Voices, And The Things We Do With Them... Options

[Ionized]

With the strong vocal presence probably err, present here on macmusic, there ought to be a fair number of vocalists, singers and similar creatures who skulk around these forums. What say you, are there any actually useful techniques, methods and tips for improving your vocal performance you'd like to share?

[nbarnett]

It sounds as if, like many musicians, you are not interested in perfecting your voice or becoming Placido Domingo. A few years ago I accepted the imperfections in my voice, started calling them "character" and it did a great deal to free up my creativity. There are lessons and computer programs that really can improve your pitch accuracy and even intonation, but if you are like me you fear that too much training will change the natural sound of your music. Here are some things I have tried that work well for me, but everyone has to find their own tricks:

NO coffee whatsoever. Even in the morning when you aren't singing until the evening. I don't know if it's the caffeine or what, but it makes the voice very hard to control. Strangely however I have found that hot cocoa can be a positive agent, even expanding my range. I discovered this when people were asking me to do Elton John material.

No milk or ice cream. Phlegm and Mucus are not musical. However the effects are shorter lived than with coffee.

Limited sugar intake. Mostly I think makes our energy level too much like a rollercoaster.

If you are recording, try doing your vocal takes early in the day, right after you get up. For untrained monkeys like me, the professional singer's adage of "warm up for 20 minutes" does not apply.

ALWAYS record your warmups and practice takes. They can become the best takes you have, before your voice got tired.

Try recording right after a medium-full meal. I've heard it compresses your breath more, or that it gives you more energy, but whatever it is, it has given me some good results, although short lived.

Don't worry about perfect performance unless you are performing in front of that bastard Simon. (And if you are, what are you doing reading a MUSICIAN'S website?) Remember, most great lyrical songs are great because of WHAT they say and a good arrangement. Most great pop songs are great because of a novel sound or beat.

Finally use a quality mic with a large diaphram and a STRONG preamp, so you don't have to force your voice to get a good signal. Quality doesn't mean thousands any more. $100 at Musician's friend could get you two.