Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Charissa Nielsen · Accepted Answer

“Take a Vocal Contractor out for coffee. It’s who you know.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Charissa Nielsen · Accepted Answer

“I would say the biggest mistake is trying too hard and being someone you’re not. I hate that phrase ‘just be yourself’ — but it’s true. You just need to be yourself and not be annoying. Don’t talk badly about people. Keep your mouth shut.
“It takes a special kind of person to be a Session Singer and it’s easy to tell if they’re going to be good at it. You have to have thick skin and that takes a while to learn. 
“I certainly had to learn it. Session singing is a lot of no’s. It’s like acting, you’re told ‘no’ more than you’re told ‘yes’ and it’s just so highly competitive.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Charissa Nielsen · Accepted Answer

“Just about how competitive it is. If you do get in, know how lucky you are. I wish people would realize they need to be a little more grateful sometimes.
People also don’t know what goes into vocal contracting. I wish people understood it a bit more, but it’s our job to educate.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Charissa Nielsen · Accepted Answer

“What’s kind of interesting is the one thing that’s great about session singing, in comparison to acting or another entertainment industry-focused career, is you can keep singing till you’re older if you keep taking lessons and take care of your voice.
“Most of the time Singers are off-camera and not on. As you age, your voice does lower, but if you keep your chops up you can sing till you die. Actors can’t do that. Ice Skaters can’t do that. You can have some pretty awesome longevity in your career as long as you put the work in.”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Charissa Nielsen · Accepted Answer

“I think for me it’s that I’m likable and fun to be around and I am knowledgeable on the union contracts. 
“My coolness — it sounds so stupid to say — but because of where I came from and working around celebrities, in session singing you’re often face-to-face with celebrities and singing for or with them and I’m really good at keeping my cool because that’s what I was around. Of course, you gotta be able to sing.
“When I was at Rick’s house Leonard Cohen, Justin Timberlake and the Dixie Chicks would walk through the door — all in one day. There was one morning at 10:30, Leonard Cohen stopped by and I served him whiskey in the kitchen then Justin Timberlake came by in the afternoon and I served him tea in the studio.”

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Session Singer