Wow, I've been taking voice lessons for a few years and it would be interesting to see what happened if I just lost the technique and went with my gut. Of course I don't do any metal, but some of the songs need that gritty sound. Although I think I understand what you're saying, I don't know how to do it, or even if I'm capable of getting that sound. No worries though, I'm happy enough with what I can do vocally, but you always want more:-).

You gave me a few clues on what to try so I'll just play with it at home and see if I get anywhere.

All the best!
Tom

What I realized is…that particular style of singing wasn't as much smoking as it was singing incorrectly at time to acheive a certain sound.

It's a nasal style and somewhat throaty. In pop culture, whether it be metal or something sweet, there are certain signature sounds. Yes, we'd all like to think of ourselves as “original,” and we are to a degree. Still the masses seem to crave something “familiar.”

I sing a lot of different styles for 3 bands. Each is a lot different from the next. So, I basically jump around from my head, chest, and belly voice. For that raspy smoker sound, I go into my vocal mask and also utilize the throat some.

I kept trying to sing proper, when it donned on me that most who engage these formats never cared about singing proper…they were hard, heavy, and full of piss n' vinegar. Actually what got me thinking this way was my brother. He's a solid producer. We were in the studio one day, cutting a modern-metal track and he says to me, “Stop singing that classical crap and give me some rage!” What? He said, “These kids couldn't give two S&(#! if you're singing perfect…remember Cobain?…go with the feeling and lose the technique for a minute.” Now most would argue this point, but in a round a bout way I got what he was saying…and got to it.

The key for me, so as not to ruin my voice, is to pass in and out of the various places in my body that I use to sing. On signature parts of songs I'll use these tricks, but I don't stay there…only when that “type” of conviction in necessary.

Love ya,

b

I'd almost consider smoking to get that sound, but then I come to my senses!

So how did you manage to keep that sound (or find it) after quitting? I'd love to be able to do it!

Tom

Let me tell ya', if you want that raspy/nasal rock/metal sound it definitely works, but the ultimate costs are great and perhaps more severe than one might like. Yes I gained the coarseness I was looking for, but I also started to become winded, had sinus problems, lost range, and eventually got myself up to two packs a day – what an accomplishment! NOT!

Still I rocked the house regardless…now, just as Paco put it, I found my metal voice about 2 years after smoking and realized “Hey I don't need this crap to rip metal licks!” As are most things with singing, it's governed by a feel, a throwing of one's self into a moment and letting go…letting go of the cigs is a better way to rock than giving into them.

Namaste,

Brian

Tom