Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

admin wrote:So does the singer make the song or the song make the singer?

I think it's a toss-up. Billie Holiday was a great singer. Some of the material that she recorded was utter drivel. But she made it interesting because she was a real artist.
JimK

When I recorded my first CD of Byrds and early R.E.M. tunes, I tried to do all the vocals myself, with no training. I immediately discovered that certain keys were easier for me than others; but the consensus among listeners seemed to be "Congrats on the guitar tones, but rework those vocals!" Which is why I've never posted any of my Byrds covers here. One thing's for sure: the next time I record, I'll bring in someone else to do the vocals!

Is there anything you can do, like gargling something, that will help with throat issues. I realize a have a weak voice, but sometimes just singing along with the stereo in my guitar my throat itches and I have to cough. Any I'm not even talking about singing really loud.

I've heard of gargling with salt water. I've also heard of gargling with a mixture of water and a twist of lemon. I don't do either. So YMMV. If it feels good, do it.
JimK

George Harrison gargled a mixture of warm water, honey and vinegar on his 1974 Dark Horse tour, while battling a shot voice. I've done when I've had a sore throat and it really helps, I could hack my brains out and not feel a thing.

JakeK wrote:George Harrison gargled a mixture of warm water, honey and vinegar on his 1974 Dark Horse tour, while battling a shot voice. I've done when I've had a sore throat and it really helps, I could hack my brains out and not feel a thing.

seen the videos...didnt exactly work wonders for him

If I'm desperate, I'll drop a Ricola (the OG kind) in a cup of hot (always DECAF) tea with a bit of honey. Usually though, it just ends up being a few beers, a shot of Jameson, and a prayer.

Southern Comfort straight up on ice works well on tired vocal cords. Not that I would know anything about that in particular.

I prefer to stay away from alcohol at rehearsals, or on stage. The best thing I have found is just water, no ice with a twist of lemon.
JimK

I just stick my earplugs in nice and deep and don't think about it to much. I can't hear myself out of the monitors, anyway.

Unfortunately this topic title is too true in today's pop radio market. Don't fret about your ability to sing or not, just buy a sampler and an auto tune and you are golden

fluffy wrote:Unfortunately this topic title is too true in today's pop radio market. Don't fret about your ability to sing or not, just buy a sampler and an auto tune and you are golden

autotune isnt a bad thing. it moves hectic sessions along and eases a lot of frustration for the artist, engineer, and producer. it is also a time saver and therefore a money saver.

autotune wont do anything to help the tone of your voice - you still have to sound good. its not some magic software that makes your voice perfect.

i dont believe things will be going back to the way they were before so youn can either accept it or stick to your old records. neither is wrong or right. but pop music audiences demand a slick sound and autotune helps the artist get there.

"Singing is sustained talking."
Prof. Harold Hill