A Queer on a Quest for the Idol ~

I am Jeoh Zhere, Queer Karaokier, and on on a quest for a Queer Idol win. This week, I am exploring the voice coach, and how a good one can make ll the difference.

My karaoke dude, is Stephen Chadderton. He recommended, taking a look at the advertisers on Craigslist and Now magazine to find a good coach.

His religious organisation, the Karaoke Cult takes place, every Tuesday between 10 and 2 at Neu+ral. I always find inspiration. His books have punk and roll, obscure stuff you would never think to hear on karaoke, the dude has it all … it’s a great place to kick back and sing anything that you may want to.

Neu+ral, actually is, one of the best type of places to hear LOUD music. and when i say loud …? let me put it to you this way, The bass of the rock and roll out sounds the music from a bar on College. Neu+ral’s on Augusta.

This is a picture I snapped inside Neu+ral. I just couldn’t resist the green light shadow on the wall.

Its a basement. so, a person can sit there and mobile browse for hours, singing, listening, and hearing everything from screaming and swearing, to musical theatre about jesus.

You would not believe who shows up there. Just look at their Face Book You will see artists, musicians, actors, and people with huge smiles on their faces, just because they are at The Cult.

I browsed through Steve’s catalog, looking at all the songs I loved to sing. “Walk this Way,” “Otherside”, “Blowin High Dough” are awesome songs that are fun to perform.

So I, clicked in and browsed on my mobile browser to discover, Craigslist and Now Toronto online.

Craigslist while notable for selling everything from sex to shoes, also has an interesting services directory. The ads are listed in date order, but their content can be questionable. Donna Flynn’s advert impressed me the most. Her content was professional, not cheesy.

NOW magazine approach to online classified is similar to Craigslist, but seems to be more organised, and less chaotic. Sometimes, that’s a good thing. So, I was not surprised to see Donna on that site as well. Quoting Donna’s Now Advert, “(she) offers an honest and realistic view on where your voice is currently.”

Over on Craigslist she discussing her prices. Her lessons are in two parts, “A Vocal Assessment is $90.00 and the CD is $25.00 for a total of $115.00″ Her web site has video tutorials, which I found quite intriguing.

When I spoke to her on the phone, I found her quite accommodating. She was professional, and really helped me with how to focus my voice. Scales, WhOa’s and MAH’s were sung. Breathing technique, clearly taught.

I left her session really feeling a different way about my singing, realizing that I do love singing rock and roll. But, I can’t sing classic rock and roll, for a one minute acapella piece, even if I thought that was a good idea. I really did have to stick to a classic ballad to impress a judging panel.

I am heading back to the cult with this armed knowledge. As karaoke is my one place to practice for Queer Idol, I will be singing a Patsy Cline tune, in a bar, where you will hear Siouxie and the Banshees performed by an improv actor on their way home from being on a stage all night, to being on the Cult’s stage … way WAY more than a country song.

Next BLOG?!?!?!? did I get past round one? or is it back to The Karaoke Cult, and voice lessons! Click in Oct 21 for my tell ALL of the goings on in front, and back, of the curtains at Queer Idol.

Oct 16, Queer Idol. 120 church street, Goodhandy’s.