Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Singing tips-Don't tax your voice b4 the gig


When preparing for a performance or studio date, “the obvious thing to do is rest.” “But there are environmental things you might not be aware of or consider an issue, like being in a place where the decibel level is much higher than you think it is. In order to compete with the sound, you have to strain your voice to speak louder to be heard or understood (I'm guilty of this one). Many times, people are unaware that they’re in such an environment, because there are so many noisy places in our world, and we’ve come to accept them and adjust. But when you’re a singer, you have to be more aware of these environmental conditions.”
If you’re playing club dates, bars, or parties, the quality of your performance and your vocal health can be severely impacted in the hours leading up to your set by talking and socializing before you get on stage. “Don’t go screaming at a football game or tax your voice before a performance or session, even if it’s two weeks before a session,” says vocalist, studio owner, and producer Jon Marc Weiss. “That can take its toll on your throat and vocal chords and can really mess you up. Keep in mind that you need to keep your voice in tip-top shape so that when you’re called on, you can perform.”

But it’s not just the days and hours leading up to a given night’s performance that you need to consider, especially if you are singing in a stage production or any performance ensemble that requires nightly or continuous performances. “Very often, after a performance there’s a party, a reception or something, and many famous singers will say, ‘I’d love to come, but I can’t, it’s not possible.’ It’s all common sense stuff that revolves around rest and awareness of your instrument.

“All instruments are subject to environmental conditions – humidity, heat, all sorts of things. But instrumentalists get to put their instrument in a case and walk away, or put it in a room that’s ideally suited to make it sound good. As vocalists, we have to take our instrument everywhere, and there’s this intersection of our lives and this instrument. So there are all sorts of things you need to pay attention to that other instrumentalists don’t have to. But good health is good singing, and whatever you can do to keep yourself healthy is important. Every person is different, and every voice has it’s own limitations and set of things it can tolerate.” Figure out what works for you and keep those cords healthy!


Read more: Singing Tips – Don’t Tax Your Voice Before a Vocal Performance http://blog.discmakers.com/2012/11/singing-tips-dont-tax-your-voice/?utm_source=DMAudio&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=EA1249#ixzz2FPQLEv3h


Inaya Day
www.inayaday.com

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Me and the Godfather

So, guess who I've been working with? Come on... GUESS!........
Okay okay, I'll tell you....
FRANKIE KNUCKLES, the GodFather of House music. YES! No, really! It's true!

He and his production partner, Eric Kupper form the team called "Director's Cut" and they did a remix for my single with Marc Jb (of Bimbo Jones) , EVERY BREATH. 
Today, I found out that THAT mix of the single is nominated for an award.
Please vote for us here: hehehehe (shameless plug)


BUT.... not only that. I'm on Frankie Knuckles' album, Tales From Beyond the Tone Arm with a duet featuring Robin S. of "Show Me Love" fame! Our song is called RIGHT NOW!
Listen to us here:


Purchase here:

Frankie Knuckles is such an awesome musical big bro and mentor, (we share the same birth date, so of course he's fabulous hehehe), that he offered to produce an entire album for me, which will be my first, EVER. (after having recorded over 70 singles)
I'll keep you posted as that situation progresses. But, until then, please enjoy and support
EVERY BREATH and TALES FROM BEYOND THE TONE ARM!
You will NOT be sorry.

Blessings!
Inaya

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Do we really need to turn off electronics on planes?


