Greetings Earthlings!
My name is Chris Barretto and I’m the singer for the progressive metal band PERIPHERY.
We’re just about to set off on our first major tour throughout the U.S. and Canada. This is my first vocal tour (I’ve only toured playing saxophone before) and I’m determined to avoid some of the classic major vocal challenges associated with the demands of touring.
The music we’re performing is far from simple and each piece that we play is both physically and mentally demanding. In addition to wanting to give 1000% of my heart and soul to every show, I have to be smart about my performance, which means that I need to remain passionate, whilst keeping myself under tight control.
I’ve “fried” my voice too many times in the past, which basically means experiencing the sensation of losing the falsetto register. This can be attributed to many things but the main cause is over-compensation with the throat, which may be triggered by bad sound monitoring and/or an “over-emotional” state.
To deal with these issues I’ve done several things. First and foremost, I’ve been taking voice lessons to improve my technique. I make that sure I practice at least six days a week—I go over all the material that I learnt in the previous lesson and whatever melodies that I have for Periphery. I’ve also purchased in-ear monitors to help me to hear myself as clearly as possible in the live situation. I’ve also recently quit smoking but that’s a story in itself, of which more in my next blog…
My goal: to get through the tour with minimal vocal “damage” and I might even have some fun up there as well. Ha-ha…of course I will!!!
All in all, I’m really excited about this tour and I’m ready to take on the personal challenge that I’ve set for myself. If I can do this, I can take on the world! See you out on the road…
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