Beverages and the voice

[jdogric12]

Let's discuss singing and the effect of various beverages on the voice.

I know caffeine is bad, as it dehydrates. I usually just stick to loads of water, or if the situation calls for it, beers.

My voice has improved considerably, though, since quitting smoking, so there's that too.

[rickinroma]

sometimes, I had a very moderate benefit drinking a bit of Southern Comfort

[scotty]

I always think that after 12 beers i sound awesome.Try it Jason and tell me what you think?

[longhouse]

Water with lemon = brilliant way to keep hydrated and phlegm-free.

Even if you don't want to swallow it, gargling with scotch whisky or bourbon does a magnificent job of easing a scratchy voice, negating phlegm, and keeping everything in good working order. Of course, if you're gargling too much you may think you sound better than you do.

Beer isn't bad on my voice -minus its ability to inspire burping (never good when you're in the middle of a song!).

[winston]

Scott sounds great after 12 beer.................just ask him.

[sowhat]

I always think that after 12 beers i sound awesome.Try it Jason and tell me what you think?

After 12 glasses of vodka, you'll probably sound even better... to yourself.
On a serious note, "energy drinks" do have an improving effect on my vocal cords. Unfortunately, a short one. Then there's always cognac & lemon. But frankly, personally i wouldn't recommend alcohol for that purpose, especially when the problem is cough or flu. It may have a short effect, but in the end it works against you. That's like anaesthetics on a broken leg. It may not hurt, but it is still broken and anaesthetic won't cure it.
Just my humble opinion.

[ajish4]

I always think that after 12 beers i sound awesome.Try it Jason and tell me what you think?

LOL,

Scotty beat me to it!

[windchimp]

After I've downed 12 beers you all sound awesome!!

[paologregorio]

I like to keep water, a beer, and a Scotch all within reach at a performance.

Speaking of beverages at shows, and more specifically the containers they come in, here's a quote from John Hall regarding Smiling face down's SCARF performance at the Yost:

"Smiling face down's dressing room looked like a recycling center".

It wasn't me; I only had a few....

[jimk]

I prefer a iced water with a twist of lemon. I know some folks prefer water without ice, as they believe the cold water constricts something, the windpipe, perhaps. But since I perspire rather profusely, I find cold water helps cool my core temperature. I usually abstain from alcohol because of medications.

JimK

[beatlefreak]

I always think that after 12 beers i sound awesome.Try it Jason and tell me what you think?

!2 beers will certainly help vocal loudness...

[Clint]

Room temperature Guinness.

[JakeK]

I don't smoke anything, and I don't drink alcohol. When I'm performing, I like to have at least one or two bottles of water on hand. That's it. Not Coke (ka-Cola), Root Beer, Powerade, carbonated water or anything like that. Just a bottle of purified water. It always helps.

[sloop_john_b]

Room temperature Guinness.

Absolutely +1. Room temperature water for when I run out/get too drunk.

[winston]

When my throat was constricting or acting up I used to suck on a Fisherman's Friend lozenge between sets, especially if I had any respiratory ailment. They are very effective.

According to Wikipedia they were developed by a young pharmacist named James Lofthouse in 1865 to relieve various respiratory problems suffered by fishermen working in the extreme conditions of the Icelandic deep-sea fishing grounds.

A good supply of cool water is always helpful too.

I await the older than dirt jokes from the peanut gallery.................