Picking the perfect song for your voice
Picking songs that fit your voice is one of the most important skills you can have as a singer. But if you’re just starting out, how can you tell if a song is actually good for your voice? Read the post.
singing tips
Are online vocal lessons right for you? A review of Ramsey Voice Studio’s “Master Your Voice” program
There are many reasons why finding a local, experienced vocal teacher might not work for you, so an online vocal program might be your best option. I took on the “Master Your Voice” online class from Ramsey Voice Studios to get a taste of what online vocal lessons can do. Read the post.
Add natural vocal effects to your songs
From breathy voice to falsetto, vocal fry to belting and vibrato, vocal effects can be used to add variety and spice to your songs. But, be careful not to overuse these vocal effects. There should always be a reason you’re using a specific vocal effect. Read the post.
What do you want from a vocal coach?
Johnny Dwinell and Brent Baxter interview Salt Lake City-based A-list vocal coach Mindy Pack to discuss vocal health, vocal technique, and various critical topics that relate to improving your vocals. Read the post.
Falsetto, vibrato, and other natural vocal effects you should master
Natural vocal effects are one of the best ways to stand out as a singer. These five vocal effects add variety and flavor to your music. Read the post.
The Star-Spangled Banner: how to sing it right
A performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” can be a powerful musical experience when done right and a national embarrassment if things go wrong. Consider this advice if you’re ever called to perform it. Read the post.
More performance tips for singers: Q&A with Cari Cole
In our November Twitter chat (#DMchat), veteran vocal coach and music biz mentor Cari Cole fielded questions about how vocalists can prepare for a show as well as offering performance tips for singers to maintain your voice over the long haul. Read More.
Maintaining vocal health for singers
Could Kanye West, Meghan Trainor, Sam Smith, and Chad Kroeger have avoided their recent vocal issues? We have tips for maintaining vocal health for singers. Read More.
Performance tips for singers: My three day plan
If you follow the performance tips for singers included in this Three Day Plan, you’ll be prepared for every gig and you’ll never look back! Read More.
How to survive four hour marathon gigs
Not everybody wants to pursue the path of marathon gigging, but for those with a deep love of music and a desire to share it, it can be a great way to get paid for doing what you love. Read more.
The many roads to an authentic vocal style
From deep-throated, battlefield rumbles to pure, soaring tenor lines, there are many different ways to be an effective and powerful rock ’n’ roll singer. Find the direction that works for you, your instrument, your band, and your music. Don’t forget that there are many roads to delivering powerful and authentic vocals in rock and beyond. Read more.
Modify the drums (and more) when a venue pulls the plug
Last week, Echoes published an article about my unexpectedly unplugged and unamplified live music performance at an outdoor festival. The entire band had to make adjustments to accommodate the requirements of the gig – and drummer Rob Mitzner, in particular, relied on a setup he’s customized just for such circumstances. Read more.
Gigging without electricity – how we made it through the show in the park
I had thought that, even though the gig was outdoors, we would have no problem plugging in amps and instruments. Many parks have outlets tucked away inside lamp posts and maintenance buildings, accessible for public events. As we moved closer to the date, we discovered the city would not in fact turn on the juice. Read more.
More thoughts on delivering great rock vocals
Rock singers are the rebel children of the musical family, and they sound like it. They do everything “wrong,” i.e., scream and use the voice in ways that are, traditionally, used in other places, like the battlefield or the bedroom. But there’s a lot more to rock ’n’ roll than whether or not you have grit in your voice. Read more.
How to deliver great rock vocals — and stay healthy doing it
Matt Kramer made his name as the lead singer for the band Saigon Kick. The son of an opera singer, he’s an expert educator and vocal coach as well, and teaches at his Miami-area studio Kramer Voice Company. Here are some singing tips and strategies for great rock vocals from the master. Read more.