How to Become a Chart Topping Pop/Rock Sensation

The pop/rock sensations of the music business had a lot more than a good voice to attain their chart-topping success. From their hairstyle to clothing to public appearances, a team of managers, stylists and photographers assisted them in creating every facet of their fame. Here's how a singer can become a chart topping pop/rock sensation and climb to the heights of the music business.

Instructions

1. Cultivate a sexy image. Pose for suggestive photos and show just a little skin to tease the guys if you're female. Male pop/rock sensations need to have a come-hither look in their eyes, wear a little eyeliner and stylish but unkempt clothes. Invest in a good stylist, make-up artist and hairdresser.

2. Choose catchy songs with good hooks. A pop/rock sensation needs "hummable" material, so align yourself with a proven pop songwriter. Keep songs three minutes or less and include a guitar or keyboard riff. Pick a song with a memorable lyric like "Hit Me Baby, One More Time."

3. Record your demo with state-of-the-art equipment. Use the best microphones and preamps you can afford and take advantage of pitch correcting and editing software to move and sweeten musical phrases. Hire the best musicians available for the studio and for your touring band.

4. Find a good singing teacher. Even though pop/rock sensations become famous ultimately because of their looks and attitude, you need to learn singing basics even if you're going to lip sync on stage. Despite the emphasis on image, being a passable live singer can help extend your reign as a pop/rock sensation.

5. Hire a savvy manager and public relations expert. To get on top and stay there, choose a powerhouse music manager with experience in driving the careers of other pop/rock superstars. Keep your name in the news and make friends with the paparazzi. Become a daily story on gossip blogs and websites.

6. Sign on as a spokesperson for a trendy product. Get a designer to develop a line of shoes, wigs, skateboards or handbags and put your name on it.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn a few basic dance moves and hire a team of limber backup dancers for your live tour.

• Don't have an affair with one of your backup dancers.