Not so sweet emotion (yet another singer thing)

[JeffC]

Ok, so I can't blame it on my singer/guitar player...I do it to.

My band is a power trio style, drums, bass, guitar and guitar and I split singing duties although I tend to back up more.

Anyway, I'm finding that he/we are relying the mics to boost our vocals and in turn we are really babying the lyrics, loosing emotion in the words.

We played a small show recently that a friend was nice enough to come out and record. After watching the video I was a little put off, I mean everyone enjoyed the show but I felt like the singing was really weak. Our playing was bang on and sounded great but the singing was pathetic.

I'm wondering what would be the best way to work on this. Turn down the mics in practice? Maybe keep them at level but move them away to break the whole "Crutch" feeling?

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks!

[scottbass]

Have a vocals-only rehearsal and play only acoustic instruments (you may have to rent/borrow an acoustic bass). Do not use a PA. The drummer gets the night off.

[JeffC]

Interesting idea. I could just sub my acoustic 6 string for my bass. I do it a lot when camping and cottaging. Give the drummer some hand drums....

The only thing is about that though is the songs will end up soft as they are now. The way the singing currently is, would be prefect for an acoustic set. What i want to do is find an effective way to force us to really push out the vox and give them the edge they are lacking.

[Stumbo]

I suggest to take some vocal lessons.

[JeffC]

I thought about that too, maybe even find a day that both of us can go and have the coach work with the both of us.

Anything to look out for in a vocal coach?

[jive1]

From your description, it seems like the issue is with you guys being able to project your voices properly moreso than being able to sing on pitch. But first, and foremost you must sing on pitch. If you don't everything else is useless.

So first off, read the Bassist's Guide to Singing that's sticked at the top of this forum. There's some tips to help with your projection.

Second, sing about 3-6 inches away from the mic. It will make you project your voice into the mic, as opposed to letting the mic to all the work when you mumble close up to it.

Third, get some vocal coaching. A good coach will work with your physiology to help you develop a voice that projects. Proper technique is very helpful for projection, and reduces fatique. A good coach can teach you that.

[JeffC]

You did a great job on "The bassist guide to singing" I had read it a while ago but I think it may be time for a refresher as it it now more relevant to me.

Thanks

[Spinal Tapper]

Show him the video. The proof is in the pudding, er, well, the video...

[JeffC]

He knows already.

We talked about it lats night, watched the video again and moved the mics back a bit. Guess what...worked like a charm, the vox were much more powerful in the songs that they needed to be.

I think if he just keeps what he has to do while singing at the front of his mind we will be ok.