POV

Got a Voice .. then LET IT OUT
by RoXi (http://www.roxi.me.uk)

of RoXi and the Blue Cats (www.bluecats.co.uk)

Singing is such an expressive art form and one that virtually everyone can experience, regardless of whether it is for fun or as a serious career. I hear so many people with great natural untrained voices, not just in clubs and pubs, but singing as they do chores around the house, in the park, in the office during breaks, in playgrounds with their friends.

 

So why do we do it?

 

Like many forms of music, singing has been medically proven to enhance your mood and is a theraputic way to release tension, cope with stress, improve memory and counteract depression. It even aids understanding mathematics, improves timing and increases vocabulary! Whoah .. that sounds like a cure all!! Ok so maybe not a cure all ... but certainly a fun and useful activity that anyone CAN do, regardless of how pretty or in tune they sound.

 

Learning to sing, however, can be an expensive and time consuming process which can be off putting to those on a budget or who just want to have a blast at the local karaoke bar and after all, if you can belt out a few notes, then why bother taking the time to train?

 

The majority of individuals who sing on an occasional basis, will never require training, although a jaunt to a local choir, music group or karaoke night to sing for fun might improve their tuning and introduce them to a world of new friends! For those who sing on a regular basis, or who seek a career as a vocalist, then learning to sing in a healthy manner is essential! Depending on the level of experience and technical ability you want to attain, this may take a few lessons with a good teacher or a lifetime of constant training, but whatever path you choose, it will always mean doing something that isn't as much fun as just letting the notes soar!

 

In this reality star driven world, becoming a singer has become something for people to aspire to, albeit, not always for the right reasons but the reality is that singing is and always has been a creative outlet. It costs nothing to do and can make you feel great!

 

So regardless of your circumstances, let your voice be heard and SING!

Useful Resources and Links

 

Vocalist.org.uk - Singers Resource
http://www.vocalist.org.uk

 

Singing Teachers Worldwide Directory
http://www.singing-teachers.co.uk

 

Lung Patients Get Singing Therapy
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8085201.stm

 

Singing Rewires Damaged Brain
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8526699.stm

 

Singing On Prescription?
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176316.php

 

School Singing can boost children's well being
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-12392742

 

 

 POV is a new column that will appear whenever we get one in.  Basically it's a column written by a musician about whatever subject they want to.  Our inaugural column is written by RoXi of RoXi and the Blue Cats and we thank her for taking the time to be the first of what will hopefully be many more columns to come.  If you're a musician and would like to do a POV column drop us an email at JohnH985@yahoo.com.  

Simply Six: RoXi and the Blue Cats

photos copyright by Jim Obee and Mike Barratt


1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when theyknew
they wanted  to  be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis onthe Ed
Sullivan show,  to  another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance onSullivan
half a decade later.  Is there  such  a defining moment for you?

A. That is a hard question and sure the rest of the band members will have
their own defining moments, but I guess for me it was as a child during an
appearance on stage with Sooty & Sweep (famous puppet show in the UK), with
a song & dance troupe - looking at the faces of all those people watching
and enjoying the show made me feel good too and want to keep entertaining.

2 . When you’re not creating music what are you listening  to?  Who are
some ofyour favorites?

A. Between all the band members, we have very eclectic tastes in music but
lovethe blues... all the greats like Robert Johnson, Magic Sam, Lightnin'
Hopkins, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Albert King as well as more modern
artists like Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Stevie Ray Vaughan,
Etta James, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac,
BB King...  the list is extensive and ever expanding! I switch favourites as
often as my clothes, there are just so many amazing artists and songs out
there ... at the moment I'm into Francine Reed - amazing singer & songs.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on
record
or live?

A. Hmmm ... I guess the greatest moment live was winning a televised talent
show judged by the blues master himself Jools Holland and on record ..
.managing to get all the tracks on our album recorded in one afternoon!

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something  to
listen  to?
How much can music influence current events?

A. I feel that it is a two way exchange ... of course music can change the
world and influence events ... a song or concert that speaks to you can
change your perspective on situations ... like Live Aid and events influence
musicians into writing
songs about them all the time. People meet, discuss, make love and get
married with music all the time ... it can be a huge influence ... or just
something in the background depending on the listeners mood and involvement
in what they hear.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology
affected your career as a musician?

