THE VOICE CONNECTION
SOUND OFF

Welcome to The Voice Connection Sound Off; a forum for users of books like Raise Your Voice, Melody to Madness, The Ultimate Breathing Workout, and Unleash Your Creative Mindset, as well as a place for Vendera Vocal Academy members to interact.

This message board was created so that singers could come together and "sound off" to help support each other during vocal development and the creative process of unleashing the creative spark that occurs when writing and producing music. Currently, myself and vocal coaches Ben Valen, Ray West, and Ryan Wall are here to respond periodicially to your questions, with new vocal coaches coming soon. But, feel free to help each other too:)

This board is here for you to ask questions about my and my fellow coach's books, videos, and MP3 programs, as well as offer others help with our vocal techniques. You may also post videos of yourself and your band to share your music and ask for critiques.

Please refrain from negative comments, profanities, spamming, and inappropriate criticisms of vocal methodologies, vocal coaches, and singers. All negative posts will be deleted and subject to banning without question. I will not respond to negative posts, because, as Mark Twain once said, “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” With that said, positive criticism is welcome because that is how you'll grow as a singer during the training process.


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New Brandon Updates...

So I'm in this band, and things are going pretty damn good. I won't go into all the fun technical stuff as far as instrumentation goes, but I'm having a genuine blast.

The first couple practice sessions or so went better than I expected, but everything still felt loose. I was very unsure of things, but after the last few, where I kinda played director in order to tighten things up a bit, I've gained real faith in the amazing musicians with whom I'm surrounded.

I'm sure those top parts might have bored some of you, but here's the stuff about my voice...I know I'm doing pretty well, considering that one of our practice sessions lasted for close to 7 or 8 HOURS and I never lost my voice! Granted, I wasn't singing the entire time, but for someone who's NOT Mr. Glass Breaker (or whatever it is that Cobby calls Jaime) that's pretty damn good!

I'm also noticing that I don't have to warm up for NEARLY as long b/c of how frequently I'm singing. My cords just got used to it.

I still am having issues though. Every once in a while we'll practice some TOOL songs. Any of you TOOL fans know how often Maynard uses that A4. There are times when I can hit higher than that with seemingly no problems. Then when we practice those songs, I'll strain.

I think I've figured out my problem though, Jaime. Both you and Melissa Cross express the importance of not looking at notes as highs or lows. Do you have any suggestions as to how I could start breaking these mental habits? I can hit an A4 with ease if the high note is B4, but if that A4 IS the high, I'll fall into that trap.

Another thing is hitting those notes with growl. JAIME, YOU WOULD BE SO PROUD!!! I almost NEVER encounter any severe issues with this anymore! I'm still getting your metal system when it comes out next year, but I'm so happy with how fluid it's becoming:) I must say though, when the band is blaring right next to me, I'm pushing, even though I'm consciously trying NO to compete for volume, b/c I know better. But is there anything you can tell me that will prevent me from straining on some of those higher end notes with grit? If not, I understand. I WOULD still like an answer to the first question I asked though about breaking those mental inhibition habits.

Well guys, be proud of me. If we record any demos or anything in the future, I'll try to post some of the music. Until then, keep the support coming. It means more to me than you all know;)

Thanx,
Brandon (Venderianite Extraordinaire;)

Re: New Brandon Updates...

not being able to hit thea4 is a combination of reaching for it because you think its high, AND because you are such a big tool fan, and so used to hearing maynards voice sing the song a certain way, either conciously or unconciously you are trying to sing it exactly like he does, which makes you strain. To to imagine its your song that you wrote, and don't be afraid to sound bad... I know you just started with this band and your really exited, but one practice tell the guys you're going to experiment with something for awhile and it might sound like shit... but if you don't try and venture out you'll never get better...

Good luck man, glad to hear you're doing well.

Re: New Brandon Updates...

I never expected to get a response from my local "anti-TOOL" advocate.

I'm just teasing, Jordan. I know you don't like TOOL and that's completely fine with me. I really do appreciate the advice, though. I agree with pretty much everything you said. Oddly enough, my natural voice DOES carry a lot of the same inflections as Maynard's, but our voices ARE different.

Because he's my favorite singer, I try not to venture TOO far from his tonality, but I know that's causing me problems, b/c when it comes to stuff I write, I can sometimes hit a Tenor D with no problems.

However, I would still like some tips on how to BREAK the mental habits about lows and highs. Thanx again, though, Jordan.

Re: New Brandon Updates...

Gee Wally, keep us updated we are sooooooo interested in your little garage band fiasco.......no wonder you like tool so much...you are one. Cobbynstein!!!!!

Re: New Brandon Updates...

I'm sorry Cobby, but all I can feel is an intense level of honor that you would take the ime to even address one of MY worthless maggoty bulletins. It's moments like these that make what I do worth living for. You truly do own us all...and my heart...Will you marry me, Cobbmeister?

I just want to make this abundantly clear folks. I AM doing good, but not COBB KNOBBLER good I've got DECADES ahead of me before I reach such an enviable status.