January 15th, 2008 in Lifestyle

How to Become a Pop Star

Justin Popstar

I was 16, good looking, and with a great voice: I could see myself walking on the red carpet, and success was just around the corner. Or so I thought…

With my little band made up of two people and one very expensive laptop, I decided to find venues that would pay me to entertain their customers: “I’ll make lots of money, and a big shot music producer will surely notice me!”

Five years later, I had earned next to nothing, and I had been noticed only by a tiny music label whose claim to glory was a half forgotten salsa hit.

In the meantime, I had found myself a job to pay the bills, I was completing my degree, and I still spent lots of time working on my music projects. If only someone had told me what was about to happen…

In the winter of 1999, one of my songs suddenly became famous, and I found myself singing on Top Of The Pops, and playing gigs all over southern Europe.

Then I discovered that the music business was not for me, but that’s another story…

With hindsight, there were some strategies which helped me to succeed, and others which could have made my success faster: take a look at the list below and see if you can find useful tips to make your own dream come true.

  • Study right. There’s no escaping it: if you don’t study at all, it’s difficult to sing with an amazing voice, write unique songs, play an instrument like an angel, and dance like a devil. On the other hand, if you study too much, you run the risk of alienating yourself from the mainstream, becoming a virtuoso appreciated only by connoisseursof whatever style you are into.
  • Be optimistic. If you don’t believe in yourself nobody will.
  • Get yourself noticed. Big time producers don’t come to your local pub, but there are talent contests where you can meet them. Don’t think only of TV shows – those are way too competitive – focus on any contest in which there is someone in the jury who actually works in the music business.
  • Be realistic. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Well, in a way it does, but you still have to put a lot of hard work first, so you are ready when your lucky break happens.
  • Know your weaknesses. Let’s face it: the road to stardom isn’t an easy one, and we all have a weak spot. What’s yours?

    Age: If you are older than 30, you might have a hard time finding people willing to invest in your future as a pop star.

    Looks: We live in a beauty-obsessed society, if you don’t look good, music producers might think you won’t be able to attract a very large fan base.

    Voice : Let’s face it, there are thousands out there singing with a great voice, so how good is yours?

    Dance: You don’t have to be a ballerina, but an ability to move well on stage is important.

    Stage presence: Do you bring the house down when you are on stage, or do you simply stand there and sing?

    Songwriting: Ok, you have a great voice, but the reality is that if you are not writing your own songs – and great ones, too – you will be unprepared to face the competition of a thousand all-singing-all-dancing young talents.

    Style: Have you developed your own style in singing, song-writing, stage presence, and so forth, or are you merely copying your favorite singer?

  • Turn your weaknesses into strengths. Be prepared to”sell” your weak spots as part of what makes you unique. Half-serious examples below…

    Age: You are older than 30, and that’s just perfect because the songs you write talk about your many fascinating experiences, and are targeted toward an adult crowd.

    Looks: Pop stars all look the same. Your eccentric image will draw in millions.

    Voice: Traditionally-beautiful voices are a thing of the past, your voice has the power to express genuine emotions.

    Dance: If you don’t dance that well, staying almost still is an interesting option. In fact, moving too much isn’t cool.

    Stage presence: So you don’t attack the stage like a tiger… Well, you have a timid image which will appeal to man/woman wanting to protect you.

    Songwriting: You don’t write your own songs, so you can help a songwriter in making his work very popular.

    Style: [Let’s say your style is similar to Band X's] If band X has made it, why shouldn’t you? Furthermore, you are taking Band X’s essence, making it yours, and taking it to a whole new place.

  • Networking, Networking, Networking. You can’t make it on your own. You’ll need help with your songwriting, you’ll need help turning a good song into an amazing demo, you’ll need help finding the right talent contest to participate in. You’ll need help finding venues to sing live, you’ll need help dealing with people trying to take advantage of you, and you’ll need help to improve your stage presence. So who’s gonna give you all of this help? Friends.

    Genuine friends are better, since they make life worth living and they can help a lot in time of trouble. But even superficial acquaintances can give you precious information. So don’t ever stop making new friends and stay in touch with your old ones.

    My biggest mistake as a teenager was thinking that networking is not important: “When I write an amazing song, and I sing it with a superb voice, then I will become famous and everyone will want to help me anyway.” The trouble is that to approach this ideal “near-perfection,” you’ll need lots of help from different people!

