Tips for the (non)vocalist?

[Rizo]

Because of the way things have worked out I'm having to take over vocal duties on the recording project I've been working on. In a way, it's fitting because I wrote nearly all the songs anyway.

I don't have the greatest ear in the world, but I don't have a problem singing back up or harmony. I've never done lead before though. Doing backing vocals was easier for me because I just had to "follow" the lead singer but doing it all on my own is more than a little intimidating. I'm not feeling too bad about this though, after all guys like Lou Reed, Neil Young, Mick Jagger, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan have been going for decades without the best voices.

Anyway, what advice would you give to a guy in my position? Anyone have any tips or tricks they use?

[RichardWitt]

I would have to say I am in the same boat as yourself! I think this one does sort of depend on what it is you are trying to achieve??? but.....

One trick I learnt years back was double tracking vocals. Record the vocals the first, then sing alone with them until you have it pretty much in the bag. Then record a second track of the same vocal and try to mix it so it sounds like one. I found this to be very helpful in strengthening any vocal track, be the main or backups.

I might add that this is not everyone's 'cup of tea', but they've been doing it for decades in all types of music. It's no so noticeable to hear this technique until you hear it with headphones.

The tracks can be set in the centre of the mix or each one panned left and right to give it a feeling of space, like I said...., it really comes down to what you are trying to achieve?

I hope this helps?

[raisindot]

Originally Posted by Rizo

I don't have the greatest ear in the world, but I don't have a problem singing back up or harmony. I've never done lead before though. Doing backing vocals was easier for me because I just had to "follow" the lead singer but doing it all on my own is more than a little intimidating. I'm not feeling too bad about this though, after all guys like Lou Reed, Neil Young, Mick Jagger, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan have been going for decades without the best voices.

Anyway, what advice would you give to a guy in my position? Anyone have any tips or tricks they use?

Totally sympathize with you. I'm a "basement Beethoven" myself, and am forced to inflict my own substandard vocals on the demos I create. It doesn't help that I have a rather nasally, midwest vocal style with no distinguishing characteristics.

At best, I try to achieve a level of averageness that doesn't drive folks out the door. Double-tracking helps a bit (although I "cheat" by simply copying a vocal track I've recorded and adding it to the mix, which achieves a simply result). A little reverb (not too much) can help a bit, and using some compression can help balance out the volume highs and lows.

For vocals, I use a Russian-made large diaphragm cardoid condensor mike, which I believe helps "fill out" my voice better (especially when phantom power is applied to it) than a non-condensor mike I used to use.

When recording vocals, I am always incredibly nervous and self-conscious. In fact, I can't do it (even in my basement) unless I'm the only one home. Obviously, with a wife and kids around all the time this doesn't leave a lot of time for recording sessions).

When I actually do record, my worst flaws are singing "too high" and sounding too "mechanical". To aid in this process, I always try to memorize all lyrics for the song so I don't need to refer to a lyrics sheet. This isn't always possible, so to add more presence and emotion to a song, I always record standing up, because I believe that doing so makes the process a bit more "formal" and lets you harness your body's energy a bit better. I also (if I'm not holding a lyric sheet) try to use a lot of gestures with my free hand, to try to simulate performing on stage. Also, if you can add vibrato to selected "emotion words" (not such an easy thing for an untrained singer), it does help liven the recording up a bit.

Jeff in Boston

[fungusyoung]

Originally Posted by raisindot

When recording vocals, I am always incredibly nervous and self-conscious. In fact, I can't do it (even in my basement) unless I'm the only one home. Obviously, with a wife and kids around all the time this doesn't leave a lot of time for recording sessions).Jeff in Boston

Hilarious. I'm the same exact way. I will often rush in to do vocal tracks as soon as my wife and son leave because time is so limited, and they seem to be home all the time!

There's been a lot of great suggestions that I also use (as a total novice vocalist): Double-tracking, add some reverb, stand up when you sing, know the song so you don't have to refer to lyric sheets, etc.

What has probably helped me as much as anything is recording one rough vocal track, doing a rough mix and playing it in the car so I can hear it, flaws and all, and sing over it. It's the only place I can get any real practice in, and hearing it in the register you sing at is very helpful in recognizing your initial mistakes and also your limitations. The practice in the car even helped with my breathing patterns, etc.

Singing takes guts. I still don't have what it takes nor do I ever think I'll be entirely satisfied, but improving is oh so rewarding.

Best of luck!!!

[fingers23]

Originally Posted by fungusyoung

Hilarious. I'm the same exact way. I will often rush in to do vocal tracks as soon as my wife and son leave because time is so limited, and they seem to be home all the time!

There's been a lot of great suggestions that I also use (as a total novice vocalist): Double-tracking, add some reverb, stand up when you sing, know the song so you don't have to refer to lyric sheets, etc.

What has probably helped me as much as anything is recording one rough vocal track, doing a rough mix and playing it in the car so I can hear it, flaws and all, and sing over it. It's the only place I can get any real practice in, and hearing it in the register you sing at is very helpful in recognizing your initial mistakes and also your limitations. The practice in the car even helped with my breathing patterns, etc.

Singing takes guts. I still don't have what it takes nor do I ever think I'll be entirely satisfied, but improving is oh so rewarding.

Best of luck!!!

+1 or should that be +2