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Other music forums => Musician's Corner => Topic started by: Mairi on February 24, 2006, 09:35:17 PM

Title: Vocalists
Post by: Mairi on February 24, 2006, 09:35:17 PM
Okay. Something has been bothering me lately. Now, I KNOW that I'm a good singer since I've been told so by people who aren't a family member or a friend, and I've sung at fesitivals and such. Now, we are doing something in my music class which requires a lead singer for each group, and this other group keeps implying that I can't sing, just because I don't have a thin whispy voice like every other high school girl. The teacher says I'm good, though. How can I stop. being. upset. about this? I really don't give a damn about their opinions, it's just I have an obsession over wanting to  be the best, and singing is one of the few things I can actually do. So, how do get over their annoyingness? I really can sing, (I'm no Idol auditioner.. *shudder*)
It seems that a lot of people think girls should sing like Olivia Newton-John or whatever.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: adamzero on February 24, 2006, 09:40:07 PM
As long as you're singing the truth, it doesn't matter what you're voice sounds like.

The worst thing for a singer is to sound like everybody else.  Be glad some nitwits don't like your voice or think it's different.  If you had no soul or personality (like those Idol contestants and their bigleague counterparts), you'd sound like everybody else.

It's cooler to sound like dylan or joni mitchell than maria carey.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: Mairi on February 24, 2006, 09:53:02 PM
Yeah, I mostly emulate singers like Joan Baez and Buffy Sainte-Marie since i have a similar type voice and I mostly sing political music.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: somedude210 on February 25, 2006, 12:00:54 AM
you could do bob dylan, just make a bunch of indescrible noises.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: An Apple Beatle on February 25, 2006, 12:21:20 AM
Don't obsess about being the best. That can alienate fellow musicians. Concentrate on singing YOUR best. Stick to your path. ;)
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: adamzero on February 25, 2006, 12:24:33 AM
Heeey whuuuuudeeeeyouuuuu meeeuuuhheeennnn biiiii thaaaaeeeaaaat?!
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: An Apple Beatle on February 25, 2006, 12:26:56 AM
ok, you might turn into a diva that no-one wants to work with. lol ;D
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: somedude210 on February 25, 2006, 01:35:21 AM
you mean like jacko? ;D
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: raxo on February 26, 2006, 02:10:00 PM
GO MAIRI GO GO GO!!!
Don't look back ... no time for envious ... you must know you've already got my best energy  :)
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: adamzero on February 28, 2006, 02:37:17 AM
Have you listened to Linda Thompson or Sandy Denny--great role models for female vocalists who never "oversing" the song like the chattering monkey Idol contestants.  Also, Maddy Prior.  

Or Hazel Dickens if you want a real folk voice.  She's featured in the John Sayles' movie Matewan.  
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: Mairi on February 28, 2006, 01:04:11 PM
I'll look those up. I don't like those types of voices that are so whispy- I have a bit of a deeper, stronger voice, and I can't sing like a young girl, really.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: adamzero on March 01, 2006, 01:29:08 AM
There's nothing wispy about Hazel Dickens.  Or Sandy Denny or Maddy Prior.  All strong voices.  Linda Thompson has more fluid to her voice, but nothing wispy about her.

On another tack, how about Patti Smith or even Marianne Faithful.  Great strong low voices.  Patti's even got a mustache!
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: An Apple Beatle on March 01, 2006, 08:31:15 AM
KD Lang perhaps? You already are studying the classic's I'd say.

Annie Lennox although I appreciate she's not 'typically' in your style but she is a fantastic singer and a strong lady.

I mainly prefer my darker skinned female singers. Arethra, Warwick, Jocelyn Brown, Lady Day, N'dea Davenport and on and on I could go.

Nina Simone has some great tones and phrases to sing along to. A different dimension to your reportoire perhaps?

Good luck regardless, just some idea's for you to consider.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: adamzero on March 03, 2006, 02:09:15 AM
Nina Simone is a great call.  I think a vocalist could learn alot about phrasing from her.  Also, she doesn't "oversing" the way some divas do.

I'd say the same thing about K.D. Lang.  Or Patsy Cline.  All of them know how to live a song, not just sing it.

Bessie Smith ain't so bad either!

