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?
Live Performance
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
Singing Into a Spotlight
Singing onstage while being blinded by a spotlight can be disconcerting if you’re not used to it. I got a great question from a reader about it; with her permission I’ll post her question and my answer here: Hi, Judy, My gigs are mostly small, in dimly-lit rooms where I can make eye contact with… Read More » about Singing Into a Spotlight
Vocal Rehearsing… Can You Over-Do It?
I got a great question from a rock artist I communicate with on The Modern Vocalist website: …I’m having a heck of a time getting the energy and motivation to work these 11 songs (for my upcoming recording project). I love them (if I do say so myself since I wrote them LOL); they’re good… Read More » about Vocal Rehearsing… Can You Over-Do It?
Snowball – Another One Bites The Dust
Need your groove inspired? There is NO way to be in a bad mood watching this aviary groove-meister!!! Thanks… GO SNOWBALL!!
Booking Yourself Highlights from Vinny Ribas Speech
I was thrilled to hear veteran booking agent and musician Vinny Ribas speak about booking yourself for live performance gigs. It was filled with practical knowledge, applicable in today’s music market. Vinny is founder of “Indie Connect” and “Cartne” and truly cares about career success of independent artists and musicians. The good news is, success is… Read More » about Booking Yourself Highlights from Vinny Ribas Speech
Live Singing Microphone Techniques
Microphones are the “hole in the fence” you sing through to reach an audience. You need to know what to do with them. Here are some tips for developing great mic technique: Don’t hold a mic like an ice cream cone. Don’t hold the butt end of the mic up continuously. Do hold a mic… Read More » about Live Singing Microphone Techniques
Singing with others: A time to blend, a time to stand out
In singing as in all else… “There is a time for everything under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) It is as irritating to hear a group of singers singing with individual voices sticking out like wild hairs as it is to hear a soloist sounding they could disappear into the wallpaper. When you do what would otherwise… Read More » about Singing with others: A time to blend, a time to stand out
Singing with your eyes closed
I got an email from someone recently who said they thought they sang better with their eyes open instead of closed and wondered why. Well, actually you CAN sing just fine with your eyes closed.Or not. What matters is what else you’re doing with your eyes closed. It WON’T work if: You are going too… Read More » about Singing with your eyes closed
Performance: How to make your next one masterful
Performance is an art, not a science. But as in all art, there are techniques to learn, especially the subtle ones, which can bring it into the realm of masterpiece. First you must learn to sing well. Duh. It matters… if you are screaming, if you have a weak “spread tone” or you don’t articulate… Read More » about Performance: How to make your next one masterful