Millions of Americans who get on planes hear the admonition: “Please power down your electronic devices for takeoff.”
And absolutely everyone obeys. I know they do because no planes fell from the sky. No planes had to make an emergency landing because the avionics went haywire. We were all made safe because we all turned off all our Kindles, iPads, iPhones, BlackBerrys and laptops, just as the Federal Aviation Administration told us to. Realistically speaking, I’m going to bet that a handful of people on each flight could not be bothered, or forgot to comply. 
Yet, no crashes were ever attributed to people using technology on a plane. You get the point
Surely if electronic gadgets could bring down an airplane, you can be sure that the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, which has a consuming fear of 3.5 ounces of hand lotion and gel shoe inserts, wouldn’t allow passengers to board a plane with an iPad or Kindle, for fear that they would be used by terrorists. Yet rules that are decades old persist without evidence to support the idea that someone reading an e-book or playing a video game during takeoff or landing is jeopardizing safety.
In recent studies, “There was no evidence saying these devices can’t interfere with a plane, and there was no evidence saying that they can.” I’m not arguing that passengers should be allowed to make phone calls while the plane zooms up into the sky. But, why can’t I read my Kindle or iPad during takeoff and landing? E-readers and cellphones can be easily put into “Airplane Mode” which disables the device’s radio signals.
The government might be causing more unnecessary interference on planes by asking people to shut their devices down for take-off and landing and then giving them permission to restart all at the same time. According to electrical engineers, when the electronic device starts, electric current passes through every part of the gadget, including GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular radio and microprocessor.
It’s the equivalent of waking someone up with a dozen people yelling into bullhorns.
As more and more people transition from paper products to digital ones, maybe it’s time to change these rules.
Michael Altschul, senior vice president and legal counsel for CTIA, the wireless industry association, said a study that it conducted more than a decade ago found no interference from mobile devices.
“The fact is, the radio frequencies that are assigned for aviation use are separate from commercial use,” Mr. Altschul said. “Plus, the wiring and instruments for aircraft are shielded to protect them from interference from commercial wireless devices.”
Mr. Dorr reluctantly agreed. “There have never been any reported accidents from these kinds of devices on planes,” he said.
What do YOU think?
Inaya
www.InayaDay.com

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

10 ways to pump up for Facebook fan page


I got these suggestions from Bob Baker:

1) Keep your content fresh. The key to an effective Facebook fan page is ongoing activity. So be sure to post something new on a regular basis. I recommend at least once a day if not more. Once or twice a week won't cut it. To make it rock, you need to have ongoing activity there. So post often.

2) Know your peak hours. Studies have shown that Facebook users are most active at 11 AM, 3 PM and 8 PM - with morning updates being the most effective. Of course, you must figure time zones and where your fans are into this equation. I've found I get a lot of responses during the early evening hours in my time zone, when people who work are home after dinner and before bedtime.

3) Encourage fans to tag themselves in photos. Take lots of pictures at your shows and post them to your page. Encourage fans to post their own photos as well. And ask them to identify ("tag") themselves in the photos, which will cause the images to appear on their personal profiles too - thereby spreading the word to more people.

4) Respond to comments, or at least "Like" them. When people take the time to leave a meaningful comment on your fan page, you will create a lot of good will by commenting back. At the very least, click the "Like" link related to the comment, which will appear in that person’s list of notifications. Find some way to acknowledge that you saw and appreciate the comment!

5) Share and serve, don't always sell. Nothing turns off a fan more than a constant barrage of sales messages. Use your fan page status updates to communicate with your fans - not just promote to them. Share interesting stories and links, new music by you and other similar artists, and other cool things you have discovered that they would most likely enjoy.

6) Show your personality. Share your sense of humor and quick wit (assuming you possess those qualities :-) Make your updates lively and engaging - not just dry announcements. Post photos of things you come across that make you laugh. (Like the church sign I saw in the middle of a summer heat wave. It read "The devil called, and he wants his heat back.")

7) Give stuff away. New demo tracks, live recordings, video clips, wallpaper, screen savers, you name it. Don't cling so tightly to everything you create. Loosen up and give a lot of it away. Generosity will go a long way toward making a connection with your fans.

8) Ask for feedback and pose questions. One of the best ways to encourage interaction is to ask for it. On a regular basis, ask questions on your fan page: What should we play at our next show? What's your favorite new artist? How should we celebrate the singer's birthday next week? Which of these three songs do you like best? Ask, ask, ask!

9) Thank your fans. The people who support your musical endeavors allow you to do what you do. They are your true dream team. Acknowledge the important role they play in your life. Thank them - and thank them often!

10) Make sales offers too. Of course, while you're delivering value, giving stuff away, engaging your fans, and interacting with them ... don't forget to make them aware that you do indeed have stuff for sale. Don't go overboard with sales pitches, but don't shy away from them entirely either. Strike a balance. Give your fans an opportunity to help and support you!
Check out the link to the site here:
http://www.musicpromotionblog.com/2012/11/facebook-music-fan-page-tips.html
Blessings,
Inaya
www.InayaDay.com

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Where are the "dance artists" on the billboard chart ?

