My Musical Journey and Vocal Techniques

Early Beginnings

So as far back as I or my family can remember, I was always singing as a really tiny child. There's video of me humming to myself and always wanting to get up and perform for people. I somewhat attest this to my grandfather, who was a barbershop quartet champion and was always singing and performing in musicals.

From a really young age, I was exposed to music in the house and at church, and I just always loved to sing. I think the vibration of singing was comforting; when I was upset, my mom would sing me to sleep. That became a self-soothing mechanism I learned for myself.

Learning Guitar and Songwriting

Once I began playing the guitar, it felt natural for me to sing while playing. For others, it might be like patting your head while rubbing your belly, challenging to do two things at once. To get comfortable, I started learning how to play other people's songs. I quickly figured out where the chords started and ended based on various music books.

Before I could really play the guitar, I often made up songs and melodies to express my feelings, whether I was frustrated or happy.

My Approach to Guitar and Voice

When it came to writing my own songs, my approach to the guitar was less mathematical and more emotional:

• How does this chord make me feel?
• I used the guitar, my voice, and my melody ideas as tools of expression.

One of the first songs I learned to play was "There is a house in New Orleans they call the Rising Sun." I built up my chord repertoire over time, focusing on muscle memory.

Discovering My Voice

I've sung my whole life and always had a big, gravelly voice. I remember singing at the top of my lungs, which probably drove some people nuts! At age 9, I performed in a musical, Annie, where I played Little Orphan Annie with a demanding belty role. After 82 performances, I noticed that my voice would get hoarse or tired, leading me to take voice lessons in junior high.

Vocal Training

• My early voice lessons focused on classical vocal training.
• I learned techniques for sight-reading and how to warm up my voice.

In high school, I was briefly a cheerleader, which involved a lot of shouting. I didn't take care of my voice properly and ended up getting nodules on my vocal cords, which required removal at 18. This taught me the importance of vocal care.

Touring and Vocal Maintenance

After releasing my first album, I started touring and playing shows nightly, often leading to vocal strain. I had to learn how to keep my voice in good shape through experience, and I found a great vocal coach in Los Angeles named Carol Tingle.

She tailored warm-ups specific to my voice, which were essential before and after singing. Proper vocal health included:

• At least eight hours of sleep
• Staying hydrated
• Vocal rest when needed

After shows, while most band members would go out to have fun, I often had to return to my hotel room to sit in silence and drink tea.

Techniques for Effective Singing

During my early twenties, I had the chance to work with amazing producer Glen Ballard, who taught me valuable insights about singing. I remember Annie Lennox at a dinner where she described a technique involving opening a specific space in your head for easier singing.

To help with breath control, I learned to:

• Breathe through a straw (mentally visualizing it):
  • This gives you more breath and power to hit high notes without straining your voice.

I also practiced various exercises to loosen up my face and jaw. Some might sound ridiculous, but achieving flexibility in my face creates more space for sound to resonate.

Conclusion

If you are passionate about singing, I advise finding a vocal coach who can help you with:

1. Breath Control and Technique: Understanding how to keep that space open in your sinuses and throat.
2. Vocal Warm-Ups: Developing a routine that works for you.

While it might feel silly at times, warming up is crucial. Skipping this step can lead to regret and potential vocal strain, so take your vocal health seriously!