What are my options if my voice sounds like Kermit the Frog?

[JeSsiCaRaTz]

Actually it's more like Kermit the Frog's father...and I am a female.

I am very new to recording. I am currently using Garageband, but willing to upgrade and learn.

What are my options?
I am looking to make a finished product, where I write the song, arrange and record.

Is there technology that can make my voice sound good? (I doubt it!)

If I collaborate with a singer, what does that mean as far as rights that I give up to my songs?

If I hire a singer, what does that mean as far as if I put my song on iTunes or something...what rights does that person have, etc.?

I know these are very basic, general questions, and thanks so much to anyone willing to help.

https://soundcloud.com/search?q=jessica%20zin

[neuman]

Hey Jessica!

In terms of what software you should use, I'm sure we on the forum could argue for days about that! lol. Personally, I use ableton, but I know tons of great studios that do protools/logic etc. I'd say just try a few demo versions and see what suits you best.

In terms of making your voice sound good its a matter of tons of practice! (singing as well as producing). If you're going to collaborate with a singer, there's a few ways to go about it. You can either have them sign a work for hire agreement which means you pay them for their time and services and that's the end of it. Or, you can give them a cut of the song. Definitely try and have that conversation beforehand so things don'd become complicated later on!

Hope this helps,

Neu

[Silversun]

Hey Jessica

Pooling talent is defo the way to go. I sound like beaker myself so no way I can sing on anything either ! Go and google 'session singers online' There are plenty of options and some great singers out there who will sing on your tracks for a payment. As mentioned, just make sure you get anything worked out before hand and get a work for hire signed so your covered.

Of course if you know some great singers then maybe offer a ct of the publishing in exchange for singing. Its all negotiable really. You just have to make sure its nailed down before your track goes to No1 in every country in th world

[kclements]

Another option is to work with a good vocal coach. What you may hear now as the voice of Kermit may in fact be a perfect combination of a unique quality and character that really speaks in your music. Joe Cocker comes to mind - not a great vocalist, but it really works for his music.

Don't discount your voice until you have had some vocal coaching and see where it goes.

Collaboration is a great route on many fronts - not just for singing. There are many options, from simply hiring a singer for a set fee (they get no future profits or royalties) to a 50/50 split on all costs and royalties to everything in between. It all depends on your goals and what you want to do. Just be sure you know what you want from it before getting in touch with any possible collaborators and have your paperwork ready.

Cheers -
kc

[CHuckmott]

FOr the record, there was a record put out By Grimes that was reportedly composed entirely in Garageband and was on Rolling Stone MAgazine best albums of 2012 list, at least earlier that year. I would say it is up to the agreement you make with the musician, but put it in writing. If you find the software that automatically makes your singing voice sound great , message me. Immediately if not sooner .

[playagibson]

One of Bare Naked Ladies singers is a dead ringer to Kermit.
It worked for him. If you're singing with passion
and conviction, your tone of voice could effectively
set you apart from the herd.
Having said that. Try different mic's and eq saturation
settings and you will be surprised how your voice can sound.
It's natural to despise your own voice Lord knows
I have issues with mine.

[Len911]

If that's you on the link you have posted, Jessica Zin, I didn't hear any frogs!

[JeSsiCaRaTz]

Wow, thanks for all the feedback. Great pointers and also some encouragement, just what I needed.

On the one hand I guess I should try to improve as much as possible...
And also try finding someone to sing for hire...a set fee and credit on the song. With paperwork!

I have a feeling I won't be able to improve that much, since it's the tone of my voice I really dislike. My plan is to look up some online vocal training videos, and maybe find an actual teacher at some point for an assessment and a few lessons.

It's true that sometimes unusual sounding voices can really work, esp. if the song is good. I just don't want to doom my songs because I was too scared/poor to get a decent singer!

[elser]

Tribute band, "Kermit's Hermits".