I remember seeing the likes of CeCe Peniston, Crystal Waters, Barbara Tucker, Ultra Nate, Duane Harden, etc on the Billboard dance/club chart.
Now, it's dominated by Pop Artists.
It seems, unless your label has the "budget" for a chart position AND there's a pop DJ on your project, you're relegated to DJ, Beatport, and Traxsource charts.
I gotta say, at this point, I trust those charts more, as they are more authentic and true to the genre which they promote.
Check out the Billboard Dance chart to see what I mean.....
http://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs#/charts/dance-club-play-songs

Thank God that charts don't make or break an artist, even though it DOES look good on paper.

Thoughts?

Inaya
www.inayaday.com
www.facebook.com/inayadayofficialpage
www.reverbnation.com/inayaday
www.twitter.com/inayaday





Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Just in case you missed something...

Ok, so here are a few of my releases, just in case you missed something (wink)!
CLICK THE LINKS TO LISTEN & BUY.
Your support would ROCK!

ME with Chyna Ro (whom you ALL know. See if U can recognize the voice)
LOOKING FORWARD

ME with Crystal "LaDa Dee, LaDa Dow"Waters
LONG DAY

ME with Mark "Rocsta" Shine
JUMP UP AND DOWN
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LENDING ME YOUR EYES AND EARS!
ENJOY THE MUSIC!
Inaya
http://www.InayaDay.com

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Sound Advice from Bootsy Collins


" SOUND" advice from Bootsy Collins.

1. Focus on the music.  Get it to the point where the audience only needs to hear it once to get it.


2. Let people listen for free.  Then sell the physical product as a souvenir, and put out unique product online.


3. One great track is better than ten mediocre ones.


4. Don't worry about confusing the marketplace with more product.  It just allows new fans to discover a plethora when they finally tune in.  Meanwhile, the Internet allows the fulfillment of the true fan's dream, a steady flow of product.  In the old days, you were a fan of a band in high school, their next record came out when you were married.  Today, you can put out new songs while students are still in the same semester!  And you should!


5. You must work live.  It's the best way to connect with people.  You've got to be so good, you close the audience.  Performing is a different skill than playing in a studio.  Start honing your chops now.  Play anywhere and everywhere you can.  Not focused on the money, but the development of stage skills.


6. Radio is gravy.  People no longer believe radio builds career acts.  Don't be beholden to the airwaves.  See them as just another outlet.


7. Make videos.  Creativity is key.  We're returning to the age of MTV.  Either play live, demonstrating your skills, which is how Andy McKee built a career on YouTube, or come up with an OK Go-type video.  Wow us visually.  The means of production are now in the hands of the proletariat.  Hell, you can get a Flip HD camera for $150 and you can edit on your computer...


8. Experience counts.  Everybody gets better the longer they do something.


9. Haters abound.  If you're not being criticized, you're not doing it right, you're only playing in front of family and friends.  Hate intensifies the bigger you get, especially in the Net world, where everybody gets a voice.  There is no protection.  Wander into the world and experience the slings and arrows, toughen your skin.


10. Respect your audience.  Don't send unsolicited MP3s, don't send unsolicited fliers.  Everything should be opt-in.


11. Let your audience participate, let people help you.  They're dying to!  Stay in the houses of fans on the road.  Let fans design fliers and t-shirts.  Give them tools to promote you.  All they want in return is attention, and a bit of access.  These sneezers are your key to success.  Treat your core fans incredibly nicely.

In the old days it was about being nice to the PD.  Now you go directly to the fan.


12. Put up live videos.


13. Tweet.


14. Be available on every social networking platform.  Of course, Facebook, but a new act could make headway using Foursquare.  Hell, have your fans come meet you at Starbucks!


15. Press is a bonus.  Press is ignored by most people.  It's seen as hype.  Just keep thinking about being one on one with your fans.


16. Don't think any one opportunity or gig is the key to success.  You never know what will break you through.  And most times, it's later than sooner.  And, if it happens too soon...momentum tends to peter out.


17. Release dates are irrelevant.  You're in constant marketing mode.  But the best marketing is a great track, that will be spread far and wide.


That drop after the first week?

It just got worse.

Was 33.9% in 2000, it was 62.8% in 2009.

SoundScan is spinning some phony baloney about pre-orders, old school "Billboard" is lamenting the lack of price and positioning and radio support, and you're sitting there saying...um, seems right to me!

The nineties are over.  Where the goal was to ship as much product as possible, create a public hoopla and not only see albums fly out of the store the first week, but for weeks to come.

First of all, people don't even want the album, they just want the track.

And most people don't care about the act anyway.  And they can ignore it.

