I have had a couple questions from previous posts regarding my comments about singers so I thought I would discuss the topic at length through a series of tips.
First, develop a relationship with the sound guy if you can. Too many times the singer and the sound guy end up fighting each other when it comes to volume. Many vocalists don’t like to hear themselves above everyone else on stage so they tend to be timid, either by being quiet and/or self compressing themselves.
When someone is used to singing in an environment with less trained people behind the sound board, they tend to try to mix themselves with the rest of the musicians on stage. This presents itself in many different ways.
They may stay too far away from the mic instead of getting right up on it. Then there is my favorite, when they pull the mic away from their mouth at the loud parts then swing it back. People probably get this technique from watching too many southern gospel groups. Contrary to popular belief this is not a good way of blending. It only works for those few groups who really know how to mix themselves. Even then it drives the sound guy crazy.
Don’t be afraid to get right up on the mic and sing out. Some singers are shy or unsure of their parts so they don’t sing with full voice. There are two drawbacks to doing this: 1) The gain on the mic must be increased to get enough signal which raises the noise floor and the chance of feedback. 2) If you are singing a harmony part or something close to the edge of your range, you may not hit your pitch without putting some energy into it. We have all heard those BGVs that are flat but wouldn’t be if they had a little more energy.
Speaking of BGVs and energy, it’s critical that you match both the energy AND the phrasing of the lead singer. Also work to match the tone of whoever you are singing with. Your job is to compliment the lead singer, not stand out on your own.
Self-Compression is another attribute of singers who feel like it is their job to mix themselves. Relax, this is not your job. You as a singer should feel free to just sing and let go. Self-Compression also tends to keep the vocal from being able to properly blend with the rest of the band.
As you read this you might think, “it sounds like I just need to find a good sound guy?” You are right. Most of these issues can either be caused by a bad sound guy, or solved by a good one, which brings us back to my first tip: Get to know your sound guy. Talk with him/her about how you are doing and what you can do better. Also ask if they are using compression and EQ on your voice. Work with them on getting your vocal to sit where you want it to in the mix and you will be a happy camper.