  • Don’t give up. It often takes a long time to get amazing results. Be prepared to wait for several years.
  • Be open to criticism, but don’t let anybody change you. Maybe you weren’t born a pop genius, but if you listen to the right advice you’ll soon become one. Protect yourself from mean criticism: it’s not worth your time. On the other hand, be prepared to listen when others give you constructive advice: it might hurt, but it is always worth it. Just remember: don’t ever let anybody change you.

Disclaimer: Fame and Fortune will not radically increase the amount of happiness you experience in your daily life: look at Britney Spears! If you want to become lastingly happier, look somewhere else, too.

WRITER'S BIOGRAPHY

EvenHappier

Marco Adragna loves to help people in their quest to be happier. Past lives have seen him as popstar on Top of The Pops, Product Manager, Coach and Counselor. Marco writes at Even Happier and some say that if you visit his blog every week, you’ll learn How to Command Respect, and became an Happiness Superhero!

ARTICLES BY THIS WRITER »
Don't want to miss any related posts like there? Subscribe to our feed!

65 Responses

Trackbacks/Pings (Trackback URL)

Comments

  • Sean says on January 15th, 2008 at 12:08 pm

    Ok, this is the lamest post I’ve ever seen on lifehack.

  • devils advocate says on January 15th, 2008 at 11:06 pm

    i second that – wtf?

  • Jean says on January 16th, 2008 at 3:36 am

    I’ll make it and I know it.
    Great stuff.

  • Aproposnix says on January 16th, 2008 at 3:38 am

    @Sean

    I agree with you. This *is* the lamest post on Lifehack.

    This is something which should be posted over at the How-To wiki.

  • Tina says on January 16th, 2008 at 3:47 am

    There’s nothing bad in wanting to become famous.

  • Bart says on January 16th, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    What song got famous?

  • tracy ho says on January 17th, 2008 at 3:42 am

    Passion pay to be success,

    thanks , greats post

    All the best

    Tracy ho
    wisdomgettingloaded

  • アダルト says on January 17th, 2008 at 10:12 pm

    http://www.ne19.net/

  • Marco says on January 19th, 2008 at 11:23 am

    Well, I am glad to see positive reactions to my post together with the understandably negative ones. I’m afraid I’ve done a terrible blunder in choosing the photo of Justin Timberlake for the post, and I understand that the very subject of the post is a bit cheesy. I did want to became a popstar when I was a teenager thought :) it was great to make my dreams come true, and even better to discover that there were even more fascinating things I could do, like couching, counseling, and designing cool new features for mobile phones.

    Now back to music: maybe if you were to listen to one of my songs, you would understand that I’m not exactly a fan of Justin :) so I have uploaded a rough version of an old song of mine. I never finished it, even the words are not final, but I think it should give you an idea of what I am into. http://www.evenhappier.com/MM/TimeToLove.mp3

    PS: the “famous” song was called Looking for Happiness. It was a hit in Southern Europe, but it never made it in th US. Funnily enough, it was one of my least favourite songs…

  • Reyna says on January 28th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

    I wanna be famous!

  • Reyna says on January 28th, 2008 at 11:14 pm

    Oh and the song is fine, it could be a hit

  • alfie taylor says on March 18th, 2008 at 8:14 am

    I WANA LOOK LIKE YOUR MUM ?

  • mike walton says on March 18th, 2008 at 8:28 am

    i agree wif alfie and ur all faggots get up urself kakmooey chavvy boy

  • mike walton says on March 18th, 2008 at 8:28 am

    black bois uo in this bitch

  • mike walton says on March 18th, 2008 at 8:28 am

    my nan is a black boy

  • julia says on March 22nd, 2008 at 12:41 pm

    do you hav to be a certain age to be a pop star?

  • 即ハメセレブでセフレを作ろう！ says on April 28th, 2008 at 4:08 am

    期間限定の恋人契約♪

  • ohshit says on May 12th, 2008 at 11:54 am

    this shit is wack nigga

  • 出会い系 says on July 24th, 2008 at 5:40 am

    それはとてもすばらしいこと

  • セフレ says on July 24th, 2008 at 5:40 am

    欲しいものがあるならどうぞ

  • cherish says on July 29th, 2008 at 1:08 pm

    i really want to become a famous popstar.im only 9 and i’m kind of shy but when it comes to singing i’m not shy please can you make me famous before 8/8/08 please!!!!!!!!!!