In other words, you've got to be in it for the long haul.  The really long haul.

You're better off not blowing your marketing budget in anticipation of the first week.  If you don't have a two year campaign in place, you don't believe in the project.  Or, you're working for a major label, inured to short term results, desperately trying to make sure you don't get fired.

In order to have sustained fans, you've got to reach an audience with music.  Not with photo shoots, not with talking head TV appearances, you've got to make sure people hear your music again and again.  But you should start with a small group.

That's what old wave media doesn't understand, how to harness the public, how to use social media to create a conflagration.

Old wave media believes you use social media to spread the word.  No, you infect fans, and then THEY spread the word on social media.  And it can take a very long time to happen.  And if you go for profits too soon, if you don't continue to improve the underlying product, you end up with something like MySpace.  A hit for a minute, then toast.

This is scary to the old timers.  They want insurance.

But that insurance can only be bought in a recording studio.

Yes, creators are more important than ever before.  Which is why labels keep going to the usual suspects, they don't want to take a risk.  But so many people are tired of this sound and have tuned out, and the oldsters are fighting over crumbs.

If you want longevity, you'd better create a new sound.  Or at least an individual sound, a personality.

A good example of the future of music is Zac Brown.  He's been recording for years.  His album's been out for eons and he's still on the road.  Not on vacation.  Furthermore, word spreads about his passion for cooking, and his desire to feed fans.  This hook builds his audience.  Anybody can have a hit on the radio, but can you bring people to the show, can you get them to keep coming?

My friend Jim Urie is lobbying to get ISPs to crack down on file-traders.  This is completely wrongheaded.  We don't want to cut down any access people have to becoming fans.  As for acquiring music...  A better mousetrap is far superior to playing Whac-A-Mole.  Don't take away the cheese, make it more enticing!

We're never going back to the sales figures of yore.  Not because of theft, but because no one can get that kind of mindshare.

But you can get some traction.  If you're willing to work really hard, continuously, always leading with your music.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

WAIT! Don't post that video without a sync license.


Musicians getting in trouble with the law – well, that’s nothing new. What’s a good music resume without a couple of arrest reports to fill out the career dips? (kidding)
But what about that YouTube “take down” notice you just received for the video you posted of your band covering “Freebird?” You got a mechanical license to release the song on your CD (right?), and the video turned out awesome, so you owe it to the world to post it online. But did you get a sync license for your online videos of cover songs?

“When you attempt to ‘sync’ a sound recording of a song with any audio/visual element, you also need to obtain a synchronization license (or sync license). This is a separate, negotiable license that allows you to use a particular piece of music in synch with other visual elements, such as in your music video.”
That’s a snippet of what CD Baby’s resident entertainment attorney/blogger Christiane Cargill Kinney posted on The DIY Musician blog in her thorough explanation of the requirements for posting videos of cover songs online. The article is titled “Posting Cover Songs on YouTube: Music Licensing Law Explained,” 
and it’s filled with serious information about compulsory mechanical licenses, broadcast licenses, re-print licenses, sync licenses, and so on, and so on. As she puts it, “There are about as many music licenses as there are ‘Beliebers,’ and they each serve different purposes.”


Read more: Wait! Don’t post that music video on YouTube without a sync license! http://blog.discmakers.com/2012/04/wait-dont-post-that-music-video-on-youtube-without-a-sync-license/?utm_source=DMAudio&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=EA1235#ixzz24xHP2kbS


Good Luck and have fun!
Inaya
www.InayaDay.com
www.twitter.com/inayaday
www.facebook.com/inayadayofficialpage

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

It's been a Long Day

Hey, I hope your season is ending well!
Mine's been great and is ending in like wise!
     Crystal Waters, (writer and singer of Gypsy Woman , Happy, 100% Pure Love, Le Bump, etc), and "I" recorded a duet together that's produced by the mighty Stonebridge.
Have you heard it?
If you haven't, you can listen to ALL of the versions/mixes here:
http://soundcloud.com/stonebridge/sets/inaya-day-allstars-long-day/

If you dig us, you can buy us!  :-)
Purchase here:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/inaya-day-allstars/id525889941

http://www.beatport.com/release/long-day/913227

     We're quite proud of our project and our little team and are looking forward to pumpin' out a few more tunes together.
Check it out and send us some positive feedback. We'd love to hear from ya!
I'll update you later!
Bless!
Inaya
http://www.InayaDay.com
http://www.theoneandonlycrystalwaters.com/
http://www.stoneyboy.com/


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

May The Works I've Done Speak For Me

As you may or may not know, I write most of my own songs AND I write and sing with, and for, other artists.

