General Music Chat

Since it looks like I'll be pulling double duty with the new band project, what do you drink during the course of the night, to keep your throat from totally drying up?

I know...no carbonated stuff, no milk (ugh), and I've even been told that ice water can constrict the chords somewhat.

A few years ago on Robert Lamm's forum (Chicago) he mentioned some kind of concoction that was something like tea and honey...I think. Like a dummy, I didn't take note of it at the time.

So what's your secret formula?

Almost forgot...my self-imposed smoking ban goes into effect tomorrow with the patch!

I don't usually have a problem but occasionally by the third or fourth set a rum and coke seems to work good (I almost NEVER drink alcohol other than the very occasional rum and coke).

Room temperature water is the best thing for your throat.

Stay away from anything with caffeine, yes, even tea.

And of course no alcohol or carbonated drinks.

Thanks gang...water it is!

I never drink at rehearsal or at the gig. But once I get home...whiskey and Coke here I come!

nothing makes me thirstier or dries my throat out like water @ a gig. that's just me personally!
I prefer beer. as long as your not being a piss head and getting shitfaced it works as well as anything I've tried.
flat soda works well for some

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"putting your head in a hole means you left your ass is in the air"

The best thing for a vocalist in my opinion is Elm Bark Tea. It is an herb tea that is absolutly best for rejuvenating connective tissues in the human body and one of these connecting tissues connects the vocal chords.

Back when I was a younger lad and singing Journey, Styx, and Night Ranger, Lover Boy. I became very ill with a bad flu and the recovery time was long and I found that this erb helped me recover. The only place that had these erbs were Mom and Pop health food stores. and they also had losenges.

I have said this over and over nothing you drink will help you become a better singer fast. There is nothing magical. Your body is a vessel and you must take care of it, just like an athelete. Trust me I have learned this through first hand experience.

Ive never really worried about it. Just drank whatever was handed to me. Be it water, beer, whisky, yagar, whatever.

idk who the retard is that said to drink alcohol but he doesnt know what he's talking about. Im a screamer and we have lots of problems with things we drink because if we drink anything but room temp water it can scar our throats. I advise u to drink room temp water or just tap with the nob strait up no cold not hot just luke warm my friend. It somewhat lubricates the throat and u will realize that u can sometimes hold your note longer.

P.S. Im sry to the dude that said the alcohol things its just that it never helps if you actually have a voice. It scars the back of the tonge and also the throat and can cause acid reflux to mess with you.

idk who the retard is that said to drink alcohol but he doesnt know what he's talking about.

And how would you know? You're not old enough to drink in Arkansas.
Hey, I used to pass through Clinton, delivering wine for one of the wineries in Altus, AR.
I don't think anyone was telling anyone else to drink alcohol for throat problems, just that they themselves like to. I'm the same way, if I'm gigging and not having throat problems, I like to have a few drinks during the night. But, if my throat hurts or even feels weak, no alcohol for me. Usually some warm, not hot coffee soothes it (I know someone said no caffeine) and occasionally I'll get some warm salt water and go gargle with it. Seems to clean the crud off the pipes without irritating them more. Then I'll get a glass of room temp water and squeeze some lemons into it to keep on stage and just sip on it when thirsty. This works for me but maybe not for others.

I think Bob Seger smoked five packs of cigs and gargled with broken glass before each show to get that smooth but gravely voice we've all come to know and love.

Thanks again for the tips gang...good stuff. I think it's just going to be good ole H2O for now. Like I said, I don't drink booze or anything carbonated when I have to do vocals, and I can't even stand the smell of beer, so that's out too! Drank enough of that stuff as a kid to float a battleship!

Jeff, I'm gonna stop at a Hi-Health today and see if maybe they have that tea you mentioned. Curiosity factor if nothing else...thanks man!

Getting rid of the cigarettes is a big step in itself, and will help a lot! I quit once before, and noticed a huge difference in my vocals...but like an idiot, started up again.

I quit once before, and noticed a huge difference in my vocals...but like an idiot, started up again.

Same here, so I guess we didn't QUIT...we just took a long break.

I agree about the lukewarm water although a drop of honey and splash of lemon in it really does the trick for me if I am feeling a bit sore. That's just me. I don't drink alcohol before or during a show, but that's mainly to do with performance- I feel like I'd cheat my audience. Just one of my personal quirks I guess.

My audience would feel cheated if I didnt drink.

Besides the more I drink the better we sound.

I think you just have to find what works for you. When I was a young metal screamer I used to drink all kinds of concoctions and use sore throat spray. All sorts of crap. I finally just went about my business and my voice seemed better than when I worried about it all the time.

These days Im a backup singer, plus I get to do all the silly voices no one else wants to do.

Good Luck

Water, and yes the room temp stuff is best.

The other thing that I have used successfully is warm water with lemon and honey. An herbal tea can work as well.

Well, there's another vote for water laced with lemon and honey! I'm going to have to try this out!

Thanks again for all the input. If it doesn't work, we'll save the Michael McDonald songs for the last set!