singing your dreams SOUNDTRACK TO SUCCESS
Since I was 10, I've had big dreams of becoming a singer/songwriter.
followed by an overnight flop. So don’t start out your life reliant on your dream
My biggest problem is that it all costs a lot of money! How can I work
being your only source of income.
toward my dream without being overwhelmed by it all? - Genevieve I’m so glad you are asking this question now rather than spending the next 10 years of your life broke with a shattered dream. Here are some thoughts to help you keep on a sound track and - if it’s meant to be - achieve those big dreams too!
Be a go-getter It wasn’t actually very long ago that football stars held down a full-time job during the week and then travelled to play a game on the weekend. It was seen as a privilege to get to a point where someone would pay them just to live their dream. The same goes for the music industry too. Think of it as a privilege if you
You need money to live
can get to the point where you can spend all week on your number one passion.
In a country like Australia, you need money to live, right? It might seem obvious
So what do you do in the meantime?
but it’s a reality that we all have to remember as a starting point. Paying for food, rent, car… the list goes on before we even get to the costs of singing and song-writing… and it all becomes expensive.
Well this is really important. You get on with building a job and career and you fit your singing and song-writing around your studies and work. Yes, it will mean you are busy, maybe writing songs late at night, but that’s a good thing. The time
Can you afford to live off your dream?
will race past while you get closer to your dream.
It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of teenage pop stars who think the
Build life experience
answer is yes and can buy the New York mansion. The reality is that most successful people take many years to build their dream to the point that it can support their cost of living. If you are going to achieve your dream, be a real success story and an example to others, avoid being an overnight sensation
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The other massive benefit of being a go-getter is that you gain life experience. Knowing the pains of work, handling rejection and getting to meet people with different personalities is all going to give you some great material for writing and help you know how to connect with people through song.
Some specifics for the singer/songwriter in you
It will be important to develop your own profile and have a small following
Perfect your art first
manager, make sure you have similar values and dreams for your music.
Make your focus now all about perfecting and developing your singing and songwriting. Develop your own unique style and identity. Don’t skimp on good tuition
Popularity and profitability
if you can afford it. Be humble and learn as much as you can from others so you
You might think these two words go hand in hand for the music industry. The
can build it into your singing and song-writing.
lesson for many is that they don’t. Uploading a song on YouTube might give you
before approaching a record label or manager. When you do pick a label or
a lot of exposure and popularity but it may not give you any money.
Pick your timing for publishing your songs
Start now in developing a strategy for how you can combine your passion for
You are entering an industry where first impressions count and if someone
music with earning some money. This includes making sure you protect your
watches a clip of yours that isn’t good, it may be a hard road back to get them
copyright in your songs and promote your music through a channel where you
to watch again. These are people you want to buy your music, they are not your
will receive royalties when music is downloaded.
guinea pigs! If the song or your performance isn’t ready, keep it under wraps
You should ensure your percentage of any income is fair if you sign with a record
until it is. So perfect your art first and then develop a strategy for publicising your songs.
Start small
label or manager. Also make your music accessible to the buying audience, such as through your own website.
All the best with your dreams!
Start with low profile gigs and ask those you can trust for honest feedback. At this point don’t just throw away your income-producing job - you still need it so you do not become desperate for money whilst building your dream. Talk to your
Proudly supported by Laird Advisory Services
employer about any extra time you need to get to performances or recordings
Ground Floor, 516 Ruthven St, Toowoomba
and be prepared to fit them around your job and studies. Make your image and style consistent with your music and values. Then, when you are ready, look at developing your profile online and at venues.
chr i st y • PHOTO shut te r sto ck.c om
Laird Advisory Services Pty Ltd ABN 90 165 103 695. The material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment and information only and is not advice. The material should not be relied upon. Laird Advisory Services Pty Ltd, any related entity or any of their officers employees or representatives, will not be liable for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the material contained in this publication. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
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ADVENTURE S ITH MY DA D
W
There are many relationships in life – some we choose,
A dad she can trust has meant that Alyssa has
to do. These are Alyssa’s dreams, not mine, and she
others choose us. So often we take the special ones
gone on some seriously dangerous adventures,
has been attacked and bullied a lot because of them.
for granted, but none more so than the bond we have
including hiking to Mt Everest’s Base Camp (5360m)
Girls accuse her of achieving them to show off but
with our father. Often mothers take the lead role in
and climbing 10 of Australia’s highest peaks. That
she wants to set a good example and I’m so proud
parenting, while dads take the back seat. Although
mutual trust alone is significant for any teenager.
of her for that.
