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Exercise: Your Favorite Rockstar Portfolio

Last night we attended a show rocked by Bret Kaiser’s Speedway and Metal Elvis–both updated Elvis impersonators with hyped up bands–at Martini Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. Playing an Elvis act is gutsy when so many people are harsh critics. We were even a bit skeptical at the start. But from the moment the rhythm section hit the downbeat the energy flowed like a high-voltage battery and Elvis was once again a living, breathing, hip-swiveling, hunka-hunka burnin’ love.

We’re not going to discuss the details of their performances except to say that we wish every client we worked with could have been there to understand how icons are born and out-live the artist. Stars such as Elvis, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Bono, Cher, and yes, even Lady Gaga capitalize on creating memorable personas that include details right down to pelvis shakes and monster paws. Studying their every move–even channeling their energy–can help you create your own memorable persona. We’re not talking copy cat. It’s emulation and inspiration.

So, we’ve got an exercise for you: Your Personal Rockstar Portfolio.

Whether you are aspiring to become a star of Rock, Pop, R&B, Country, Theater, or Jazz follow these simple steps to create a portfolio of your favorite singers. Reach back far into music history and let your roots grow deep.

1. Print images or cut them out from magazines and make a collage for your rehearsal space.
2. Collect videos online and put them in a favorites playlist.
   Watch your favorite singers’ postures, audience interactions, how they create moments for each song, interpretation, arrangement, band interactions, etc.
3. Download their music on iTunes and put them into a playlist.
   Listen for message, melody, interpretation, phrases, hooks, and how they build or emphasize moments. Ask yourself “why” alot. Why would this artist choose this song? Why did they hold out this or that note? Etc.
4. List the qualities and characteristics that you most admire in them by writing out your answers to these questions:
   Why am I drawn to them vocally?
   Why am I drawn to them physically?
   How do you feel about their energy?
   What are 3 words to define their identity?
5. Finally, discover the things that molded and created them. Research stories and anecdotes about them and write them down.

The Take Away

By doing this exercise you will discover your own unique qualities as a singer, performer, and person. You will become aware of what makes other singers great and memorable so you can create your own Rockstar identity.