attn: vocal experts

[PrinnyD00d]

Sorry if this is an over-discussed issue, but I have one of those "growling" questions: Do singers rely on the microphone to amplify their voice? That is, I've tried to do the growling thing and it always comes out kind of quiet...at least, quieter than clean singing.

Thanks.

 

[Charlie E.]

It takes practice to get it loud and audible. Most singers who first try to sing death metal style, either sound too low in volume, or are fairly loud but can't control it, or just sounds like shit.
Trained vocalists can usually learn to project a death metal scream faster since they are already used and trained in using their chest for projection.
Don't use the mic to get volume. I shook my head when I saw Arch Enemy's Angela Gossow use mic cupping for half of her vocals.
Just practice and it will come eventually. If you have friends who have taken vocal lessons, ask them for advice on projection. They'll be able to help you get more volume and chest power into your voice.

 

[Siren]

I'm probably totally irrelevant here, since death metal singing could have nothing to do with classic one (but then as you guessed i'm no expert), but isn't it said that right singing is when you use your belly instead of your chest?

 

[Charlie E.]

Ahhh yea my mistake What I said and what I meant didn't coincide
But I believe the saying is to use more of your stomach and less of your throat. It's a fuller sound you want when you sing, not a weak, low, throaty and nasal one.
I believe diaphragm is the correct term?

 

[mousewings]

Yes, the diaphragm is what to use when trying to sing. That's what I learned when taking some singing stuff way back...

Hmm... on this topic I found a thread that deals with singing advice... it's a long read though...

 

[emjayhaych]

I was going to post something similar asking about this, and I have a weird thing that happens, sometimes when I try to growl/sing in the way of Mikael Stanne, I usually get hiccups!!
I have no idea why.
At first when I tried to growl like him I couldn't manage it, but I find that it gets easier the more you do it. Each time when I have a go, I have to get 'warmed up' before it sounds reasonable...it's like you have to get the right mix between growl and adding a hint of vocals in there as well.
I've had no vocal/singing training, so I probably sound crap, but I've nearly got the style of Stanne.....lol....yeah right.
It's like, I can get the style, but there's no point coz I have a crap singing voice anyway.
These damn hiccups though......

Also, how do you NOT ruin your throat? lol, I couldn't speak properly for about 5 hours once, it felt like my voice was breaking all over again...I need water!! lol

I have to say that Mikael Stanne has the most articulate death metal growl I've heard yet, I was listening to Shadows Fall, and the lead singer of that is nowhere near Stanne. Also the lack of electronics/piano makes it so much more mundane....?!

 

[Siren]

Hmm yeah, i wanted to ask about throat too... I wouldn't want to start sounding like a truck-driver when talking

Also, is it physically possible for a girl with a err not-heavy-voice to start growling decently at all?


Siren (got to take singing lessons soon)

 

[emjayhaych]

I don't know many examples of growly female voices, you mean ala Otep? I think she growls....or like Kittie, SugarComa, etc.
I know Amaran, but she sings, she doesn't growl.....

 

[Charlie E.]

Originally posted by Siren
Hmm yeah, i wanted to ask about throat too... I wouldn't want to start sounding like a truck-driver when talking

Also, is it physically possible for a girl with a err not-heavy-voice to start growling decently at all?


Siren (got to take singing lessons soon)

Of course its possible. Just like a guy can sing falsetto and sound like a girl, a girl, similarly, can sing death metal style.
I've known quite a few girls who can sing death metal. It really isn't a rarity.

 

[Siren]

Ok, thankies

When i record my first death-metal song i'll let you hear it

 

[Charlie E.]

Originally posted by Siren
Ok, thankies

When i record my first death-metal song i'll let you hear it

I'll be looking forward to that My next recording might have some death metal screams by a girl so I'll send you that for encouragement if you want

 

[Siren]

Originally posted by Charlie E.


I'll be looking forward to that My next recording might have some death metal screams by a girl so I'll send you that for encouragement if you want

I want encouragement, yes

 

[Wanderingblade]

Theres a good guide somewhere, but basically what Charlie said... when I first started, I hiccuped too, but now am quite good...

Good tip I saw somewhere: Sing with the belief that when you growl, you make the devil shit his pants.

 

[Siren]

Originally posted by Wanderingblade
Good tip I saw somewhere: Sing with the belief that when you growl, you make the devil shit his pants.

I can sure try that



Siren (the female-stanne-wannabe )