this might sound familiar, it doesn’t have to be the
But the latest addition to her list of accomplishments
case. Just ask 14-year-old Alyssa Azar, who will tell
is the impressive Mt Kilimanjaro, (the highest
you that the most influential person in her life is her
mountain in Africa at 5895m). That was my toughest
father, Glenn. While not all of us can say that, the
challenge, because of the preparation, she recalls.
close bond she shares with her dad is something
While preparing for Mt Kilimanjaro, I had just started
which we can learn from, even if we don’t share the
year 10, so it was hard to do school work, have a
The sad reality is, many of us don’t have a dad like
same blessing in our lives.
part-time job and train at the same time. What an
this. Research reveals that on average, a teenager
amazing girl! But her dad was there cheering her on
spends only 8 minutes per day with his or her father.
and encouraging her every step of the way.
Maybe your dad doesn’t spend much time with
During much of Alyssa’s childhood, she would hug her father goodbye as he’d set off to conquer one of the world’s largest mountains or toughest terrains.
Alyssa’s dad Glenn says, I have this idea that if you
He’s a professional adventurer and this might sound
prepare for the worst case scenario, anything better
glamorous, but there are plenty of risks involved.
than that is okay. But if you prepare for the best case
However, it didn’t take long before Alyssa joined him.
scenario, and something goes wrong, you’re not
At just 8 years old, Alyssa became the youngest person ever to walk the Kokoda Track – a 96km trail in Papua New Guinea that is famous for being the
really equipped to handle it. With all these adventures and the goal-setting that we do, it’s really teaching Alyssa some skills for life that will always be with her.
location of a World War II battle. I’m much closer to
Clearly this dad is pretty proud of his little girl and
him than anyone in my family. I think it’s because of
what she’s achieved, but Glenn says it hasn’t come
that trip. I mean, you go to Kokoda and you spend
without some criticism. People thought it was me
so much time together because you’re isolated in the
pushing her to do it, but it was the opposite. When
jungle, she said. We trust each other a lot more. I can
she first wanted to go, she was only 6 and I was trying
tell him anything and he can tell me anything, so I
to stop her. But I’ve learnt now rather than to resist
guess there are no secrets between us.
her, I’m better off to assist her with what she wants
>AT THE TOP OF MT KILIMANJARO
What an awesome dad! And because he’s her trainer and biggest fan, Glenn has also been able to spend quality time with Alyssa, which is why he thinks they’re so close.
you either, but Glenn says whether it’s climbing Mt Kilimanjaro or simply going on a picnic in the park, quality time spent together is the key to building a strong relationship between a dad and daughter. Maybe you could invite your dad to go for a hike with you, but don’t start with Kilimanjaro! So what’s next for this amazing duo? We’re planning a Mt Everest Summit for 2014, but I’ll be doing a few trips before then to prepare, says Alyssa. This entails two more Kokoda trips, another Mt Kilimanjaro climb and a trek to Mt Everest Base Camp. However, the 8,848m two-month hike to the summit of Mt Everest isn’t going to be easy for either of them. So far, only around 3,000 people have made it to the top, while in 2006 there were eleven deaths on the notorious mountain. But in the inspiring words of Alyssa, No challenge is too big or small that it can’t be tackled together!
> TAKE A LOOK AT THEIR POSTER IN THE MIDDLE SPREAD OF THE MAG.
>ON THE KOKODA TRACK You can follow Alyssa’s progress at facebook.com/AlyssaAdv or adventureprofessionals.com.au
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S UM M E R 201 2
family guys JUST A FEW DADS WITH SOME ANSWERS TO BIG QUESTIONS
Is there anything wrong with dating a guy who asks me out on fb or by text? Asking a girl out for the first time should be done in person or at least by
Asking you out via Facebook or SMS is not a great start to a potential relationship.
phone. He may be shy, scared of rejection or just pressed for time, but his fear
If he asks you out via social media, chances are he will also end the relationship
or unwillingness to approach you directly says something about his character.
the same way. What else may he share via social media, with or without your
Set some clear guidelines from the start. You want important information to be
permission? Information about you, your friends, details of your relationship,
discussed in person. You don’t want any details about you or your relationship
photos etc? Are you one of several people he is asking out online? Is he sincere?
posted online without your permission. Tread carefully. Don’t be too quick to
Is this for a bet, a dare, a bit of fun?
share any information you want to remain confidential. A god thing can turn bad very quickly and, once posted, information is online forever.
Paul
Bruce
Call me old fashioned, but I think if a guy wants to date you he should front up and ask! I guess that takes a fair bit of courage, but wouldn’t you appreciate it
Well who doesn’t like to be asked out, to be wanted! So when someone asks
more that way? I guess times are changing so I’ll try not to read too much into
you out it hits the place in our hearts that says “I want someone to love me,
things, but I still think the most important conversations should be done face to
value me, accept me.” Woot woo! But what sort of fella is he? Does he actually
face.
