Lilian,
 
I am a 47-year-old woman, who has a strong, powerful and flexible voice and range.
The one issue I have had has been I am a little heavier than I'd like to be. A few injuries from sports and surgeries have prevented me from working on myself and now it is exceedingly difficult to get back into "stage condition."  I have had a band actually say as I was leaving an audition, "too bad she's so damn heavy, she's got a kick-ass voice."
My question is, how do I get them to HEAR me and not just SEE me?

Thanks for your help!

Sincerely,
Debbie

Hi Debbie,

Thank you so much for your letter. I want to start by saying how sorry I am that you had to overhear such a hurtful comment. It is obvious to me that that particular band that you auditioned for was already stereotyping before you even walked in. In the music industry, there are singers of all sizes. Yes, I know a lot of emphasis is placed on looks, but I also know there are many singers that have broken that stereotype. Singers like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and most recently Jennifer Hudson. With that being said, I feel there are two different things that I can give you advice on so let me start with the first. 

I totally understand what it is like to be injured and not be able to work out to your fullest capacity. When I tore my ACL 8 months ago and had to have knee surgery, I was really worried because I thought I was not going to be able to exercise to stay in shape. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong! When I went to physical therapy (rehab), I found out there were in fact a lot of exercises I could still do and also learned new ones. For example, since I couldn't do cardio with my legs, I did the arm bike machine. It is basically riding the bike but with your arms (and it will kick your butt!) I'm telling you this because I think if you go to a rehab center, they will be able to give you exercises to get you back in shape and help improve your physical condition. I'm not suggesting this for your music career but more for your own personal well-being. From what you said to me, I think this will help you feel better about yourself and it will help in your self-esteem. 

As for the band, I strongly believe that the more you audition the better you will get at it and the closer you will get to a YES!  As long as you go into the audition with determination, talent and full of confidence, eventually the right band will hire you!! It is important that you don't go in with a defeated attitude cause then it will project in your performance. Be the best you can be and persevere girl! That's all you can do!  Never let anything stop you!!

Good luck and keep rockin'!!

Forever rockin',
Lilian

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