A cover of Robert Lunte's "Souls Of Silence" (again!)

[napoleonboot]

A little over a year ago, a few of the regulars here tried out a song Robert Lunte had written and recorded called "Souls Of Silence". I was one of those that tried it, with a distinctly lacklustre outcome. In the year that has passed since, I have had some voice coaching, and worked very hard on technical aspects of my singing, as well as delivery and performance. I have also written and recorded a load of songs in the gap and done a couple of stints in local community musical theatre.

So.. I thought I'd give another go. It's not an easy song on any count: dynamics, pitch, tempo etc. , but I'm reasonably happy with the outcome this time.

As usual, constructive criticism is welcome. What do I need to work on, for this song or in general?

For reference here is the original (Robert singing):

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=156006021177854

[Singinglessonsonline]

Hi,

I had a listen to both clips. I can certainly see that you have been working on your vocals...and well done! Its a definite improvement. I'am guessing your teacher has been working with you on allowing the voice to flow freely and not to push the sound? I think there is still a little more work to be done here, as their is for all :-) Also, just be a little careful not to modify your vowels a little too much, when we do that it can take away a little from the impact of the words. I think you might want to support the sound more on the high note at 4'27". Its sounding a bit strained at the moment, but even for Opera singers, It's hard for us on those high notes, so not to worry. hope that helps

[napoleonboot]

Many thanks or listening and commenting Laura.

You hit the nail on the head, yes I am pushing it a loss less now than before, and also breathing more correctly (from the abdomen).

I will work on support for the high notes, they are the bit I was least happy with.

I use vowel modification but I was conscious of overdoing it, can you you give me a time reference where I have done that? maybe its my black country accent trying to creep through!

George

[Singinglessonsonline]

yep, to my ear...I cant quite make out your words from 0'56 to 1'00. .."something something was made at the alter top?", a little at about 1'24...and 1'30...cant make out the long note. Sorry to be so direct!!

But you are using some good technique in your singing...I wonder if the music is ever so slightly too loud..? that might be why so of the lower notes are unclear to me. Just a thought

[ronws]

You're right, George. This is better than before and I think your experience in the theater has maybe informed it, a little bit.

One thing I have noticed about Robert Lunte, aside from his obvious genius in songwriting and arranging ( a whole 'nother set of skills,) is that he has a dramatic delivery, theatrical at times. It is never just a technical exercise or vocal study. It is the presentation of emotion, an idea, a time and place, a story. Your singing was good, before. Here, it is empassioned and carries something forth to the audience. Maybe you improved with whatever vocal lessons you have had. But I think, to quote Brett Michaels, "you brought it."

Good stuff, King George.

Hail to the king....

And, again, bravo to Robert Lunte for creating this song and inspiring so many others to cover it or write stuff on their own to be just as powerful and important in the pantheon of the singing and musical arts.

I know, awfully flowery words from a redneck from Texas (by way of California.)

[napoleonboot]

Thanks for your positive words Ron

You have hit the nail on the head about performance. Robert's expressiveness has helped inspire me, more so than his teachings on vocal technique, and is one of the things that have helped me get confidence for songs such as these (in the last year):

Also, I have a good network on online collaborators (songwriters, musicians, producers) and it becomes virtuous circle: the better I do this stuff, the more invites I get when they have more theatrical songs that need vocals.

I think these more theatrical songs are "my thing".

[ronws]

I think these more theatrical songs are "my thing".

I find that for myself with the more folk-ish and the singer-songwriter-y stuff. I will not be the next singer of Avenged Sevenfold or Iced Earth. But I would not mind being the next Lukah Bloom. Though I fear that only you and I will know of whom I am speaking. My father-in-law thinks I sound like him, especially on "Ciara."

And so, it is not a limit for me but a direction to concentrate my talents and work.

[Owen Korzec]

Cool! All the notes are there and they all in a nice strong full voice. Good work on that!

If I were you the one thing id do differently is a lot less heavy articulation/pronunciation and a lot more singing on the vowels with an open sensation in the back of the throat at all times.

I'm not sure how physically demanding this felt for you, but that alone would decrease the effort a LOT to help you save stamina. However if it feels fine to you and you prefer that heavily enunciated sound go for it. Personally I would have preferred a more legato aesthetic anyways, stylistically, but do whatever sounds best to you if technique is not an issue.

One more thing, also more of a stylistic preference of mine - you tend to riff down to lower notes after holding a high note and to me that spoils the effect. I think holding the high notes and ending them cleanly will make them sound more impressive. But again if you like this effect, continue it.

I don't know if you just repeated what Rob did with this, but waiting till the second half of the bridge to start the screams was my favorite moment. That big space you left built up so much anticipation and then you came in full voice and it was an amazing effect.

[napoleonboot]

Owen - thanks for your comments, you are right about the over-heavy articulation. I'll work on that.

It wasn't very physically demanding, certainly compared to when I sand it a year ago, so maybe I'm naturally heavy!

The screams were timed in the same place as where Rob did them, I cant take any credit. It's a great song :)