Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
Here's an example of the conversation without the DJs' names:
"Unrelated rant here, but I have a gripe with a lot of these Soca artists, especially when it comes to live performances. They're damn lazy! They only sing one or two words of a verse, then point the mic to the crowd to sing the rest, and then it is “hands up in the air, get ready to jump... 1, 2, 3, 4, jump, and wave! Sickening!
I am beginning to evaluate them based on their live performance, which includes actually singing the song. Prove that you’re not just a studio creation!
In my opinion, Kes is currently the top-performing soca artist. He sings every word from his songs while still jumping up and down, carrying on. He rarely runs out of breath and consistently hits every note. Nuff respect. Kes is the ? is for me right now."
This DJ also credited Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons for their ability to sing on stage and getting it right. However, it's worth noting that Bunji occasionally indulges in excessive shouting! He also credited Nailah Blackman for doing a fantastic job. I disagree with that statement, as Nailah Blackman does not perform well in live situations. She sells an image and her team does a competent job promoting her. If you happened to see the launch of Carnival 2025 from the Queen's Park Savannah, you would understand why I feel that way about her ability to perform live. She needs to work on her stage presence and vocal delivery to truly engage the audience. While her studio recordings may be polished and appealing, translating that energy to a live performance is crucial for any artist aiming to make a lasting impact. Nadia Batson is a good example of crowd engagement and execution on stage.
While studio recordings allow for perfect pitch and seamless edits, live performances should showcase raw talent and genuine interaction. Here’s the reality: some' singers' excel in a studio but struggle with the demands of live singing. This reduces performance authenticity and disconnects the artist from the audience.
Another DJ followed up with this answer:
"I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment. I’ve been saying for a few years now that hiring artists to sing is a waste of money. Imagine these artists charging 10-15k just to sing 2-3 words for 15 minutes. In my humble opinion, that is a waste of money."
What is or could be the solution for this ongoing problem? Well, maybe they can start by "Enhancing Authentic Live Performances!" These artists should consider investing in themselves to enhance their singing abilities.
Vocal Training & Stamina Building: Singers need to invest in vocal training and physical conditioning to maintain their breath control and energy. Consistent practice can make a noticeable difference.
Real-time Vocal Coaching: Having a vocal coach present during rehearsals and performances can help artists manage their voice better and offer support in real time.
Engage with the Band: Encourage more dynamic interaction with the live band. The synergy between the artist and musicians can create a more immersive experience, making performances livelier and more spontaneous.
Less Talk, More Music: Limit the talking during performances. Some audience banter is charming, but it shouldn't overshadow the music. Instead, focus on creating seamless transitions between songs to keep the energy flowing and maintain the audience's engagement. This approach not only enhances the overall performance but also allows the artist to showcase their musical talent more effectively.
The focus should always be on delivering the songs authentically. Good idea, right! So what does that entail? Here are some ideas:
Honest Rehearsals: Artists should rehearse as they intend to perform. This means practicing with the same energy and movement to simulate a real performance situation, thus preparing them better for the actual event.
Bringing Back the Magic: Authentic live singing can transform a performance from ordinary to extraordinary. It creates a deeper connection with the audience and brings the spirit of Soca music to life. Let’s celebrate the true talent and hard work of artists who strive to deliver genuine performances.
It is true that Calypsonians' live performances lack the energy of a Soca artist. Calypsonians do not require lip-syncing to deliver their compositions during live performances. However, soca artists often overlook the fact that sprinting across the stage and energizing the audience can strain their breathing, thereby compromising their vocal quality. When they become exhausted or windless, any technical glitch will obviously be noticed and cheapen the performance.
Maintaining vocal consistency while delivering high-energy performances can be difficult, and some artists use pre-recorded vocals to ensure a flawless experience for their audience.
Striking a balance between dynamic stage presence and live vocal delivery can enhance the authenticity and appeal of performances for Soca artists. Leveraging advanced audio equipment and techniques can help mitigate technical issues and support live vocal performances.
If after reading this post you become upset or want to lash out, keep in mind that we love Soca; we applaud the efforts and dedication that Soca artists bring to their live shows. Each performance is a culmination of hard work, creativity, and passion for music. Constructive feedback can help artists grow and continue to deliver unforgettable experiences. So don't get mad; make improvements!
Keep the vibe alive, Sokah2Soca Team. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with live Soca performances in the comments! Let's discuss how we can uplift the quality of live music in our community.