Steve
value and respect you? Or is he just there for himself... no matter how smooth he comes across? So before you date any guy, whether he asks you face to face or through Fb, I’d be making sure he is a guy who shows you respect, not just makes you feel like someone pays you attention.
t h e fami ly guys
Adam
Proudly supported by Vanderfield www.vanderfield.com.au | Like us on Facebook
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world changers WHAT DOES A REAL MAN LOOK LIKE? TURN ON THE TV AND CHANCES ARE YOU’LL BE INTRODUCED TO A ‘MAN BOY’ WITH LITTLE HOPE OR DIRECTION IN HIS LIFE AND A WHOLE LOT OF BAD ATTITUDE AND HABITS. NOT MY IDEAL MAN!
We girls have often looked to Hollywood for examples of what we should be looking for in a guy, so Bella thinks it’s about time Hollywood started to look at some good-value guys instead of selfish fellas! We went looking for some real-life, impacting, sacrificial guys who make a difference with their lives. Here are some real men – Spielberg, take note!
Glen Vollebregt Glen Vollebregt is a man who means business! This 27-year-old entrepreneur is not only the owner of two successful real estate businesses, but he’s also the director of an organisation called ‘Brightest Young Minds’. Through this initiative, Glen aims to inspire young people who, like many
Rick Newnham
of you, are eager to put an end to the problems confronting society, using
Meet 26-year-old Rick Newnham, the founder of Australia’s first independent
migrants and refugees with mainstream society and creating a political party
organisation dedicated to embracing the ideas of young minds. In just three years
for a youth voice.
Rick has managed to expand ‘Left Right Think-Tank’ into five Australian cities and build a team of more than seventy young and dedicated staff. His mission is to get teens involved in politics. When Rick started the group, he said,
innovative solutions, such as better financial literacy training, connecting
His dedication and passion for achieving these goals is inspiring and led to him being awarded runner-up in the 2012 South Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
“We do get criticised for not being more ‘youthy’ – presumably because we don’t go to skate parks and eat pizza. When I go to meetings I wear a suit.”
Dan Sercombe
Whatever you make of his approach, Rick is being noticed – he was recognised
We’re proud to call our next hero one of our very own. He’s a Bella contributor,
as the Young Western Australian Citizen of the Year 2011, named by Triple J as
successful TV journalist / documentary filmmaker, and one of the nicest guys
one of Australia’s ‘25 Under 25 & Smashin It’ amazing young Aussies, and he
you’ll ever meet. You may recognise Daniel Sercombe from Toowoomba’s WIN
has even met the Queen! He chatted with her about the cultural relevance of
News station, where he’s worked for almost five years.
the Commonwealth and found the experience ‘pretty surreal’!
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jasmi n e q uar man • PHOTO javar man /shu t te rsto ck .c om
Hugh Evans
ebregt len Voll
G
Dan iel S e
rcom be
Rick Newnham
“Media production is a big interest of mine. I’ve wanted to work in TV since
teenager, Hugh visited the Philippines and India where he was inspired further
I was 14. I love the challenge of creative production and my passion is to
by his encounters with poverty and devastation.
produce quality documentaries and films for TV in Australia. There’s so much trash on TV these days, and I want to try and change that.”
A pivotal moment came not in India, but on his return, when he noticed how desperate Australians are to get the latest mobile phone, and contrasted it with
While Dan has just returned from shooting a documentary in Egypt, Turkey and
“walking through the market of India and seeing a man with no legs, simply
Israel, it’s the 2010-2011 Queensland flood disaster that has undoubtedly been
a piece of rubber tied to his waist to stop the skin on his pelvis from scraping
his most challenging opportunity.
away, begging for the equivalent of 20 cents”.
“It was a full-on time for me to be up close and personal with the devastation
After several more trips Hugh graduated from uni with a law and science
of that disaster. It was very confronting spending time with people who had
degree, while remaining dedicated to bringing about social change. In 2003
lost loved ones, homes and possessions.”
he established the Oaktree Foundation, an organisation aimed at helping
Dan’s dedication to altering lives occurs off-screen as well – volunteering his time each year to help teens.“I love being involved in these because I have the opportunity to invest in the lives of young people and be an encouragement, because this world is a pretty full-on place to navigate.”
countries in need across Africa and the Asia Pacific. Five years later he helped set up The Global Poverty Project, aimed at fighting extreme poverty. These initiatives have earned Hugh many accolades such as Young Australian of the Year 2004, Outstanding Young Person of the World 2004, and being named by Who magazine as one of the Most Beautiful People of 2009.
