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.
vocal performance
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.
Getting great results when you’re the singer AND producer in your home studio
When you’re simultaneously artist and engineer, singer and producer, there are plenty of steps you can take to lay the groundwork for a successful recording session. Read the post.
10 ways to lay the groundwork for an amazing vocal recording session
Nailing a transcendent vocal recording can seem like trying to capture lightning in a bottle — but the whole process need not be mysterious or intimidating. Here are a few tips to get you started. Read the post.
Meet the Vocoder: Make your synth speak and sing
In a musical context, the vocoder often starts with an analog sound and crossbreeds it, in real time, with synthesized textures to create some powerful and versatile musical elements. Read More.
How to sing without straining your voice – night after night
Be prepared for the road, and you’ll love every minute of it. As a vocalist, this means you have to learn to care for your instrument and learn to sing without straining if you want to be in this for the long haul. Read more.
Stage and studio advice from a vocal producer
A vocal producer is a specialist who concentrates on getting the best vocal performance possible. These eight tips come from a seasoned pro and will help you focus on how to bring your best vocal performance to the stage and studio. 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.
Are you ready to work with a vocal producer?
Traditionally, a record producer is tasked with the big picture – the entire recording process. A vocal producer is a specialist who concentrates on getting the best vocal performance possible. We spoke with David Pramik to learn more about the role of a vocal producer and what benefits an artist receives when working with one. 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.