The Young Performers Club kicked off their 2019 season with the 16 & Under Annual Showcase competition. Sixteen finalists from all music genres participated in the event which took place at the Boston Hard Rock Café on March 31, 2019. Winning the first-place prizes for the Top Solo Performer and Top Band were 15-year-old singer songwriter Sam Chetkin, and the heavy rock band Born Yesterday. Both performers impressed the VIP judging panel which included the following panel members:

Ayla Brown, professional performer, American Idol top finisher and radio show host

JJ Maloney, owner and recording engineer at Nebula Sound

Peter Thomsen, International vocal coach, with top clients including the Brynn Cartelli, winner of the 2018 season for The Voice

David France, international performer, an innovative educator, and author of the Amazon Best Selling Book Show Up: Unlocking the Power of Relational Networking, and founder and Executive Director of Revolution of Hope, an arts for social change initiative in Boston whose flagship program is the Roxbury Youth Orchestra.

Sam performed two cover songs, and scored high on both songs performed; “Hot Summer Night” and “Love Potion #9”. Some of the judges comments included, “Great stage presence and audience interaction, he creates colors with his voice and explains various tensions, great dynamics, great audience participation, confidence, and good playing. Below is a link to Sam’s first song in the showcase.

Sam has performed in over 100 shows, and has performed at popular Boston area venues such as, Bills Bar, Loretta’s Last Call, Hard Rock Café, Faneuil Hall, and the Hampton Beach Seashell. On stage he has performed the title roles in the musical versions of Tarzan, Shrek, and Aladdin. He plans to hit the studio next month to record his original music.

We have our 13 & Under Showcase coming up as well as the Grand Finale Qualifier events on April 28th and June 23rd. In the 16 & under showcase we had 40 individual artists performing including the guest performers. Genres represented include pop, rock, R&B and indie.

Prior performers in the Young Performers Club showcases have reached millions of views on YouTube thanks to Grammy winning artist Megan Trainor and many others. Watching all show finalists progress has been exciting and there are numerous success stories, including including Megan Trainor, Kalie Schorr, ­­­Mike Casey Jazz Band, Sasha Sloan, Sam Robbins, Jillian Jensen, Amanda McCarthy, Dennis Taylor, and many more. These musicians have all made music a top priority and their principal careers. They are touring, writing, producing and are marketing machines with $4.1 billion views on YouTube and 3.1 million Facebook followers, and they are recognized performers in this region and beyond.

We have developed an exciting new tiered band program for young talented performers ages 11-13 years old. The most challenging issue in working with young performers is finding dates that work for everyone for practices and gigs due to busy family, social and school schedules. Due to these conflicts, bands can miss out on quality performance opportunities, as having one member not able to make it to events, could result in the cancellation of some great gigs. This can cause band breakups and other relationship issues. With a mission to avoid these conflicts, the Young Performers Club has structured a new program with a unique concept which will have specific band tiers. Tier 1 will be the core band group of permanent band members, and Tier 2 will be the understudy performers who will be involved when band members can’t make specific gigs. The band currently has four committed Tier 1 members with plans to add the Tier 2 performers in the near future. Over the coming weeks the band name will be announced. The genre will initially be a combination of classic rock, old school rock and pop. The Tier 1 band members were all selected by the Young Performers Club based on video and live performance review assessments. Their debut performance was as a headliner at the Little Big Shots of New England Showcase at the Seashell Stage at Hampton Beach, NH.

Immediately, we will be auditioning for a tier 1 keyboard player and will also hold an audition for the tier 2 musicians. This will provide a good entrance into live performing, will enhance resume development, and enable newer performers to network with other musicians with similar interests. The overall concept will be to provide excellent quality performance opportunities for all participants, and enable the band to be able to cover scheduling conflicts and perform in more quality gigs.

The Tier 2 performers commit will be as follows:

• Performers will be responsible for learning a performance set list of approximately six songs.
• Performers will be required to attend one practice each month and additional practices prior to a live performance
• Performers’ financial responsibility will include paying a portion of the practice space, any required ticket sales for events participating in, and other gig related fees.
• A management fee will be assessed which will cover the communications, band development, coaching fees and other fees associated with performance training and coaching.
• Continued training with existing music coaches and teachers.

Program benefits are as follows.

• The commitment is manageable and flexible
• The performers gets exposed to new gigs
• The performers expand their network of music industry contacts and peer contacts
• The program is affordable
• The program will be motivational and educational
• The performers develop new peer relationships they can bond with
• The performers have the opportunity to enhance their resume
• Great exposure and PR

Please email duffey@musiconandup.com if you are interested in this exciting opportunity. Having managed young performers for over 12 years, we are confident this tiered structure will work effectively, and that all participants will benefit from their involvement.

