???'s about singing on stage

hokusai · Post by **hokusai** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:40 pm

whats up guys,

i have been singing in a band for about a year now, and just recently i have begun to run into a problem. we sing a lot of stuff where i am required to strain my voice, much as dave does ex(bartender, ants, #41 and so on...) anyway, recently i have begun losing my voice about 3/4 of the way through our shows. Just wondering if any of you seasoned singers had any tips for me about keeping your voice in good shape, on stage and off, thanks.

Ben

SpoonInSpoon · Post by **SpoonInSpoon** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:43 pm

take it easy in the beginning of songs. dont give it your all at first, because then you'll have no juice later on. pace yourself, and have good breath support.

SpoonInSpoon · Post by **SpoonInSpoon** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:56 pm

also, try doing sirens before you go on to stretch your vocal chords.

hokusai · Post by **hokusai** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 11:07 am

what are sirens??

hokusai · Post by **hokusai** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 11:07 am

what are sirens??

kcw · Post by **kcw** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 11:37 am

Be sure to sing from your diaphragm. Otherwise you could be screwing up your vocal chords making you lose your voice faster.

Have a bottle or two of water up there. And I sometimes take one of those throat numming cough drops before singing so I cant feel much down there for a while,like Halls or something. I dont know if that will work for you or not but it works for my problem.

SpoonInSpoon · Post by **SpoonInSpoon** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 6:28 pm

hokusai wrote:what are sirens??

sirens are when you vocalize, mostly an "ooo" vowel, and you go really high into your high falsetto, then just slowly make it down to your lowest register.

basically goofy yelping. does wonders.

Swe dmbfan · Post by **Swe dmbfan** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 6:32 pm

get drunk before.

Ranting Thespian · Post by **Ranting Thespian** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 12:55 am

Swe dmbfan wrote:get drunk before.

SteelstrungHero · Post by **SteelstrungHero** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 12:55 am

Make sure to keep plenty of water on stage, and if you feel the LEAST bit thirsty (I recommend after every song) be sure to drink plenty of water.

I have gone through several 1.5hr+ sets without losing my voice, and we've occasionally covered stuff like #41, etc. where there's some just flat out hard high notes to hit.

Tranman66 · Post by **Tranman66** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 11:32 pm

kcw wrote:Be sure to sing from your diaphragm. Otherwise you could be screwing up your vocal chords making you lose your voice faster.
.

gah, i find thats hard to do. working on it tho.

Senior Gomez · Post by **Senior Gomez** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 12:16 am

yeah ive been playing for bout a year now and i can sing and play a few things, but i would really like to get good at bartender. i kinda have to let my voice settle down first but if there is like a website or something for stretches and tips and stuff id appreciate it

tjmac66pc · Post by **tjmac66pc** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 8:31 am

SteelstrungHero wrote:Make sure to keep plenty of water on stage, and if you feel the LEAST bit thirsty (I recommend after every song) be sure to drink plenty of water.

yes and make sure that the water is room temperature and not cold...too hot/cold can change your vocals. water at room temperature sooths and keep your vocal organ hydrated...

c_tietze · Post by **c_tietze** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 9:16 am

Hot tea and NO booze or drugs before taking the stage and warm up your voice. Remember with a microphone you don't have to project as much but you should try to sing from your gut, aka your diaphragm. If you are trying to sing like other people or mimic certain parts in songs you are straining your voice and that's why you are losing it. Like I said before, a little hot tea always helps.

tjmac66pc · Post by **tjmac66pc** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 11:16 am

c_tietze wrote:Hot tea

not too hot though...too hot or too cold will shock your vocal muscles and prevent you from using your vocal organs to their max potential... honestly the easiest and most convenient remedy/coolant is room temperature water...there's truly nothing better and more convenient that that...

most artists you see performing live, have either a water bottle or cup of water at their disposal...99% of the time it is no colder than room temperature...