What's up Lilian,

This is K.C. I'm a big fan of your work. Been a faithful WWE fan since 1988, and I can't lie cause I was kind of disappointed back then when I heard Howard Finkel was going to be replaced. However, let me say that you are a great complement to the show every week, and I don't think they could have found a better replacement this side of the earth. I actually attended a couple of live Raw events in my hometown of New York City and greatly enjoyed your vocals during the National Anthems (hell of job at the Jets games as well).

Now to the questions/advice I'm looking for. I'm an aspiring producer/writer/engineer/former artist and I wanted to know, from your point of view, what keeps your music so refreshing despite the groggy state of music these days?? I know it's kind of cliché when a lot of artist say "My passion for music keeps me going," but if no one is recognizing your vocal/lyrical ability and content then what's the point? So what keeps you doing what your doing???

Thanks for taking the time to respond.  Much love & respect!

Sincerely,
K.C.

Dear K.C.,

Let me start by saying thank you for giving me a chance when I replaced Howard Finkel nine years ago. I love Howard and have a lot of respect for him and the many things he has accomplished — especially for helping me when I did replace him. Many people don’t know that when I was hired, I didn’t have any prior training as a ring announcer. When I was hired, I was on a three-month probationary period and it was through the help of Howard Finkel and Tony Chimel that I survived that trial period and am still here nine years later.  As a matter of fact, this is my nine-year anniversary month, so thank you Howard & Tony!!

Now, on to your question. First off, I think it is great that you are aspiring to being a writer, producer, engineer & artist!! I always tell people to dream big and reach for whatever they want to be!! Just know that to accomplish all those things it will take hard work & determination! You cannot allow your dream to deflate just ‘cause it doesn’t come quick enough. I really think perseverance is 50 percent of the battle.

As for keeping the passion, I realize that sometimes the business is so hard to not only break into but also to sustain that it can wear a person down. This is when I focus on the reason I got into the music business to begin with. Was it to be famous or because I love to sing and perform? I can whole-heartedly say that it is for the latter, and that is what keeps me going!! I think when people try to get in the business strictly to be famous, it can be a cruel and very unfulfilling experience. Sure the rush of singing before a large audience feels good, but I also get satisfaction from simply singing in my living room with the “American Idol” game on my Wii set. 

I also listen to all types of music, which gives me lots of ideas and inspiration to write about. I study lyrics and the use of the voice on the recordings, especially the passion behind the music.

I really hope this helps you, K.C. If it truly is something you want then go, go, go for it! Don’t quit because you never know if that next recording or gig will get you discovered. 

Good luck and keep rockin’!

Forever Rockin’,
Lilian

Editor's Note: Lilian Garcia's "Music Advice" columns appear on WWE Fan Nation. To see her previous columns on WWE.com, visit her column archive on her Superstar page. And don't miss Lilian in WWE.com's "Diva Dish" column.

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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.

Hi Lilian,

My name is Jared and I’m in a rock band right now but we need a drummer, and we need to start getting some gigs. Do you have any advice for us because we really need it?      

Please write back,
Jared



Hi Jared,

Thanks for your email. Just know that it is never easy to get a project off the ground but I think it is important to work on the fundamentals.

First, make sure that all your band members are truly dedicated to the project and have good attitudes! Anything less will just drag the project down and use up too much energy. Second, make sure all the musicians are good. Improvements can always be made along the way, but you have to have musicians that can at least play.

To answer your question about finding a drummer, I suggest you use word of mouth to let people know you are looking for one, or use newspaper ads. Just make sure you audition them and pick them on their ability to play and the chemistry with the band.

Third, practice, practice, practice!! It really is true that practice makes perfect. If you have the passion to play, you shouldn’t mind practicing to make sure the band is tight.  After you feel comfortable with the material, invite some friends to come and see you at rehearsal and get their feedback.

Fourth, make sure that no one lets their tempers fly. Making music should be fun and there is no room for screaming and yelling at each other. I have seen too many bands break up because they couldn’t control their tempers and I think it’s a shame!

