In the studio, having solid breath control is
essential. Listen to your favorite recordings and notice how (and when) those artists take breaths and use their air. You'll find that the best singers "hold up" their bodies to support their air
and hold onto the breath for phrasing ease. This makes for a sound that stays steady and even. How you breathe dramatically impacts your sound. If you inhale too much between short phrases (and exhale
abruptly or almost completely), the vocal line will end up sounding choppy. If you don't take in enough air, say before a big chorus for example, you won't have the power to give it the energy it needs or to
hit the higher notes. Too much air and air power (as many of my students have experienced) can make the pitch sharp; just as not enough air will make you go flat.Once you get a solid technique, your body
will be trained to sing another (better) way and you will intuitively know how much air your body needs to support the sound and have the phrasing sound natural, smooth, or intense (depending on what you're
going for).
Here's a tip: From now on, think of your body as an instrument. Practice phrasing songs by deciding in advance when the breaths will be taken (to avoid fatigue, choppy-ness, lack of pitch depth
on low notes). Modify as you go so that your breathing is comfortable yet still has enough support to create the sound and message you want to send. Record it on a simple tape recorder and see if you like
it. Remember, it won't sound any different/better in a bigger studio (no vocal effects can improve your attitude, energy or vocal control -- it just records it better!).
Tips for General Recording: All the
basics apply (stay hydrated, be rested, do preproduction so that you have a good idea what you sound like and are going for). Don't work out anything in the studio (breathing, harmonies, etc...) unless the
recording time is free and gives you the latitude for preproduction. Not being prepared is the most certain way to waste money, create frustration (and vocal stress), and get a less than acceptable product.
I've made all of these (and more!) mistakes and it is no fun!
excerpted from the Singer's Newletter (subscribe: cybergrl@earthlink.net) or call 310-281-1856
More info:
Teri Danz, Ed.M. Recording Artist, Individual vocal and presentation coaching, singing classes. Danz brings her experience as a recording/label artist to dynamic workshops and lessons that take singers to the next level in their career and development. Credits include: 12" dance/club hit, BMI songwriter, student of Raz Kennedy (Bobby McFerrin, Counting Crows). Teri Danz Band's new release is "Gardens in the Concrete" on Bleach Records (now available at Tower on Sunset!).
ONE WORLD MUSIC 310-281-1856