  • 'UR LIL' CHICA says on August 14th, 2008 at 1:00 am

    I’ve been trying to become a popstar ever scince my 5th grade year(4 years). I havent made it yet but I’m not giving up on my dreams so please dont give up on yours. It may be hard, difficult, and may even make you cry, but dont ever give up. You will make it someday if you dont give up I know you will. When you feel like giving up just remember that rush you get when some one tells you how great you are and how it is going to be when you are going to have millions of fans screeming those very same thing to you. How AMAZING is that going to feel. So i guess what I’m trying to say is NEVER give up!!! NEVER-EVER-EVER give up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • lil' bob says on August 14th, 2008 at 1:06 am

    hi. you guys rock

  • alexandra says on August 16th, 2008 at 8:32 am

    how to be a pop star guys?

  • alexandra says on August 16th, 2008 at 8:35 am

    UR LIL’CHICA where did you go singing?

  • wiki says on August 16th, 2008 at 8:41 am

    heya guys

  • souhir says on August 20th, 2008 at 7:04 am

    hey guyz , well , i am arabian , not american ,n i’m 15 years old , i’m a good singer n i only sing english n french ( i dnt like the arabian music) i’m planning when i turn 18 to travel to the usa to studying n taking chances in the show business . besides i’m a good dancer , i can dance better than britney spears , n i can move my belly better than shakira , i believe in myself , the one issue is how to get the american nationality or how to get the green card , i know that i’m made 4 preforming ! plz answer me or gimme advices

  • メル友 says on September 19th, 2008 at 9:54 am

    暇ならお気軽に寄って下さい♪

  • メル友 says on September 20th, 2008 at 8:21 am

    ほほぉ～お

  • メル友 says on September 22nd, 2008 at 6:07 am

    おぉ

  • 出会い系サイト says on September 25th, 2008 at 5:52 am

    暇ならお気軽に寄って下さい♪

  • brandi says on October 19th, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    nick jonas is hot

  • 出会い系サイト says on October 21st, 2008 at 12:43 am

    楽しいページでした!!

  • klarissa says on November 1st, 2008 at 11:38 pm

    hello mi name is klarissa am from honduras i am a great singer and ai write mi own songs i am 13 and i love to sing i wish i could sing in a stage were everybody sees me but i think that is ti late well i am going to the us when i turn 14 or 15 my mail is ichalinda.klarissa@hotmail.com ok please help me

  • haley says on November 16th, 2008 at 8:31 pm

    JOE JONAS I S REALLY HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Tay Tay says on January 17th, 2009 at 8:05 pm

    I will be 9 on 25th Aug. and would love to become a popstar this year. How?

  • iKing says on February 4th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    My guess is if you wanna make something popular (you, books, songs) – you need firstly think about others (to sing what they wanna hear and put in your products some trueth (like in Star Wars – by person or (more often it makes so) by some deals to show some solutions on popular problems or to lead people to make right deals or, or, or…). In your products needs to be some usefull help. Marco, did you thought about others doing this (pop) song?

  • iKing says on February 4th, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    And BTW I wanna write a book on that theme (to express my supervisions to them who doing some products and can’t become famous to try to help them (not cost free :) )). So it would be cute if you’d write me on e-mail to have some coversations ;)

  • 援助 says on March 2nd, 2009 at 3:53 am

    手軽で簡単にやりたいときだけ！

  • 出会い系サイト says on March 2nd, 2009 at 3:55 am

    とても良いサイト!!参考になりました。

  • 合コン says on March 2nd, 2009 at 3:55 am

    勉強になったっす。

  • 人妻 says on March 2nd, 2009 at 3:55 am

    良いサイトですね!勉強になりました。

  • メル友 says on March 5th, 2009 at 1:26 am

    良いサイトですね!勉強になりました。さすがですね！

  • 出会い says on March 13th, 2009 at 7:29 am

    gadhshsgjsrt

  • 無料出会い探し案内所 says on March 27th, 2009 at 3:14 am

    ほとんど怖いもの見たさで会ってしまいました（笑）

  • 出会いs says on April 1st, 2009 at 7:55 am

    dgagasg

  • lilly says on April 15th, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    ok well i dont now if you guys have time to resd it but i have years dreaming to go in disney chanel and to be a pop star like my favorite singer demi lovato.my family say that im dreaming with my eyes open even my friends to im a girl 13 years old and its importent to me to be famos.its my dream wich i hope to come tru

  • akash says on April 25th, 2009 at 10:48 am

    lilly hafe fauth in ur dream…im having the same crisis as u…at the same time ur family and friends are also right…its a one in a million chance, but you just might be that one!!!if it helps then im a 16yr old guy in india…i too have the dream of making it as a pop star…i am 5′11, am quite handsome have a good voice nd write great songs…i was inspired by mylie cyrus…after seeing how big she made i get really jealous…i would give nething to have that life!!!but the sad part is im in india where there r higher odds of alien invasion than a teen pop star!!!still i havent given up hope…im trying to figure out a way to get into the disney india network or something…so dont give up…nd good luck lilly…something tells me you will make it!!!

