Trying out for NBT 2012?

A lot of people have been asking me how to be part of NBT 2012.  People want to know how to audition, so I decided to write this blog to let you know.  Also a lot of people have been saying that I am an inspiration to them and I really appreciate that.  People say that I have inspired them to follow their dreams. And that is true!  You should follow your dreams, but I also think it is important that your dreams align with your talent.  And I do not mean to bring any of you down.  I just think someone who is 4'11" is not likely to be playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Just like I am not going to be a Rocket Scientist.... Science is not one of my strong points.  I feel that God has given us all talents.  Some of us are better at certain things then others.  You may want to be a singer, but you just may not have the voice to be a singer.  You may be a better actress..... or you may be really smart and might be better suited to be a Doctor.

What I am trying to say is, if you have dreams to be a singer, then the first step you should take is to find a vocal coach who specializes in this area of expertise.  Have them work with you and let them be honest with you.  If a vocal coach tells you that you have talent and just need work, then that is great.  But, if you are not blessed with a good voice, don't be down on yourself.  Maybe you can be a musician and play guitar or the drums or piano.  Maybe you can end up being a great producer or a wonderful song writer.

There is nothing wrong with trying.   Just make sure your dreams align with your talent.  If I can give you an example from personal experience, it is this....  I came out to LA in August of 2007.... I had no idea if I could sing.  I just knew I loved to perform.... I loved to be in front of people performing.  I had a vocal lesson and the vocal coach told my parents I could sing and to take me to a local karaoke night to sing in front of people.

I did, but I just did not sing, I put on a show and danced around and sang..... I loved it as I got a lot of great responses.  Within a year I was in a boys band and sitting at Interscope Records being offered a recording contract.   The negotiations broke down and the boys band was never signed.  But, it gave me hope that I could make it in this business.

So, you never know unless you try.  So please give it a try, cause if you don't.... then you will never know.

But, if you try and it is just not working out, you have to give yourself a reasonable time limit to see how far you are willing to go before reality hits you.

In my case, I have learned a lot over he last few years and I have learned a lot about myself since NBT Started.

Singing stationary is one thing, singing doing a dance routine is a completely different ball game.  In my first few performances, I was not happy with my vocals and I wondered what to do about it.

My manager, researched it and also asked a lot of people how to remedy the problem of singing and performing.  The answer was running and singing coupled with diaphragmatic breathing.  Something I have to work on everyday.

It took a good 30 days of doing it everyday, before I built my confidence up again.

So, there is a lot of work that goes into singing and performing.  I feel like I really grew as an artist on NBT.  I learned so much about myself.  I learned what it was like to be an artist.  How to interview, how to travel, how to rehearsh, how to prepare for a show.  How to adjust to different time zones.  There is a lot of work behind the scenes that most people do not realize.

So, if you want to pursue singing, then be prepared to work very hard.

I also suggest you find a good agent and a good manager.  I am lucky enough to have a great agent, who was able to get me in with Disney for a general meeting and some awesome producers.  My dad is my manager and spends 8 hours a day working on my career.  So, in that aspect I am very lucky.

If you want to try out for NBT.... You need to send an initial video into Kelly Edwards at Radio Disney.  Her email is: Kelly.Edwards@disney.com  Please be professional and courteous......  Once you submit a video to her, she will get back with you if she is interested in having you come in for an audition.

If you are lucky enough for Radio Disney to be interested in you, then you will have to have 2 professionally done original songs.  Those songs are important, because that is what will get you into NBT.  If you look at all of The NBT Artists from 2011, there are some awesome songs there.  "Live u, Love u, Breath u" by Tay Barton, "Invisible" by Ladina Spence, "You got me", by Hollywood Ending, "What can I say" by Shealeigh and my song "Serious" are all pretty awesome..... all of the artists had fantastic songs.  I have everyone of them on my ipod.  So, you have to get some pretty hot original songs.

I am not trying to discourage anyone.... I am just trying to be real with you, so you know that this is work.  If you are willing to put in the time, then go for it!

If I can answer any questions or if you would like me to listen to something you have, I will be glad to listen.  But, it would only be my opinion..... I am still trying to work on songs that suit me and see what is next on my horizons.  But, I am always willing to listen or share my experiences.

Good Luck to all of you. And let me know how things go for you!  If you make it, you know I will support you all the way!

:-)
Zack Montana