View the album art for some of the things I've done.....
So when you wonder where I am or what I could be doing,,, If you're wondering if I write or if I'm "STILL SINGING", here ya go  :-)
Enjoy the views and read the comments. (feel free to leave some positive ones of your own).




Soon,
Inaya
www.INAYADAY.com

Monday, June 4, 2012

Oh Oh Sometimes, I get a BAD feelin' yeah!

Well, I've got something on my mind.
      I figured I'd write this little bit of information out so people can spread the word.
 When I tell people that "OH OH SOMETIMES, I GET A GOOD FEELIN', YE-AH", is sung by none other than the legendary ETTA JAMES and their reply is shock and awe, I get a bit bothered.
   It's a disservice to music when people take full credit for songs and neglect to acknowledge the vocalist.
I see it as a pure insult to the world of music, and the earlier creators of it, that THAT song is so huge and people have NO idea that it's snatched from Etta James's SOMETHING'S GOT A HOLD ON ME.
See HER video here:
http://youtu.be/WzibSiJv8hc


So, I figure, let's give respect when and where it's due!
Big Ups to Etta James for MAKING  Avicii's "LEVELS" and Flo Rida's "GOOD FEELIN"!!!
May she rest in peace!
Inaya
www.INAYADAY.com
www.facebook.com/inayadayofficialpage
www.twitter.com/inayaday



Thursday, May 24, 2012

Cartoon I made about producers who tried to steal my song

Hey!
Hope your spring is shaping up to be a fun one. Mine sure is; but there's always someone who doesn't have the springtime spirit.
I wrote a song with Ashleigh K for one of the artists with whom I work and the two producers, from "out of town", released it without the artist's and my permission.
Check out these cartoons that I concocted to help me tell the story.
Presenting: LAST NIGHT A DJ STOLE MY SONG!


Part I:
http://goanimate.com/videos/0J5HMuG3OT3s/1


Part II
http://goanimate.com/videos/0O36D_xYMeB8/1


Part III
http://goanimate.com/videos/0uHtucLGws78/1

We Hate Cancer!



I wanna introduce you guys to my former classmate and friend, June April !
She is fighting BOLDLY against cancer. 
I want you to read her blog - http://p0.vresp.com/axxPuT #vr4smallbiz

Then after you know her story, her talent, and her little daughter... Please help me to help her by donating to the We Love June April Foundation - DONATE HERE
http://welovejuneapril.moonfruit.com/ and please share this on your pages, via email, twitter, and any which way you can. After all, this is not just June's fight! It's thw WORLD's! 
THANK YOU!
Inaya
www.InayaDay.com

Current singles: 
Jump Up & Down: http://www.beatport.com/release/jump-up-and-down/884376
Long Day: http://youtu.be/uHRfTUgUVOI

Thursday, May 17, 2012



This year, Inaya is pulling all the stops! 
She's released an awesome reggae flavored dance tune with Mark Shine and Mike Cruz called JUMP UP and DOWN on her own label, Ny-O-Dae Music, she has a song called, EVERY BREATH, with Marc JB of Bimbo Jones on promo, and is about to release a banger with Crystal Waters and Stonebridge called, LONG DAY.
She starts her USA summer tour in Washington D.C and will continue on to Kansas, Kentucky, Seattle, Chicago, and more.
Check her website to catch her in a city near you. http://www.INAYADAY.com

You can hear and purchase the new music using the links below.
JUMP UP AND DOWN

LONG DAY

EVERY BREATH


artworks-000022991734-vbudiu-original.jpg







Friday, April 27, 2012

LAST NIGHT A DJ STOLE MY SONG!

Hey!
Hope you're having a great spring so far. 
As for me, mine's pretty cool except I had to chase down these 
"out of town" producers for signing and releasing a song I wrote with Ashleigh K without permission from me or the artist. 
I tell ya they tried to cheat the wrong gal.
I made a little cartoon about the saga.
Check it out!


LAST NIGHT A DJ STOLE MY SONG
Part I
http://goanimate.com/videos/0J5HMuG3OT3s/1

Part II
http://goanimate.com/videos/0O36D_xYMeB8/1


Part III
http://goanimate.com/videos/0uHtucLGws78/1


Chat Soon!