Hugh Evans
These four men are real heroes who have achieved so much in their lives and
Our final hero is well-known. Hugh Evans is co-founder of two remarkable
have inspired those around them to be better people. But there are many
charity organisations. This 29-year-old became concerned about world poverty
teenagers out there who feel just as passionate about making a change, and
when he participated in World Vision’s 40 Hour Famine as a child. As a
are every bit as capable – so what are you waiting for?
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laura geitz A CAPTAIN, A CHAMPION AND A LOVER OF CAKE
Netball star Laura Geitz, 25, is our latest Bella ambassador. She has come a long way since growing up in Allora on the Darling Downs to captain Queensland’s Firebirds and win a gold medal with the Australian team at
What was it like growing up in a country town? I absolutely loved it. It was a childhood that I wouldn’t swap for anything else.
the World Championships.
Now I’m older I’ve realised just how special it was to grow up in the country. I
Bella: What does beauty mean to you, Laura?
because I was always so active and didn’t really like classrooms and that sort of
Laura: I think a girl looks beautiful when she is really happy within herself and
family values. Dinner time was telly off and everyone would sit around the table,
confident with who she is. Beauty is when a girl looks attractive and appealing –
discussing what you did that day. There were some challenges, such as the extra
but it is both on the inside and on the outside.
travelling and having to leave home younger – I really struggled because I didn’t
was always surrounded by animals and wide open spaces which I loved as a kid thing. It was a country lifestyle where my older sister and I grew up with strong
have those city experiences that other kids had. Now I just love coming home.
What advice do you give to a girl who wants to make a difference?
It’s so nice – it’s a feeling you can’t describe.
I think if she believes that what she’s doing is right then she’ll make it happen. It might not necessarily be in sport; it might just be something they’re one hundred
What would you say is the biggest success you’ve ever had?
percent passionate about.
2011 was amazing, winning a premiership with the Firebirds and then winning
Growing up, I was bullied a lot, and it’s funny, a lot of the girls on the Firebirds team say the same thing – that they were pulled down for being a little bit different from most of the other school kids. As you get older, and get a bit more tough-skinned, don’t let people pulling you down affect what you’ve got to do or what you believe in.
Tell us about one person who has impacted your life. I don’t even need to think about this answer – it’s my Dad. Both Mum and Dad played a massive role in my life as a young athlete from the country, trying to cope with travelling and mixing it with the girls from the city. That was pretty challenging, driving to Brisbane every weekend while I was doing school, but they did it. Without them I wouldn’t have achieved half the things that I did. As well, Dad is someone who is always extremely positive about any situation and finds good in everything. Even though there’ve been some tough times, he
the World Championship. That’s the first time that my hard work has actually been fully rewarded. Winning a Championship with girls who are really close to you is an indescribable feeling. And since then, I got married and we bought our first house.
So getting married was important to you, Laura? I’m extremely lucky that I’ve found the person who I can spend the rest of my life with (Mark Gilbride, rugby player and businessman). Not everyone experiences that, but knowing you’re going to be with someone forever is a really comforting, nice feeling. He is my best friend, and I remember when Mum used to say, “When you find someone you want to marry, he’s got to be your best friend”. I used to wonder how this could be, but Mark is everything I could imagine. We were engaged for two years, and our wedding was an amazing day.
knows what he wants, works hard, and gets on with the job, ending up with a
Do you like your body?
smile on his face. That is a pretty simple quality, but something that’s very special.
Yes. I train hard but there are still times when I envy someone else. I look at
So what would you say to girls who don’t actually have a father figure in their lives? I’m not saying that everyone’s dad has to be their shining light, but surely there is someone you can look up to. Think of who you want to be like, whose footsteps
girls in magazines and think they look beautiful. But then I think, “Well, I’m an athlete. If I didn’t look the way I do then I wouldn’t be able to play my position and be a presence on court.“ In professional sport there are a lot of body issues amongst girls, which probably surprises readers.
you would like to walk in. Choose anyone who’s done the right thing by you in
Favourite dinner?
your life – who’s shown you love and support and who you are automatically
Steak and vegies.
drawn to and admire.
Favourite ‘bad’ thing? I’m a bit of a sucker for cake, and eating it is just like heaven!
mal i & l aur a g e i tz • PHOTOs sup p lied
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G R AB YOU R B E ST FRIEN D WITH SOME PA C K ED S A NDW I C H E S, PE A C H T E A A ND A G O O D PA IR O F SHOES AN D SH OW H E R T H E B RI G H T L I G H T S I N T H E C I T Y. 10 
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