You can't JUST be a singer if you wanna be a singer
Exceptions - If you're exceptionally talented, exceptionally rich, exceptionally lucky.
The rest, read on..
What is your quirk?
Do you have one? Let's find it together.
Interesting personality
You know when in reality shows, they say "oh he's got it!" "she's got that X factor"
Are you funny? Extremely confident in your skin, in your world views? An out and out extrovert who loves interacting with new people?
Having a personality makes for great watching. Conor McGregor is a UFC fighter that has gone above and beyond the sport of mixed martial arts and made himself a global icon. Big personality.
It's not a bad idea to develop something (anything) that makes you really stand out from a crowd.
Multi-talented
Any other talent that is complimentary or supplementary to singing - acting, dancing, writing, video editing, producing, arranging etc. Or find ways to integrate other seemingly unrelated talents to your singing.
Even if it is, making pastries while singing or singing while doing one hand pushups or making your own animated music videos.
Good looking
Some of it is genetic, but you can still work on yourself. Working out helps. A lot. Getting the right hair (on your head and your face). Wearing the right clothes, staying (and looking) hygienic. Invest time and energy on yourself.
Virality
Virality is a word I've coined which means the ability to go viral. Maybe you've made a drum kit with old paint boxes or you're a 9 year old beat boxer with a 14 year old elder sister who sings ghazals. The music industry is a business at the end of the day. A big loyal fanbase means a ready audience base for your music.
Or just get a cute dog or cat. That really helps.
Songwriting (Composing and Lyric Writing)
If you're completely immersed in your art, your music, developing composition and songwriting skills can almost happen organically. Your tastes, likes/dislikes will have a major influence on the songs you write. Bruno Mars is heavily inspired by the 60s and 70s soul music. Almost everyone is inspired by the king of pop, Michael Jackson.
The ability to write and compose your own songs, to express yourself through music gives your brand a unique identity that feels real. And what feels real is more likeable.
Bonus Tip: Learn an instrument. Besides helping you practice your singing, a guitar or a piano helps you perform or create original compositions when you're stuck at the crossroads of inspiration.
Inspiration. Not imitation
I see a lot of singers trying to sing like Atif Aslam, Sonu Nigam or Arijit Singh. And although that has helped a few people, it is crucial that you find your own voice, have your own identity.
The only reason copycats are working is Atif Aslam is out of reach right now.
Even songwriting. Arijit Singh's album Pagglait, by his own record, was heavily influenced by A.R. Rahman's body of work but has its own unique identity.
Conclusion
Always play to your strengths, but never be afraid to challenge yourself. That's the only way to grow and sustain yourself.
Sometimes, all of these and at times, none of these (go up and read the exceptions again) can help you edge out your competition and sometimes a slight edge is all you need.
And these apply to all kinds of artists, so feel free to share with your friends and let me know what you think.
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