WWW.INAYADAY.COM
Current single: 
Jump Up & Down: http://www.beatport.com/release/jump-up-and-down/884376
http://about.me/INAYADAY
six #1 & 11 top 10 Billboard hits. 10 Aria Club chart hits

Thursday, March 8, 2012

My new song with legendary producers

Ya know, I haven't been THIS excited about a mix package in a LONG time. Marc JB & I have come out of our corners swinging!
We've got the legendary Frankie Knuckles w/ Eric Kupper, Tony Moran & Warren Rigg, Bimbo Jones, and Goldlock & Octagon ALL on one project for ONE SONG!


Here's the video for Marc's production:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMtkq5gfjPY&list=UUh1DZWMLc9sCxZA0jGUHZag&index=1&feature=plcp

And here's the page for ALL of the re mixes:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MarcjbTV?ob=0&feature=results_main

I hope you dig it as much as we do!
Inaya
http://www.InayaDay.com
Marc
http://www.MarcJB.com

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Redemption has finally come! We all need a bit of this....

So, I was sent some music from this South African producer named Mangesto who's going to a University in the UK.
He's an up and coming producer but his music is quite sensitive, which is what drew me to use a couple of his tracks.
     My friend, Ashleigh and I wrote the song and had my cousin DeVonde sing it with me.
We recorded it in my little home studio, where I do most of my records.
     One day, I got everyone up out of their beds to meet me in Jamaica Queens so we could shoot a video, including my cousin Sheryl ( DeVonde's mother whom you will see in the VERY beginning of the video).
DeVonde had to do her costume changes in the car and the local drunks were trying to figure out what the heck we were doing.
Well, here's the end result!
I think you'll dig it...... I'm the female Tarentino or Spike Lee. ROGUE! Check it out!
Video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNiwPQzuZqs

Support the arts! 
PURCHASE HERE:
https://www.beatport.com/release/redemption/869878


Thanks for your support! 
Positive feedback welcome!
www.INAYADAY.com

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Ok, you've GOT to hear THIS! Sneak Preview.

Hola.
This will be short, but effective!
You MUST check this out! MUST!!!


Video Visual:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6myB6SGNHT8


Audio only:
http://soundcloud.com/inaya-day/jump-up-and-down-inaya-day

More to come..... stay tuned!



http://about.me/INAYADAY
six #1 & 11 top 10 Billboard hits. 10 Aria Club chart hits

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Hey, I'm back from Australia! and now for Music Updates

Hey!
     So, I'm back from "Down Unda", my second home! 
I had a blast, as always! If ever you're able, Australia is a trip you MUST take.

     I have some great things popping but I won't list 'em all... gonna leave something for the next time... but here are a few points of interest for your eye-sockets and earholes.

NEW RELEASE (Feb 3rd)!
THAT PLACE: Dunk N' Aliens featuring Mia & Inaya Day


Current Release on Aria Club Chart
ONE WAY: Inaya Day



Things I saw and did in Australia

My Band is playing at 5 Spot this month!
First time in my Brooklyn home-hood.
CLICK the link for more info!


Check out my youtube channel and join me.

Gonna start posting some more FUN stuff there soon



Have you visted my website lately?

Check it out!


Please join my blog so you can always get it while the

 gettin's good  :-)



See you soon!

