Hey guys! I've turned 18 so I started playing bars and lobbies and stuff and my first gig I was so nervous and I'm actually an outgoing person not shy or anything and I just don't understand this and my Dynamic goes all out of place and notes I belt with ease I have to sing in Falsetto :/

Please Help!

I'm not a pro, but it seems to me that you are creating tension in your throat because of your nerves. Proper warm up and attention to the basics will keep you in the game. You will eventually become comfortable in this new environment and the nerves will subside. This should clear up the problem on its own. Just don't try to push your voice to overcome it. You'll harm your voice.

I could be completely off the mark here, but I think the nerves are completely understandable. You are in a completely new environment, putting yourself out there in ways you never have before. You are hoping that these people you are playing for, most of whom are older than you, appreciate your art. Its natural to fear judgement and this creates doubt. When you force yourself to do something you're not completely comfortable with, you're at odd with your body and it will respond. Only experience will bring it back in line. Give it time and keep performing.

Thanks Dave!
Yea, I guess because notes I normally keep my house awake with I had scrape through falsetto..
I did a good warm up and sang a few songs but when I got there I guess I clenched up!
Hope after a few weeks I'll be alright..
Thanks again:)

Get Jaime's Mindset audio download. It is a meditation/self-hypnosis program for essentially dealing with stage fight and being able to "deliver the goods" when you get on stage. DO NOT LISTEN TO IT WHILE DRIVING A CAR!
I'm a trained Hypnotherapist, and I can attest to the fact that it WILL Hypnotize you.

I put it in my Mp3 player, pop the ear buds in, and listen to it while going to sleep sometimes. Initially, I ran it all night long while I slept - I did that every night for a month, then I also listened to it once a day.

Keep practicing, keep training, and also do this:
When you practice - hold a microphone in front of you. You would be surprised how many people sing loud and clear, but stick that mic in front of them and they clam up. That's why Lunte has them practicing through PA system.
I sing loud - actually I'm not sure if it is good or bad, but I sing loud ALL THE TIME. My goal is for that person in the back row to be able to hear me without the PA. So, I'm constantly trying to project - even though I know that I'll be singing into microphone.... but the thing is, it affects your tone, the "thickness" of your voice, the strength, everything.



Tim

Thanks Tim!
Enjoy hearing your advice:)
Don't have any money to spend on it though at the moment but will be sure get it
as soon as possible!
So this hypnosis stuff actually works huh?

It has a little bit to do with your technique probably but surely lots with your EGO!! You have to stop to care so much ;) Then you will be at ease to make mistakes and lift the pressure off your shoulders.
Kenny Werner wrote an excellent book on managing stress and writer's block. It has completely changed my way of singing, performing and teaching. YOu ca listen to my interview with him about his philosophy and book "Effortless Mastery" here:

http://www.voiceyourselfgoes360.com/VYGoes360%20Kenny%20Werner.html

I highly recommend the interview and the book if you can afford it. It will change your life, lol!