A few recordings from a newbie, guidance needed.....

[Qdog]

Hello everyone, I'm new here, but I'm trying to reach out for guidance to develop and hone my passion. Before you state as much, I know my technique is horrible and unrefined, and control is almost non-existent. That is the reason I came here, and I humbly ask for your feedback. I'd like to pursue a career as a vocalist for a band, and you can tell by the karaoke recordings below, what styles I'm fond of. I have no training or teaching, formal or otherwise and I admit that I know nothing. Right now until I develop more, I dont know any style or sound of my own and the only thing I'm comfortable with is emulation. If you need more for reference, please let me know. Thank you for your time and consideration. Please be aware that some of the recordings contain profanity.

http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/be12b15a4

http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/b6fc08d0

http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/b6af4508

http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/b6af4508

http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/b8124b46c

http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/bfda182b

http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/bbecd5b3

[Qdog]

Well hopefully someone is going to weigh in on these recordings....I know theyre karaoke, but this is just the beginning. We all must start somewhere.

[analog]

Qdog,

based on the recordings I see no reason why you can't be a singer for a band right now. Your emulations are pretty spot on. I heard some tuning issues...but actually believe it has to do with the "emulation" and NOT your pitch(i.e. you're singing through the nose and it eats up the higher harmonics thus making you sound flat...when in fact your on pitch.) This is most evident on the Aaron Lewis/Staind stuff which to me, can't stand listening to him most of the time because of this very issue(singing through the nose.) Mind you, if you twang your ass off you can create a "nasal twang" which sounds fine, but that's another discussion entirely!

Good job man.

[ronws]

Dude, were you channelling Kurt Cobain on "Mudshovel"? You had his tone and emotion on that one. Like, what if Kurt sang for Staind?

On "For You", you were a smidge flat, which I have found to be from lack of confidence. That is, most people who are unsure of where they are go flat, trying to hear the music. As opposed to people who are confident but can't hear the music and go sharp. But once you found the groove, you were in the groove.

You were totally solid on "Bodies." What a scream. I can't say anything more. Anyone who doesn't want you are stone cold idiots and the world is full of them. I listened to that one all the way through.

"Through the Glass" is the song that's going to get you more attention from the ladies than you can handle. When I was a young lad and first learning guitar, all the young ladies wanted to know if you could play "Stairway to Heaven." "Through the Glass" is the song for your generation. Keep this one.

[Qdog]

Thank you very much for your feedback, I really appreciate it. If I did channel anyone, I assure you that it was by accident. I always hear a buzz that vibrates my head when I push my voice. I'd like to know how to get rid of that brass sound, as it drives me crazy when I do it. Gosh I really feel like a baby when it comes to technique. I suppose the logical step to take is to seek some vocal coaching/vocal instruction...However I have learned that finding it is going to be tough.

[ronws]

Thank you very much for your feedback, I really appreciate it. I suppose the logical step to take is to ask for some vocal coaching...However I have learned that finding it is going to be tough.

If your pic in the song links is any indication, I'm probably old enough to be your father and have probably been singing longer than you have been alive and I am still learning. And so will you, always. But you've got a heck of a foundation, at least in my opinion as a member of the buying public that buys music.

[Qdog]

I suppose I should work on using the diaphragm more, while using the nose less. I didnt realize that I was singing through my nose alot. I did notice that I use my throat for air regulation while not supporting it properly with my diaphragm causing undue strain. Lol, it reminds me of a bag-pipe kind of.

[ronws]

Good analogy, the bagpipes. I have found that breath control, along with resonance, leads to volume control. And, counter-intuitive as it sounds, sometimes resonating behind the sinus leads to getting away from nasal sounds. Just like, a high note is a small note with limited and controlled air, rather than an elevated larynx and marine drill sgt. hoarse shout.