What do you do to inspire a vocalist's performance?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nate74
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Mixxit12 said:
This is sort of a risky technique but if he's way better in a live setting, then give him an SM58, held in his hand not on a stand, and give it a try that way. Sometimes when a performer feels bolted to one spot on the floor, the don't feel as expressive when they sing.

The obvious downside to this is it can become a dynamics nightmare if his distance from the mic varies too much. Plus you're stuck with a specific mic.

Might be worth a try though. Many of the other suggestions are good too.

I think it was on a Chimaira DVD where the singer is recording vocals into a mounted mic as usual, and holding an unplugged SM57 in his hand the whole time... I guess you get the better of both worlds that way....
 
HangDawg,

I do tend to handle some (most) vocalists with kid gloves - let's face it, most singers have such fragile egos - it can be sad to actually deal with (and sadly, some have egos that waaaay surpass their limited talent).

Now, if it's a singer I know well - in particular if it's a singer I know is able to do better - I can and will be more direct. And there have been times where I have firmly, but nicely informed singers that they simply were not strong enough, in tune enough, etc. and sent them on their way.

However, when I have a singer that I think can provide a great vocal (with a little TLC) - then yeah I'll pad their pathetic little ego and try to make them feel good about themselves.

I have never wiped any singer's ass............although there have been a few attractive chick singers that I would have given it due thought :D
 
mikeh said:
10. Lastly, know when enough is enough. Sometimes, it's better to walk away and fight another day.

I maybe should have started here... as for giving him an SM58 with the intent of him feeling less "nailed down" he's also the guitarist in the band and as such he ought to be fairly used to standing in one place singing into a mic on a stand.

The drummer suggested giving him his guitar to play, but I fear even an unplugged electric would bleed all over the vocal tracks...
 
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