and brand to the table. Don't copy lead with emotion and your own trademark sounds that give you a face in a faceless business where many look and sound the same

4. Presence

Have your own look, personality and energy! Michael Jackson and Elvis had it, Madonna has it, Beyonce and Lady Gaga have it!!

See you at the best workshops in the world...Dream Inc - Dream it -Do it!!! - David Jaanz

Find out a little more about our Artist Mentor – Marcia Hines

Look up ‘diva’ in any dictionary and one of the definitions will read something like this: a very successful singer of non-operatic songs. A shorthand definition, and far more evocative, consists of two words: Marcia Hines. Marcia is Australia’s original diva with an incredibly successful career, in the often fickle entertainment world, spanning more than 35 years.

Check out our Q&A with Marcia Hines...

Q. What was the 1st record you purchased?

A. Sergeant Peppers - The Beatles 
Q. When did you know you wanted to be in the Industry?

A. I only knew I just wanted to sing 
Q. Who is your favourite artist of all time and why?

A. Prince - he's so prolific 
Q. What is your favourite record of all time?

A. Too many to mention. 
Q. What are you looking forward to at Dream Inc?

A. Talking and sharing what I've learned so far.

Q. What are your 3 tips for aspiring artists?

A. 1. Do it for the right reasons

2. Do it because you love it

3. Do it well

Check out 5 Tips for Writing a Song from our Head Songwriter for 2010, Sarah Godden.

1. Don't be afraid!

No idea is a bad idea - even the simplest line or word can start you off onto something great. The best thing, especially when co-writing is to get your ideas out there into the mix. It helps the creative banter to flow and makes the other person feel comfortable too. And you never know what small thing might spark an amazing idea from your collaborator!

2. Play by the rules.

As much as I would say that every hit song has that special 'something' about it or certain 'x' factor you have never heard before, most pop songs (and by that I mean anything played on commercial stations or actually purchased by a large number of people) do stick to a certain formula that takes the listener on an adventure that they feel comfortable with. Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus may be one of the most common and this can definitely be chopped and changed a bit but it’s a great way to make sure you are coming up with distinct melodies and little chapters that really take your song to the right places. For example, I see the first verse as an introduction (melodically and lyrically), the pre-chorus is a great way of expanding and building on those initial ideas and the chorus is the star of the show! It’s where you let what you want to say shine and it should be the most memorable part of the song (generally).

3. Say the same old thing in a new way.

There is nothing wrong with writing about love or relationships (most songs do), but the best way to make a lyric cut through and sound really fresh and modern is to try and put a new spin on it! An interesting turn of phrase, a strange word or really personal emotion can really draw a listener in and make them want to keep listening, to find out what your story is.

4. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

The biggest problem I come across when songwriters are just starting out is the inability to cull or edit an idea. Melodically and lyrically, short is often sweeter! By this I mean not letting a melody thread go on and onto another one and yet another endlessly. Repetition is a great way to make a good idea effective so don't be afraid to use it. Especially in a chorus, which is usually a simpler and more anthemic display of what you want to say in your song.

5. Show off your best assets.

This one goes for singers and songwriters mainly, but think about where in your (vocal) register you are writing. Generally the chorus needs to lift and stand out and you certainly can't make that happen as a performer if you are down in your boots. This doesn't mean you have to go all Jimmy Barnes every chorus, but it can be a good tool to really feature certain parts of your song, to have some highs and lows. Also, though not always, a chorus melody that sits higher than the verse makes sense as it helps the listener get nice and intimate in the verse, when you want them to really hear about the story and then really give a sense of occasion when you get to your main act - the chorus! If you write a song and it feels like it's in the wrong key, don't be afraid to play around to get the best out your voice when you sing it.

2009 Development Deal Winners

The Dream Inc Workshops, with thanks to our key Record Label partners Universal, Sony, EMI and Warner, offer something very different to other workshops. A select group of aspiring and talented students are the recipients of our Development Deals, whom were chosen after their incredible end-of-day performances at our event in September 2009.

The winners from 2009 have been lucky enough to work with the creative folks at Universal, Sony, EMI and Warner. The Development Deals provided each winner the opportunity to record their own songs in a proper recording studio, with an experienced engineer and overseen by professional A&R people over a week long period. They will come out of it with a professional demo and invaluable experience and contacts. You can check out what has been happening with our winners from 2009 at our website.

Have you registered your place yet?

Don’t miss out on this years Dream Inc Workshops. With a limit of 200 places and tickets selling fast you should act quickly. Simply register now to be a part of Dream Inc 2010.

We hope to see you at the 2010 Workshops.

Michael Parisi, David Jaanz & the Team at Dream Inc