Now that you have the fundamentals and are ready to play, it is time to start promoting yourself and start booking gigs.

Keep your ears open for any venues or festivals that are looking for a band. Even if at first it means playing for free, do it! Many times you have to prove yourself before you can get paid. Try to get into local festivals, school events, and local clubs. You can always make a deal that you will play the first gig for free and if they want you back then you can negotiate payment. I have played a ton of shows for free and have never been bothered about it because I play for the love of the music, not the money!

I really hope that these tips help you and your band. Remember, things take time so don’t get discouraged. Seventy percent of this business is perseverance!!

Good luck & keep rockin’!
Lilian :-)

Editor's Note: Lilian Garcia's "Music Advice" columns appear on WWE Fan Nation. To see her previous columns on WWE.com, visit her column archive on her Superstar page.

E-mail Lilian for advice now

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.

Hey Lilian,
I am a big, big, big fan of yours and I need your advice. I started a band and I want to be the lead singer. Unfortunately, my band doesn't think I have a good enough singing voice like you, and I agree with them. So, my question to you is, how do I improve my singing voice?

Rock on,
Crystal White

Hi my name is Michelle, and I just want to say that I love your music. I love to sing, but people give me a hard time about my voice not being that great. Have you ever had anyone say that to you and if so, how do you deal with it?

Muchas gracias,
Michelle K.

Hi Lilian. How are you? I hope OK.
To start off, I like the way you sing. You have a phenomenal voice. Like you, I am also Latina and I like the way you decided to represent by making an album in Spanish. My question to you is, I have thought about doing something in music in the future. Still, there are a few problems. One, some people like the way I sing while others dislike it. I am not that good, but am not that bad, either. Still, what is your advice for people who try to put you down? Also, what do you think I should do to be able to have a better voice? Thank you for your time.

Love,
Vicky!

Dear Crystal, Michelle & Vicky,

Let me start by thanking all of you for taking the time to write me and for your very, very nice compliments. As you can tell, all of you have similar letters dealing with the quality of your voice and also dealing with what people say about you. 

First, let me address the latter. If you want to make it in this business then you MUST IGNORE OTHER PEOPLE’S NEGATIVE OPINIONS!! It’s good to listen to constructive criticism, but only if it’s coming from someone credible or if someone is genuinely trying to help you. Otherwise, it will totally drain and deplete you of your self-esteem and confidence, which are two vital things necessary for this business.
 
With that being said, I feel the most important thing to have as a singer is training. I know I have said it numerous times before, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a vocal coach or teacher guide you and train you properly.  Not having one would be like a football team playing without a coach. They may be good, but a coach will take them to the next level. 

When I first started, I couldn’t afford a personal coach, so I fully utilized my music teacher at school and asked for her help. Then when I was old enough to get a job, I saved up for voice lessons and started training with a vocal coach. Believe me when I say, my investment paid off right away! I was able to get a job singing in a cover band while continuing my training. 

If you study hard and practice, you should improve no matter what. And it will also improve your self-confidence because you will be stronger. However, it takes determination, dedication and a thick skin to overcome adversity! Trust me, in the end, when you are out performing in front of a crowd, it will all be worth it!!

Good luck, stay strong and keep rockin’!!

Dear Lilian,
I love, love, love to sing but don’t want to take singing lessons. Is that bad?

Take care,
Ryan

Hi Ryan,
There are a lot of people that love to sing for the fun of it and I think it’s great! If you are one of those people, then I don’t recommend lessons for you. I only recommend lessons for people who want to try and make singing a career, because lessons will teach proper warm-up techniques, breathing techniques, pitch control and will help expand your vocal range among many other things. 

So Ryan, sing on & have fun!!

Forever Rockin’,
Lilian :-)

Editor's Note: This is the first of Lilian Garcia's "Music Advice" columns to appear on WWE Fan Nation. To see her previous columns, visit her column archive on her Superstar page on WWE.com.

E-mail Lilian for advice now

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.