It all started with songwriting for this talented young performer, and it was well before he knew how to read a note. Skyler Clark-Hamel, known as “Skyler” to his fans and friends, has been writing music since he was just five years old. He credits his mom for his passion for music after introducing him to the Beatles when they were driving around in the family station wagon when he was in grade school. “I was a total fan, and I loved watching a Hard Day’s Night and seeing all the screaming girls going berserk in Liverpool”, he stated. It looked like so much fun and at that young age he decided he wanted others to love his music the way the Beatles music was loved. Training on drums, guitar, bass and piano kept him busy through middle school. Since then Skyler has written over 100 songs, and produced several albums and EPs (Long Gone, Take You Away, Restless Heart, and One Voice).

He has worked with professional producers in Boston, LA and Nashville, and has also self-produced many albums. Skyler is a committed artist who won’t let obstacles and challenges interfere with his vision. After a year at Berklee College of Music, Skyler set out with his band to travel the country and perform and produce new music. Many times, he felt he had the right attitude and commitment from his bandmates, only to discover they were not on the same page and wanted something very different. One became a missionary, one couldn’t manage all the traveling and one wanted to be closer to home. It was so much tougher than he thought, and was a lot of starting and stopping. It was something he couldn’t control no matter how much confidence he had that the bandmates were in alignment. He soon realized the one thing he could control was himself.

After being in several bands, Skyler recently packed up his car and headed from his apartment in Concord, MA to Nashville. He will follow through with his commitments with his current bandmate in the duo, Skyler and the Brit, but at the same time will be focused on his solo career. Finding another artist that is aligned with his intentions is the top challenge, he explains. The duo is traveling the US performing at college shows which he said provide great financial security and national exposure. This month they will be in Washington, CA, OH and UT, and you can tell he just thrives on a busy gig calendar.

Skyler loves to tell a story with his music which captivates audiences. He has performed in many Young Performer Club events and has been a guest performer at our showcase competitions. What makes him unique is his natural audience connection and effortless smooth vocals. You feel like you are the only one in the audience and can feel his passion and love for performing. He is also a professional, following up right away on phone calls and emails as he knows every opportunity gets him one step closer to making it.

In 2014 he was awarded “Best Small Venue Artist” by Campus Activities Magazine. Whether solo or with his many bands, Skyler has performed over 500 shows in venues of all sizes and has shared the stage with the Goo Goo Dolls, The Band Perry, and Daughtry (to name a few). In 2012, he appeared on the X Factor, was the national spokesperson for Safe Teen Driving for the AllState Foundation, and had his song, “Stephanie,” used in a Supercuts commercial.

When asked what his advice to young performers is, he responded, “to be fearless and determined. You need to make sure you have the drive and that what you are doing with your music you really love. You will need to make compromises in life for your music so make sure you love it. Don’t try to fit into molds that don’t work for you. After making so many compromises it takes away the fun. So you need to focus on keeping it fun!”

Skyler feels you need to pay attention to being happy first and then success will follow. At first he had his priorities backwards he admits. He will continue to be fearless and learn through each engagement, music relationship, challenge and accomplishment. While he describes his past experiences with bandmate relationships as devastating, he now recognizes there are other positive directions to go in and that being dependent on himself will only continue to strengthen his quest to become a well-recognized career artist with screaming fans.

There are not many artists who can escape the challenges present in relationship dynamics, so stay focused on your mission and career goals, and keep your goals in clear view at all times.

Skyler’s website

 

 

 

 

 

When deciding who to spotlight in our next featured artist post, the decision was an easy one. We have observed Owen Korzec’s career develop as a musician and singer songwriter over the last few years, and feel he is a terrific example for young artists on how to grow and mature as a highly respected performer. His work ethic is well recognized as he is consistent in his drive to achieve his goals and takes every opportunity seriously. No day passes without Owen mastering a new song, writing new melodies or lyrics, or gigging at a new venue.

Owen has a plan and a vision. He knows who he is, and what his strengths and weaknesses are. Rather than focus on only his strengths, he has chosen to work hard on his weaknesses so he can become a well-rounded musician. He believes in continuous training and development with professionals that understand his goals and intense drive for success.

Owen is hands on in every phase of the recording process and if he didn’t know how to do something he taught himself how to do it. Taking on challenges is what has helped him grow as an artist and a singer songwriter.

Owen is the bass guitarist/vocalist and youngest member of the band WildFire, a popular club and wedding band from MA. WildFire has been entertaining at some of the most reputable clubs in the New England area for over decade. Some of the venues WildFire performs at are Capone’s, Polcari’s, Focaccia’s, Whippersnappers, The Scoreboard Bar & Grill and The Stonewood Tavern.

Owen practices with WildFire for a three hour practice each week and has up to three gigs a week. He is also a student at Berklee School of Music and this summer performed bass and sometimes keyboard for Coda Sky doing over a dozen gigs with the band at top venues such as the Hard Rock Café, Hampton Beach Seashell and MIXX360. In addition to his performing, he is developing his vocal and technical skills every day. He is currently not taking classes so he can take time to determine which areas in music he will focus on. He indicated he would love to take all that Berklee has to offer, and wants to be certain that his major and course curriculum is aligned with his career goals. Owen is masterful at using his time and knows how valuable time is in helping him acquire the tools and skills needed to become a standout musician.