Inaya

Friday, January 27, 2012

Vocal Health Basics- How to Care for Your Voice

How to Properly Care for Your Voice
While there is no doubt that singing in front of a funk band requires practice and stamina, vocalists who sing for hours at a time with no amplification, over a full orchestra in a packed house holding 4,000 people, place even greater demands on their voices. Enter the opera singer and those who train them, such as Dr. Lynelle Wiens, Professor of Voice at the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music in Stockton, CA.
Dr. Wiens is a former faculty member at the Symposium on the Care of the Professional Voice in Philadelphia, and at the Pacific Voice Conference in San Francisco. She was also a recipient of the prestigious “Van L. Lawrence Fellowship” that is awarded jointly by the Voice Foundation and National Association of Teachers of Singing in order to foster interdisciplinary education among laryngologists, voice scientists, singing teachers, and speech pathologists. Dr. Wiens has taught aspiring classical singers for more than thirty-three years and offers a number of simple, common sense tips that can help any singer to reduce the risks to their voice.
Like any other musical instrument, the voice needs proper care in order to be ready when called upon to perform. Wiens counseled, “In order to function properly, the voice needs to be well lubricated. The effects of alcohol, cigarette smoke, marijuana, and other drugs cause dryness of the vocal instrument and can lead to vocal fold edema and inflammation.”
Wiens advises that “It’s essential to drink lots of water before, during, and after performances. It’s also very important to get plenty of rest and exercise and eat properly between performances. To the extent that is possible, try to avoid noisy places where you will have to shout to be heard.” For example, trying to be heard above the sound levels backstage during an opening act or in a typical van traveling for hours on the freeway come to mind as situations that might lead to further strain on one’s voice.
Dr. Wiens cautions that “throat clearing, yelling or screaming, singing too loudly for an extended period of time, singing a song that is pitched too high or too low, or putting too much pressure on your voice, all increase the strain on it. If it hurts, you’re doing something wrong. Listen to what your voice is telling you.”
Over-singing on stage, especially when the monitor situation is not optimal, is another potential cause of vocal strain. Especially for musicians on tour, Wiens counsels, “You have to prioritize what you absolutely need your voice for and then make the best decisions to protect it.” So if you are out on tour and have been nursing a sore throat, maybe the band’s guitar player can give the interview and appear at the local record store for autographs while you stay back at the hotel to rest your voice for that night’s show. Wiens added, “Taking care of your body and learning to manage your physical and emotional stress are also key factors in maintaining good vocal health. Perhaps the best preventive care is good training. Finding a good coach is the best thing you can do for yourself.”
Dr. Wiens advises that a singer should seek a professional if they have a concern about their own vocal health. “If there is a sudden change in your voice from what is normal, or if you experience persistent hoarseness and/or vocal fatigue for more than two weeks, I would suggest you see an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat doctor) who is experienced in caring for singers. Be sure to ask for a strobovideolaryngoscopic examination in order to get the most thorough assessment of the health of your voice.”
If there has been damage, a singer should ideally be treated by a team of professionals that may include an ENT doctor, a voice teacher/vocal coach that can help a singer avoid any techniques that may exacerbate problems, and if appropriate, a speech pathologist who can assist with proper rehabilitation of the voice.
“The voice is a delicate mechanism,” Wiens concludes, “so it makes sense to take preventive measures in order to help ensure a long and productive singing career.”

Hope this was helpful.

Inaya
WWW.INAYADAY.COM
http://about.me/INAYADAY
six #1 & 11 top 10 Billboard hits. 10 Aria Club chart hits

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

My Australia tour 2012... so far

Hey!
     So, I'm STILL in Australia; gigging on the weekends.
On New Year's Eve, I gigged at the Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Needless to say, it was awesome. The lobby was transformed into a Nightclub dressed in Gold, as was I!
     On New Year's Day, I had THREE shows! I flew from the Gold Coast to Sydney where I gigged at DayWash at 5pm, then the Cruise Bar  for Get Together at 7pm, and finally, I flew back to my home-base, (Melbourne), and gigged at Trak for Rogue's recovery party by 11:30pm. WHEW!
     I co-hosted a party for a radio station here in Melbourne for a new radio show called HER SOCIETY.. created and presented by my friends, Ginni & Natalie. We had a major blast. The place was packed, the entertainment was great, and I met some fun people.
     I've been eating like a queen while here. My Aussie brother, Dave, cooks his butt off  so eating at home in Melbourne is like being at a 5 star restaurant.
I DID dine in some actual 5 star restaurants. I Posted a few pics of Dave's food, and of the restaurants food.
You can also see the kitchen area at the apartment along with Pictures of Dave, Murray and Ashleigh.
Get an inside view right here! ( More to come)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.328218727198356.78759.144489262237971&type=3

Chat soon!
Thanks for reading!

WWW.INAYADAY.COM
http://about.me/INAYADAY
six #1 & 11 top 10 Billboard hits. 10 Aria Club chart hits

Monday, January 9, 2012

SHINE by Me.. coming soon in 2012

Happy New Year!
     Figure I'll start the year off with some new sounds for your earholes.
It's just my voice and guitar on this one.
     Recorded this a while ago in Germany. I think I'll release it some time this year.
     It's from the perspective of a person who's determined to succeed in spite if what's said or done to her/him. I think you'll dig it.
Have a listen.
Inaya


SHINE
http://soundcloud.com/inaya-day/inaya-day-shine


Get some of my other releases here:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/inaya-day/id14749225