Daniel Charles wrote:Hi
i have some questions for live singing
1. how to avoid memory blanks , and being afraid of it ?
2 when i did an open mic , i put the mic in a certain position , and it did a big unpleasant sound . what is it exactly?
3 is there something to eat ( like maybe raw eggs...) to protect the voice before a performance . i am concern especially with the falsetto
4. what about if a guy has to perform thursday , but he catch a cold on tuesday? also how can he prevent that?
thanx,daniel
1. Don't be afraid of blanking, adlib if you have to, repeat what you do remember that fits. I will find myself with memory blanks at times too. Key is to practice, practice, practice. Need to get to the point where it is automatic/natural and not having to think about it - that way you can also enjoy, or put more into the performance. What helps me is listening to/practicing the song w/out lyrics, but also practicing a few times with the lyrics w/out singing it, then doing the song w/out lyrics but having them handy just in case. For an open mic, it won't hurt to have them with you either. I will also go over the lyrics in my head w/out anything (kinda like writing them down method mentioned in a post above).
2. Yeah, that's probably feedback. Keep mic pointed away from speakers.
3. Drink water and keep hydrated. I think you're supposed to stay away from dairy and a few other things as well (google it). I avoid eating anything right before singing. Alcohol, caffine and salty foods are not ideal either b/c they can dehydrate you.
Warm up before you sing-- either scales or an "easier" song. Don't start your warm up with something really high (e.g. a lot of falsetto or screams), work up to it. A lot of talking, particularly if you have to talk loud (e.g. in a bar) can wreak havoc on your voice as well.
This may sound strange, but on songs I've never done before I have to "learn" how to physically sing the song-- e.g. key, octave, how I physically form the notes, when/how to breath. Point is, know how you need to perform the song and how you need to hit the notes-- and if you can't how you'll change them.
4. The show must go on. Do the best you can - again, stay hydrated. Depending on what the illness is, you might be ok, or you might be screwed.
My 2 cents.