A. Technology has affected the music industry incredibly! Anyone can pick up
an
instrument or use a piece of software to create music but were always
limited to where they lived and if a label could be bothered to sign and
promote them. Now, musicians can upload their music to a variety of sites
and be heard by people all over the world without being signed.  It has
opened up the type of music people can create to provide a broader range of
styles and genres.

As a musician, technology has opened up so many ways of creating, marketing
and listening to music that it would be very hard for it not to affect a
musicians career in some way! I use it more for helping to fine tune the
live stuff ... recording everything for later review and for marketing ...
the most useful gadget I own is an MP3 player/recorder that is used to
record ideas, rehearsals and is packed with a myriad of favourites as well
as whatever songs the band are writing or rehearsing at the time.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what
type of
shoes would you be?

A. Stilettoes!

Spotlight: RoXi and the Blue Cats

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.bluecats.co.uk
Location: Enfield, Middlesx, UK
Description: From mouthwateringly cool to sizzeling hot, blues merged with flavours of rock, country and jazz
Biography: RoXi and the Blue Cats are a 5 piece blues / rock band playing an eclectic, raunchy and dynamic mix of old and new mainly blues / rock covers and original songs with shades of jazz, country or anything else with a blues vibe that takes their fancy. Dynamic vocalist RoXi has appeared in venues throughout the UK, Europe and the USA as solo artist and frontwoman for a variety of bands. With appearances on Radio and TV, her powerful, versatile range and raunchy style has been likened to such artists as Janis Joplin, Etta James and Stevie Nicks. From the gruff growl sliding into mellow sexy tones through to stratospheric notes, Roxi was born to sing the blues! Versatile lead guitarist Martin, has accompanied a range of artists including his opera singer wife and multi-instrumentalist / singer daughter as well as being a well respected teacher with students who have toured and released albums with their own bands. Singer-songwriter Rick wrote and played his own songs and acoustic blues in North London folk clubs and festivals before joining the Blue Cats as rhythm guitarist. His quirky style and vocals provide an interesting mix to the bluesy feel of the band. Master of the Bass Guitar Phil has spent his life playing professionally with a number of bands including Stomu Yamash'ta, Mike Heron's Reputation, 'Woody' Woodmansey's U-Boat. His playing is on several albums and film soundtracks, including 'The Man Who Fell To Earth'. With a wealth of touring under his belt, he has returned from a long needed break to wow the audiences again with his unique and solid style. Drummer Brian has played, deputised and performed in recording sessions with various pro and semi pro bands, orchestras and artists of all styles and genres over the years including supporting some of the biggest names in the music business! Together, their influences fuse into a unique blend of blues, country, folk, jazz and rock with a powerful and lyrical feel that gets the feet tapping. Their debut album released on 28 August 2011 is a mix of covers and original tracks that reflect the diversity of their musical style. (Free album download available for Radio Stations, Programs and DJ's see AirplayDirect Link)
Press Release: Moody, mellow, emotional, gruff, upbeat, it's no surprise that the album teaser by RoXi and the Blue Cats is already climbing swiftly up the Reverbnation Charts with the single Lotus Elise Blues already receiving airplay since it's release on 28 August 2011. The teaser single with snippets from the album is packed with a small selection of tracks from the bands wide repertoire of blues orientated music which includes a mixture of their own original songs alongside covers performed in their own inimitable style. From the opening Blue Cats Strut with it's pounding drums followed by the driving beat of the single Lotus Elise Blues shows the band are taking no prisoners. The vocals souring into the stratosphere on Ball & Chain and emotional slow blues ballad When Baby Gets The Blues catch the breath and provide a glimpse of singer RoXi's range and power whilst the uptempo jazzy Blue Cats Boogie gets feet tapping and bodies bopping... The single Lotus Elise Blues (written for their appearance at the Lotus Festival) is a stomping blues rock song with a country flavour that moves along as swiftly as the car round the track with great dynamics and energy. The single and album are available to purchase from CD Baby and the audio CD will be in all good stores soon! www.bluecats.co.uk