I like Aretha, but I have to say her "Eleanor Rigby" is one of the more mis-guided covers.  She starts out "I'm Eleanor Rigby" only to die later in the song.   D'oh!

Apps, any opinions on Linda Thompson or Sandy Denny?  Great natural British singers IMHO.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: An Apple Beatle on April 03, 2006, 11:42:26 PM
They are names that have eluded my ears, I must confess....I shall keep an ear out. ;)
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: Mairi on April 04, 2006, 12:01:20 PM
I love Bessie Smith.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: raxo on April 04, 2006, 04:54:41 PM
Dolly Parton?  ::) ... good vocals ...
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: An Apple Beatle on April 05, 2006, 09:50:07 AM
Whats the name of the lead female singer from Zero7. She has a beautiful voice. The face is rather angelic too. (Which helps). lol
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: Mairi on May 11, 2006, 03:03:57 PM
I have a performance coming up on Sunday but I think I'm coming down with strep throat or something 'cause my vocal chords are really raw. I was planning on doing Forever Young, but that song involves a lot of vocal acrobatics so I guess it's out of the question, even though I could do it really well before. I'm probably going to do One Too Many Mornings or something that's also less challengng but impressive nonetheless.

Does anyone have any tips to keep your voice in good condition before a performance?
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: An Apple Beatle on May 11, 2006, 05:58:17 PM
None or little dairy products, no beer, keep throat warm....chewing gum if it is still sore on the day helps me.

Consider also...honey and a good pasta meal at around 2hrs before performance.

Hope that may help. :)
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: on May 11, 2006, 06:23:06 PM
Bogapillabogapillabogapillabogapilla. Apparently.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: Bobber on May 11, 2006, 06:54:58 PM
Quote from: Mairi
Does anyone have any tips to keep your voice in good condition before a performance?

A lot of sleep.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: The End on May 11, 2006, 10:45:46 PM
Quote from: Mairi
Does anyone have any tips to keep your voice in good condition before a performance?

I know for a fact that Rick steers well clear of alcohol before his performances (well, mostly!!). :)
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: An Apple Beatle on May 12, 2006, 11:49:36 AM
Gepends on what company Im' in Al!! lol ;)
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: The End on May 12, 2006, 11:57:28 AM
Yeah, we certainly sank a few the night before that gig I went to! Blimey - was I p*ssed or what!! LOL ;D
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: Mairi on May 12, 2006, 02:53:01 PM
Quote from: An_Apple_Beatle
None or little dairy products, no beer, keep throat warm....chewing gum if it is still sore on the day helps me.

Consider also...honey and a good pasta meal at around 2hrs before performance.

Hope that may help. :)

Thank you! :)

Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: on May 12, 2006, 06:06:22 PM
Quote from: adamzero
As long as you're singing the truth, it doesn't matter what you're voice sounds like.

The worst thing for a singer is to sound like everybody else.  Be glad some nitwits don't like your voice or think it's different.  If you had no soul or personality (like those Idol contestants and their bigleague counterparts), you'd sound like everybody else.

It's cooler to sound like dylan or joni mitchell than maria carey.

wayyyyy cooler (unless your my sister ;))
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: Mairi on May 15, 2006, 02:59:16 PM
Well, the performance went good, not great, but not terrible either. I really shouldn't have tried to sing with a cold, though.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: on May 15, 2006, 04:02:02 PM
No you shouldn't have. I'm sure you knocked them all out though.  :)
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: Revolution on February 15, 2007, 06:00:06 AM
Sandy Denny is/was Fantastic!
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: Revolution on February 15, 2007, 06:01:45 AM
Keep your throat moist;Drink Water. No Caffeine, Booze,etc.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: Bobber on February 15, 2007, 10:01:24 AM
Vitamin C and zinc.
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: Revolution on February 24, 2007, 09:21:47 PM
Janis Joplin , for Bluesy/One of my ALL TIME favorites. 8) Merry Clayton that sang on The sStones track-Gimme Shelter is also Amazing!!!!!! :o
Title: Re: Vocalists
Post by: An Apple Beatle on June 13, 2007, 09:37:11 AM
Jhelisa Anderson is a fantastic singer. ;)