SublimelyMe

I think you can take this down two routes: work on imitating James Hetfield (nothing wrong if that's what you're after) or like Tommy said, work on building your own sound. I have a habit of mimicking singers when learning a song and sometimes I have to completely abandon it and later return to it with my own understanding of the music and lyrics to make the song mine. I think it's more powerful to take ownership of the lyrics you sing, even if you didn't write them, but then, I'm a very theatrical type and I know that doesn't work for everyone My brutal and honest opinion? I enjoyed it very much until the chorus. The verses sound well rehearsed (not to say there's not room for improvement, there always is ) but the in the chorus you lost confidence and - I think - the ability to follow through the softer sounding, but equally as deep emotions portrayed there. I hope that makes sense? I guess what I'm trying to say is gravel, growl and loud isn't the only way to express deep emotions. Keep working on it, because there's some good progress to be made! :)

Thanks, Tommy Once I've shaken off this cold and cough, I've got myself a whole list of new stuff to learn, but I'm enjoying singing fun songs at the moment and less of the serious. Makes a nice change!

One of those days! Thanks for pointing it out http://www.muzu.tv/openmic/hayley-waller-open-mic-uk-dewsbury-regional-final-music-video/1583370/

Hiya all, After getting your advice here a couple of months ago, I can now tell you that I got through to the next round of the competition and here's a link to my performance. http://www.muzu.tv/openmic/hayley-waller-open-mic-uk-dewsbury-regional-final-music-video/1583370/ Please, if you have any criticisms, I'd be grateful to know them, as I'm always looking to improve. Thanks in advance, Hayley

Thank you to those who listened and helped me tweak At Last. I attended 2 auditions and got through to the finals on one of those with At Last, so thank you! I'm now looking at my next song for the regional finals. It's suggested that we use songs from the last 5 years which caught me off guard. Anyway, here I have a work in progress recording of Paloma Faith's Upside Down. Any opinions - without sugar coating - warmly received! Many thanks in advance, Hayley

@ronws: Thanks so much, great advice and makes perfect sense. Sorry for the late reply, it's been a hectic week and I've been working on this for an audition at the weekend. All of you have given me fantastic advice, thank you so, so much. I look forward to one day being able to return the favour to others. Hay

Thanks so much, I've been working on the points you raised today and hopefully I'll take another shot at recording it and maybe you can let me know you're thoughts then? Really appreciate the input. Hayley

Hi all, Please would you take the time to critique my cover of At Last. I greatly appreciate all comments. No niceties required, just plain old blunt truths! Thanks PS. The recording really isn't great, so please excuse it. Apologies in advance for that one! http://soundcloud.com/sublimelyme/at-last

There are probably a lot more people on here in a better position to advise you, but I'll throw my tuppance in for good measure. Are you bad? No, you are not bad. You do, however (in my opinion) need to understand how to use your voice. After all, it is an instrument that needs to be learned and mastered over time. I'd focus on breathing correctly, first and foremost, from then you can build up some control and strength without knackering your voice. Also...Valerie. You weren't quite singing the melody as I know it, but if you were putting your own twist on it, fair enough. I'd sing with some backing tracks to help yourself a little and then record acapella. Most of all, enjoy learning to use your voice and have fun :)