Is my singing OK?

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Puma81

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Hey everyone. I've been making music for a while, and I'm happy with everything BUT MY VOCALS! I just can't stand the sound of my voice. I think it's terrible.

PEOPLE KEEP TELLING ME THAT I HAVE A GOOD VOICE, but I don't believe them. So I need some strangers to do me a huge favor and hit me with some HONESTY.

YouTube - Quiet Roads - by Gregor Klingman

Thanks everyone! :)
 
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Yeah, in the same way that Ryan Adams' singing is ok. Nobody is going to accuse you of being a world class singer, but you're generally on key, and you have developed ways of compensating for your weaknesses that add character to your singing. Some would call it style. I personally dig it.

It's a shame your recording sucks so bad, though. The whole thing sounds like it was recorded on a webcam or something. Get better at that part of it, because I think you have something to say.
 
Thanks for the feeback!

Ryan Adams just happens to be my favorite musician, so that is a big compliment. THANK YOU! Sounding sincere, the way he does, is very important to me. I don't mind having shaky or simple vocals, as long as it's something people feel like they could enjoy. Or maybe vocals that could grow on someone quickly. It's hard because I don't sound like I do in my own head (which sounds better) because of the reverberation in my skull, but even then, when I hear my recorded vocals I just feel like I have one of those boring amateur vocals that everyone sounds like when you hear their home recordings. That's why I just really need some honesty.

As far as the recording goes, yeah, it's pretty bad. I just upgraded to a better mic and hope it helps. We'll see.
 
I sort of had an idea that you might be a Ryan Adams fan. It all starts with the song, and if you're a fan of his, you know it. I hear an awful lot of great recordings around here of shit songs. I'd rather have a shit recording of a good song than a spectacular recording of a throwaway tune.

Ryan has some of the most beautiful recordings ever made, though. Same producer used by Ray Lamontagne. You really should work on that part of the equation, though. It doesn't take a lot of money anymore to make really good recordings, but it takes a big investment in time to get better. I think that investment is worth it if your other tunes are like this one. I've got a thread in the mp3 clinic right now that has a couple of songs I recorded this weekend. Real simple one take recordings. You might get something out of a listen.
 
Thanks again, Chris. I couldn't agree more about song quality over sound quality, but both are important. That "one take" recording you did was awesome by the way. Keep it up.
 
I think you have a very unique voice, dude. Definitely have some character! i think though that you should strengthen it by working with a good vocal coach.

The song is quite excellent as well!
 
Very cool song : ), despite the lack of studio recording quality (taking the webcam reference from Chris) this has an appeal on its own. Hard to describe, but very cool listening to it ; ).
 
Thanks guys, I appreciate the encouragement so far. I'd love to hear more opinions on the vocals.
 
You sound like Damien Rice...and Iron & Wine.

I like it...I even like the rugged recording!
 
Good voice! I look forward to hear the same song with a better sound quality. But guitar, lyrics and voice are great.
 
Thanks for the good info so far, everyone.

Can I get some more critiques on the vocals, please? Do the vocals sound like something you could imagine listening to an entire album of, or become endearing over time?
 
Ok so your a mediocre singer with great instincts. The recording is straight up terrible for the vocals. You've got something going on though.
Voice and style match the music well.
 
I can see how you might be unsure about your voice. That is why I love it. It actually has character! That song is awesome! It's the kind of voice that would get old to me. Reminds me of the stuff coming out of sub pop records recently.
 
Your voice works well with this style of music. I agree with the above poster about the song sounding subpop-ish. I really dig this song.
 
definatly a nice voice yes and somehow.. i do like the recording.. its like listening to those old vinyl recordings... i like it!
 
I can definitely enjoy listening to your voice - yes mic problems blah blah (it's all been said!), but that aside - your voice is simple and gentle and soothing to listen to!
 
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