The hands of a singer (or a speaker) make an interesting study for me. Personally, if you were to make me freeze my hands in place, I don’t think I could sing- or talk! Years ago, a studio engineer in Memphis told me to stand perfectly still at the mic. This guy was NOT a… Read More » about The Hands Of A Vocalist
Live Performance
Why is Gladys Knight So Good?
photo courtesy of Ron Oates I just got back from singing background vocals for the Jim Wilkes Show at the House Of Blues in Las Vegas. Our performance went very well…Jim truly rocked the house…and the all star band from Nashville (with horns!) was fabulous. We then had the extreme pleasure of watching our headliner…one… Read More » about Why is Gladys Knight So Good?
Should You Play Your Instrument In The Trouble Spot?
So. You are having trouble singing and playing a particular part of a song at the same time. Many times this is caused by the particular rhythm pattern you need to play being different from the rhythm pattern you need to sing. When you perform insecure about getting both right, both your playing and your… Read More » about Should You Play Your Instrument In The Trouble Spot?
17 Performance Tips I Learned The Hard Way
There is no substitute for experience. I’ve done every one of these things wrong… that’s how I know what to tell YOU about giving a great performance… Sing full voice when rehearsing/preparing for a gig, don’t just do vocal exercises. You have to have not just correct form, but also sheer vocal stamina to perform… Read More » about 17 Performance Tips I Learned The Hard Way
Vocal Performance: Different Venues, Different Body Language
I got a question that has to do with live performance techniques. The person wanted to know if these change for different venues, audience types and situations. Short answer… yes. Be aware of your surroundings… find the fine line between what makes the audience uncomfortable and feel energized/engaged by you. Remember singing is, at the… Read More » about Vocal Performance: Different Venues, Different Body Language
Songwriter Voice vs Performance Voice… Do You Know The Difference?
I work with a lot of songwriters, and I love helping them deliver their songs through their voices authentically. To do that, you have to know the difference between your songwriter and your performer voices- which are NOT the same thing. Here’s the short answer: Songwriter voice is internal. Performance voice is external. What do… Read More » about Songwriter Voice vs Performance Voice… Do You Know The Difference?
Singing From The Soul
There is a subtle psychological shift you can make to take your next performance out of the ordinary and make it leave a memory in your listener’s heart. I call it “singing from the soul” instead of just from the head. Let me use an old familiar tune to illustrate. How many times have you… Read More » about Singing From The Soul
The #1 Vocal Mistake Made By Musicians In Live Performance
Performers come up in my list of favorites based on one thing: Do they get my emotional attention? There is a reason that Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne and John Mayer don’t move me in live performance like Bono, Sting and Mat Kearney do. The difference is surely NOT in brilliant, creative musicianship.. all six are… Read More » about The #1 Vocal Mistake Made By Musicians In Live Performance
Should You Eat Before You Sing?
I got a question in last week’s comments about eating before singing. The short answer: Yes, and No. The longer answer: Yes, you can eat before singing… if you haven’t eaten enough. You need to eat an easy-to-digest but nutrient-packed meal or snack, or you will not have the breath support or energy you need… Read More » about Should You Eat Before You Sing?
Singing with Bands Unfamiliar With You
I got a great question about singing with musicians in “instant situations” where you sit in with those who don’t regularly accompany you. This situation can happen at big and small events, such as: Bars and clubs who invite new singers to sit in. Contests or auditions where the accompaniest plays for you with no… Read More » about Singing with Bands Unfamiliar With You