I saw a local Beatles cover band the other night at a packed venue. It was so packed, I couldn't even here myself sing most of the time. However, as I was singing, I had my hand pressed against my throat and could tell that I was able to sing songs that are usually difficult without trouble.

It was sort of unlike anything I've felt before..... there was no strain and high notes weren't really something I thought twice about. It was the most brilliant feeling. There was no strain, my larynx wasn't moving at all, and the muscles under my chin weren't tight. I did my best to remember what exactly I was doing.... and I think a lot of it was mental.

I tried singing some songs the next day that are usually difficult for me, and it actually worked pretty well. I remember the sensation very well and I realize that I kind of have to not worry about hitting the notes and just let it happen. That said, I wasn't able to do Helter Skelter like I was the other night, but I'm still amazed that I was actually able to do it.

It almost feels like a release of some sort..... whenever I usually go up a scale, muscles tighten up and its harder to make the note and my throat closes. When I was singing to the live music, everything felt very natural.... There is a resonance that you can feel throughout your head, and it's not like the sound is trapped in your throat, but evenly divided through your nose and mouth.

Sorry if I'm not making a bunch of sense, but I'm curious to know if anyone has ever tried this and if the more experienced singers agree with what I am saying. I have been trying to sing for several years now (never on a serious schedule), and have weekly lessons for 4 months.

Anyways, if you haven't been to a live show lately, try to find a cover band that plays songs you like and can pack a house (or play loud). It was an extremely enjoyable experience and I felt like I got a lot out of it. Like I said, I rarely could actually hear my voice with my own ears, but the sensations I felt in my throat/head and the vibrations I felt with my hand on my throat really made me feel like I had a breakthrough of some sort.

At first I thought it was going to be a case of the covers band performing the song in a different key, but then due to the day consistancy the next day it may not be that.
This is probably psychological. You weren't able to hear yourself (I guess nobody else could hear you either), so you just let go and went for it. You probably weren't as worried and not over-thinking everything, which may have given you the ability to just be free.
Sounds like that could have been the case.

I know exactly what you're talking about and I'm almost certain it's psychological. I get that every time I go to a club, sometimes I go to a corner where no-one can hear me and try singing something (usually not what's playing). It's almost always effortless, no breaks etc.

I think what's going on, other than the reassurance than no-one can hear you, is that you cannot hear your exact tone, even if you cup your ear. You can hear what you're singing but I think the drowning out of tonal detail makes you stop compensating for the sound of your voice. It stops you from forcing it into what you think it should sound like. If you record it, you might find it sounds crap but that feeling of freedom should be how singing should be in general. If your voice is effortless you can build on it to develop the sound you want.

really interesting posts guys!

YOu're thinking too much and are becoming self-conscious without the music. Just let it go!