How to Find Your Unique Edge
Introduction
Do your covers sound like every other musician? Does it feel like something is just missing, like the spark in your cover isn’t lighting up? Maybe it’s time to try and find your unique edge.
This guide is going to show you how to experiment with different genres and styles of music/singing to find your sweet spot, then incorporate them into your songs.
Sections:
Myths About Genres
Let me start off by saying that everyone can find at least 1 song in any genre, even the ones they hate, that they actually like. Typically, if someone says they hate a genre, like country, it’s because they have not taken the time to actually try to find that one song.
Think about it, there are hundreds of millions of artists out there with different interpretations of a genre. I’ve even heard someone with a british accent sing country. Was it weird? Yes. But it goes to show there is no limit to the different variety of singers for one genre.
Mixed and Subgenres
Now I want to go ahead and break your bias of genres, there are millions of genres and no that isn’t an exaggeration. That is because there are even mixed-genres, where you take two things and make them into one. Ever heard of country-rap? Yep, it’s a thing.
How to Get Out of Your Head
Before you fall down the rabbit hole, let me give you some tips. Start at the top and work your way down. I suggest looking at The Hot 100 Chart by Billboard and try to sing either a verse or chorus from each song.
The more you hate the song, the more it’s worth trying and here’s why:
When you hate a song, it’s typically because of either, you hate the singer or you hate the instrumentals. This is great because, when you go to try it, you’re going to intentionally not sing or play it that way. This will automatically throw you out of your copycat ways and force you to put your own spin on it or should I say your own unique edge. Are they always great? No, but it’s a great way to start by getting you out of your head.
Whereas, the songs you love, you are going to try really hard to get it to sound exactly like the song. Why? Because you love it and there is no reason for you to try and change it.
How to Find New Genres
Once you’re done with the hits and want to try something even more different, then it’s time to genre jump. Here are my top three techniques:
Option 1: Go to Google and search “list of all music genres”. Google should automatically give you a list of some at the top, but if not a bunch of lists from websites should come up.
Option 2: Look up some of your favorite artists on Wikipedia and on the right, you should see the genres they are listed under, some might surprise you.
After you’ve found some genres:
Go to YouTube and search -your genre- playlist. Then start flipping through, if you hate the song, try to skip to the chorus before writing the song off.
Tips for Practicing New Genres
Now that you have a good little list of some new songs, it’s time to give them a try. Here are my best tips to really give the songs a chance.
- Take the time to learn either 1 verse or chorus. (This will also help you develop how quickly you can learn songs.)
- Get your camera, voice recorder, or webcam out and make sure to record.
Hint: Record all of them today and wait to watch your recordings until tomorrow. That way you see them with fresh eyes. In my experience, songs I hated that day, I might see hidden potential from tomorrow. You may even notice unique things you did with your voice or playing that you like and want to keep working on.
Last Notes
There are many benefits to experimenting with different genres. Such as improving how quickly you learn new songs, advancing your musical appreciation, and developing your unique edge.
Resources
https://www.musicgenreslist.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_music_styles
https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100
Best Wishes,
Keyla Jones - Melodity.com
