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There is a great career to be had as a gigging singer-but why do some singers get more work than others? One of the UK's top session singers, Kim Chandler, explains the secrets of staying constantly employed.
It is no secret that Kim Chandler is one of the UK's most in-demand session singers. She's worked with Bjork, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, and Diddy (aka Puff Daddy) - to name just a few.
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She has a schedule that would make anyone's head spin: I caught her between a gig at her favorite "posh" 5-star London Hotel, a flight to Guernsey for a concert, teaching private lessons and studio work as a vocal producer. We had to speak soon because Kim was just about to be immersed in filming the next series of the UK hit television series Don't Forget The Lyrics where she has to learn hundreds of songs in just a few weeks!
But how does Kim keep getting work? More than that, how does she keep getting the kind of work that she wants, enjoys, thrives on and suits her soul? The following interview was pursued in motion - on Skype and cell phones, from trains and cars moving all over the UK - as Kim was chased between her many jobs to discover the secrets of her success!
Did you always know you would make money from singing?
If you had told me years ago that I was going to make my living from singing, I would have laughed! It was never the plan. I was studying flute at university in a classical degree program. I enjoyed singing at the time, but didn't see it as my career. Since then I've gone from being a flautist who sometimes sang to a singer who sometimes plays the flute - as I did on an album with British rockers Uriah Heep.
What was the turning point in moving from hobby to career?
Back in the late 80s I had my first job in a commercial recording session. I was thrilled with the process. The recording studio is a strange environment-you either love it or hate it-it polarizes people. Everything you do is under scrutiny. Everything you sing is going down for posterity, so it has to be the best it can be. I had never before had the experience of being directed so intensely in order to get to this level of polish - I loved it! Maybe it's because I am perfectionistic by nature. I love the live environment too but for different reasons. I try to achieve a balance in my life between recording sessions, live work and teaching-this is the mix that makes me happiest.
The music industry isn't known for its job stability and yet you've achieved a successful, steady and growing career. How is this?
It's a rare person who can just specialize in one thing in today's 'climate'. The music industry is trend based. You have to go with what is happening at the time and not berate it for not being what you want. If you want to be a part of the industry, you have to play by its rules. It's about wearing different hats-not about specializing in one thing. I am often asked, "What do you specialise in?" I specialise in versatility! People love putting people in boxes and I love juggling them! This predisposes me to having a session career. I love the variety of what I do, which is another reason why I have not considered the "artist's path" of focusing only on one style. I immerse myself in diversity; that's my art.
What advice do you have for the singer who wants to build a successful career?
First, we have to define success. I have to say that career and fame are two different things. Fame is capricious. There is no clear career path to fame-you can't guarantee it. If you just want to be famous, go on Big Brother! People who want to get into music as a vehicle for fame are in it for the wrong reasons. You have to…
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