Some of Owen’s characteristics and recognized qualities….

• Self-disciplined
• Self-motivated
• Positive attitude
• Musically gifted
• Responsive; texts and messages are responded to immediately
• Appreciative
• Serious about his music and future development
• Professional
• Always willing to help with a smile on his face
• Committed/motivated
• Friendly/pleasant
• Humble
• Supportive of other musicians

We enjoyed getting to know Owen and know he will be an inspiration to so many young artists.

How did you get started in music?

My parents started buying me toy instruments when I was five, so I was always surrounded by music. I also was always banging on pots and pans and was fascinated with the different sounds. The keyboard I got when I was five came with a manual so I started teaching myself how to use it. By the age of 7 I was taking guitar lessons and I was like a sponge and kept wanting more. My dad was a drummer in a band, so he introduced me to a simple drum kit with a snare, high hat and box, and I quickly became obsessed with it. I performed with my dad in blues jams when I was 7 and 8 so I never got nervous performing. I learned the cello in elementary school and transitioned to upright bass in middle school. At 14 I joined a band and fell in love with song writing. It was then I decided I wanted to learn how to sing so that is where I got most of my formal training. Over the years I have had over twenty different teachers and can play six different instruments. It was fun in school as I was able to play all instruments in the jazz band so I bounced around a lot. I love vocal training as it requires much more discipline since it doesn’t come naturally.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Learning how to sing. Playing instruments came naturally, but singing was one thing that didn’t come easily. There was so much I needed to refine to become a singer. I had a gut feeling that with hard work I would be able to do it so I tried to teach myself. After realizing I needed some added guidance, I started working with a teacher online through Skype. He helped so much to get me confidence and get on the right track. Now I know where I am going, as he was helpful in laying out a solid foundation. After a year and half I noticed issues in my voice I needed to fix. It is possible to have great teacher, but after a period of time you can outgrow them. My new teacher, Phil Moufarrege, is a life coach and mentor. He helped me see the big picture. People need to find someone who is willing to help them in all areas of development. I’ve been with Phil for two years. He is from Australia and is now in Japan, as he feels the music culture in Japan is more open-minded. We have a strong relationship and he totally gets me. I am so lucky to be working with him. When you find the right person to train with it transforms you.

What are your future goals?

My top goal is to be more of a leader than a follower. In order to lay down a legacy for myself I would like to lead the way. I am interested in being a singer songwriter and anything unique I can do with that. I want to stand out in some way and figure out a niche place for my music.

I know I love to perform and would be interested in touring. I also would be interested in being a front man in a successful group or show.

What genre will you focus on?

I like pop/rock/indie, but am always incorporating other genres to create a unique mix of music.

How do you get inspired to write?

I have a home studio so I am always creating new music. I like to write when the time is right, not when someone tells me to. If I don’t write for a long time it’s hard to get back into it. I have a gift for writing lyrics, but it can slip away from me if I neglect it.

One exercise I do daily is to select an object when I get up in the morning and write about it for ten minutes. This gets the writing juices flowing.

With music inspiration comes easily to me. If I come up with a quick routine it helps. At school assignments were date specific, and I found those songs were not always my best songs, but still helped me grow as a songwriter.

How much time do you spend on your music?

For me it depends on the day, but it is always a matter of hours. Since it is the backbone of my life I can be at it all day, but on average it is 2-3 hours a day. Each week varies depending on the gig schedule. Performing is good, but I need to balance it with practicing. Performing leads to an incremental improvement and to really improve you need to set aside the time to practice.

What is your top accomplishment?

Teaching myself how to record, mix and master new songs and handle every stage of the process. I built my own studio, so I have the equipment needed to produce a full album. Thus far I have completed eight original songs.

What are some of your daily challenges?

Trying to fit it all in! Playing music is great, but I also have to make sure I am healthy, eat well, get sufficient sleep, network with people who can enhance my career and be involved in all the social media marketing. Taking care of your health keeps you going in the long-term so I can be reliable and fulfill all obligations.

What advice can you give to other young performers?

Best thing to do is find a really good mentor for whatever your main skill is. Find someone more successful than you who can teach you new skills. It is also important to be disciplined and practice even if you’re good at it. If you already have a gifted talent you still need to honor it, enhance it and use it. Don’t take anything for granted and embrace all challenges that come your way. Be open-minded and look for the upside in all opportunities. I am driven by fear in a healthy way, and feel everyone who takes every note they sing or perform seriously will get better results and attention. Don’t underestimate the work it will require to get good and although you may think you know it all, there is always someone doing it better. If you have a gift, you still need to figure out where you are headed.

 

Owen is always ready and eager to perform. His excitement is infectious and impacts all those around him. The most important message in this spotlight story is that Owen believes in Owen. All artists need to believe in themselves at all times and project a confidence and passion that is effortlessly projected.

Some of Owen’s online links follow:

Sound Cloud

WildFire Band

YouTube

Facebook

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