Forge your own way! Making your mark in music

What makes an artist successful, beyond of course their ability to sing on key or play the right note, is the manner in which they interpret a song. This is where the personal touch comes in, the part that allows singers to really "tell a story" and own it. And it isn't because a musician reinterprets a song, that prevents them from infusing their own interpretation.

Comprehension

Logically, it all starts here. In order to make your mark in interpreting another's song, you'll need to first understand what's being said. Understanding the lyrics and their meaning is vital to comprehending the emotional side of things. Print out the lyrics and highlight the key words and important parts. This step is vital in avoiding any wrong turns. When famous French artist Jacques Brel, interpreted Ne me quitte pas with a grin on his face, seems a bit irrelevant given the song subject of break-up. But in Yuri Buenaventura's 2002 Caribbean infused and somewhat upbeat rendition, he never loses sight of the text and drama of the song.

Training

A personal interpretation is rarely improvised. Take the time to practice saying the text in the most neutral tone possible, repeating over and over again. With each repetition, progressively add your own feelings and convictions. This will allow you to add different levels of interpretation and decide which best suits you.

Reflection

Before starting to sing, put yourself in place and think of the emotions you wish to evoke. Think about your own experiences and memories that may result in differences between you and the original version.

Authenticity

Your authenticity should be seen and heard. If you err on the side of caution and think only of the opinion of others, your interpretation will be shy or forced and maybe worse, lacking. On the other hand, if you focus on your song and never lose sight of the sense of the words being sung, you'll succeed in bringing life to the song that an original might not be able to and your audience will thank you for it.

Keep it real

There's a big difference between the letting go and letting go. Put yourself in the shoes of another without becoming that person. Sobriety is the final word; a humble and true version is better than one wrought with insincerity, exaggeration and/or imprecision! Better, then to lean on your own creativity: Jeff Buckley did it well. His version of Hallelujah became the definitive version of the song, preferred to the original of Leonard Cohen.

Song selection gone awry

Keep this idea in the back of your head before ever trying to take on the challenge of a new version: if you must separate yourself from the original, never downgrade. Many singers and artists with big dreams, try to take on the legends without having the adequate dexterity and talent to do so. This often leaves the first row at a venue (the family) with proud smiles and the second (the real spectators) empty. So be careful in selecting your song. Make sure to ask yourself, can I do it as good if not better than the classic (because the classics are just that for a reason).

Cover versions can also bring a welcomed opportunity to hear a different take on something that has been overplayed. Some examples: Johnny Cash who gave a stripped down version of Hurt by Nine Inch Nails or Tori Amos who rendered Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit in piano version.

Published on: 5 November 2015