Music Advice, No. 9

Music Advice, No. 9

Dear Lilian,

My name is Leland and I am a very big fan. I love to watch you sing at the pay-per-views and as a side note, I believe you have an amazing fashion sense!
 
But to the point, I have been told I have a great voice, but I would rather sing something that I wrote myself than someone else's material. For the last two years have been trying to put together some songs, but my only problem is that I get halfway through the song and I get writer's block. I can't figure out how to get past it, so now my question has become a multiple one:
 
Have you ever gotten writer's block?
How did you get past it?
And can you recommend something for me?
 
Thank you very much for your time Lilian and I'm looking forward to watching you more on Raw. Keep singing, we all love your voice.

Leland

Dear Leland,

Thank you so much for your kind words and compliments. Fans like you are what keep me going in this tough record industry! 

As for your questions, yes, I have gotten writer's block.  It is completely normal. Usually the best thing to do is to step away from it for a little while and clear your head.  But I do carry a recorder with me at all times, (they now have one that attaches to the iPod) so that if ideas pop into my head, I can record it right away wherever I am at. I am also a strong believer in co-writing with other people. That way you can bounce ideas off each other and it really helps in times of writer's block. But it is important to write with people that have the same vision of music you do, that way your songs will have harmony.

I will give you an example. When I was writing material for my album, "Quiero Vivir," I co-wrote most of it with my producers and other songwriters that shared the same vision as I did. I felt it was important to unite myself with talented songwriters that could challenge me. The end result is a record that I am very, very proud of. But, it didn't happen overnight. The record took more than two years to make and a lot of hard work. 

I believe the main obstacle in the record industry is to not get discouraged. Perseverance, good attitude, hard work and talent are the main ingredients required to make it. If you truly love it, never give up no matter what!!!!!!!

Good luck & keep rockin'!

 

Dear Lilian,

I want so bad to make it in the music business, but I'm not sure how to get started. I am currently a solo artist, and I love to perform my own material. The problem is, there aren't many places around here to perform and it doesn't help that I'm underage so I can't do bars. I also don't have enough material to perform a set. I have had a mental roadblock lately so I can't write anything.  Please give me some advice that will help me make it in the music world.

Lexi

Dear Lexi,

Getting started seems to always be the hardest part, but I commend you for already starting to write your own material. I have learned that the more you try, the better you will get at it. It's like anything else, "Practice makes perfect"! 

As for your dilemma about not having enough material, don't worry. Since you are trying to go out and perform live, I think your set should consist of some original material mixed in with remakes of cover tunes. In other words, the perfect example is what Mandy Moore did with Rihanna's song "Umbrella." (WATCH) It's the same song, but she did a soft acoustic version of it.  Your set can be made up of 75 percent covers and 25 percent originals, and that would be fine! I think once you start performing, it will also inspire you to write more. Like I've said before, writing with other people is also great and done a lot in the industry. Don't feel like you have to go at it alone.

As for ideas of where to perform; I started singing at the age of five in talent contests and through the years performed in school, festivals, hotel lounges and joined a band at the age of 14 performing in bars every weekend with my mom chaperoning. I'm not sure if bars allow this anymore, but it is worth asking. Make sure you let them know someone would be chaperoning you. 

Keep your eyes and ears open and I think you will be able to find places to perform. I can't stress it enough, being an artist is about hard work and determination.  Try not to get frustrated and just work hard on your craft!

Good luck & keep rockin'!

Hi Lilian!

I want to know is your CD, "Quiero Vivir" still in stores because I love your voice! I would like to keep listening to your voice all the time, not only on Monday Raw.

PS: I think you are a very beautiful lady

Matt

Hi Matt,

Thanks!  You're making me blush.

As for your question, there are several ways you can get my CD. There are albums out in some stores but if you can't find them there then you can order it from:

WWEshop.com

Amazon.com

Or download it instantly from:
www.itunes.com


Thank you for your inquiry and hope you enjoy it!!

Forever Rockin',
Lilian

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The opinions expressed herein are for general interest purposes only. Lilian Garcia, World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., its subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, contributors, contractors, licensees, successors, assigns and agents make no express or implied representations or warranties about, or shall be liable for, any direct, indirect, reliance, incidental, special or consequential damages or losses arising out of or in connection with the use of these opinions, this site, its contents, or any products or services referred to herein. This includes (but is not restricted to) loss or damage you might suffer as a result of your reliance on the accuracy, completeness, suitability or currency of the opinions and advice expressed herein and the contents of this site.

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