  • brittany says on May 25th, 2009 at 10:11 pm

    if you want to be a pop star or a rock star try your best to become one

  • Venishika15 says on June 12th, 2009 at 5:16 am

    I think becoming a star is not difficult,the only important thing that you need is self confidence.You must believe in yourself, no matter what people say.

  • Elena says on June 13th, 2009 at 12:07 pm

    I am Elena and I’m 10 years old and I wanna be a popstar right this moment just like Justin, Brick and Lace, Demi Lovato, Massari and Hannah Montana.I already made many songs and I sing everyday I also practice choir and sing everywhere I go.I asked my parents if they could get me on stage to sing all the songs I have written and earn money (becoming rich). I cant wait till I’m a big popstar as a 10 years old girl on stage!!!!!!

  • JaimeDey says on June 17th, 2009 at 3:52 pm

    Hey, guys. How are u doing? It’s a great article. I’m 16 years old and I’ve always wanted to be a singer. I wrote my first song when I was a little child and music has always been my life. I practise singing now and all that stuff. I’ve had so many thigs that were to break me down. There were so many people that wanted to bring me down. And one day some of them did it. I’ve never given up, but i was really tired of all that stuff. My parents don’t believe in me and even my friends. I felt rather lonely and it was hard enough. Then I decided just to go straight to my dream and don’t let people bring me down. I was that kind of “smiling face” that smiles when sees a trouble. But now I understand that I’mm too tired again. I’m tired of people telling all that stuff that really tries to bring me down. Today I even thought of giving up my dream and begin an othr life. So can you please, give me some advices what to do. And please, can you watch my videos to see me singing? Thank you

  • nada says on July 17th, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    do u now how can i become a a singer,actress,dancer i’m really good at these but i really want 2 be famouse and show the world that i can follow my dreams

  • kara thomas says on August 13th, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    i have always whanted to be like hannah montana
    and i want to show evreyone my dream

  • emily says on August 29th, 2009 at 2:16 pm

    i wanna be famous

  • grace says on August 31st, 2009 at 10:46 am

    singin is my hobby! my mum thinks i am brill and i just want to show it to the world!! i reallii want tp be famous so i am just going to follow my dreams and i hope i become famous!

  • hannah montana says on September 2nd, 2009 at 6:15 am

    kara dont worry i think u are brill at
    singing

    xx

  • OSHI says on September 18th, 2009 at 11:43 am

    I WANT TO BE POPSTAR LIKE MILEY CYRUS. SHE IS GREAT! AND I WILL LIKE THAT ONLY THAT AS MY VOICE IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Edgar Mayorga says on September 20th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    hi my name is edgar, i am 13 years old and im a really good singer, i already made my own song called, you shouldn`t care, some of my cuzins make fun of me beacause i have a girly like justin beibers, but i dont care what people think or say, im going for it

  • Youga says on October 2nd, 2009 at 5:33 am

    Hannah I want to become like you. I am Indian
    Can I become POP singer staying in India.
    I am ready to do lot of hard work

  • yamileth says on October 26th, 2009 at 8:08 pm

    i think im realy talented becuase i already went to a junor contest of singing and i won 1rt place put know im going to the finals and i wont to win to become the new superstar and be famoas all over the world

  • Bobbi says on November 12th, 2009 at 8:18 pm

    I having everything you look for in a popstar. I even want to be a model. My sisters a model and she’s so pretty. Well I’m not going to be one of those people like.. Omg you should pick me because I’m a really good… No I’m not like that. Yea, acting is really fun, so is singing! If been singing ever since I started talking. Anyways got things to do.. Bye

Post your comment

Continue your discussions at Lifehack Community.

Get your own Avatars at Gravatars.
Three FREE Audiobooks RISK-FREE from Audible
Recent Writers SEE MORE
Latest Poll

Do you like the new design?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...