Truckstop Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 Hello all, Wondering if anyone else here screams? I used to scream in my old band and I've kept it up at home and when I'm out driving. I'm looking for a new project at the moment because I've been out of the loop for a couple of years and I want to get involved in metal again. I love screaming. It's quite cathartic! Also, you can write utter gibberish for lyrics but screaming gives your words some authority. I have quite a high scream, sometimes going into shrieking territory but only on occasion; my throat can't handle it for long! I can do growly, Max Cavalera style but I think it sounds naff and old-fashioned. Never bothered to learn how to do death-core style growl or squeals. Anyway, as I'm looking to start 'singing' again I'm looking for some tips that I might have missed first time round. The main thing I've learnt is basically to drink or eat anything you like before screaming except milk and/or chocolate. Dries my throat out and my voice turns into a dry, gargling mess. I also always warm up now; in a singing sense and a physical sense. The key to good screaming (ie power and projection) is to use your entire upper body as a tool to get that scream out. It doesn't come from the neck, it comes from your guts and your chest. You use up a lot of energy so it's important to practice regularly and increase your stamina whenever you can. Anyone else got any thoughts or any questions? Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted November 17, 2013 Author Share Posted November 17, 2013 A lot of people in metal bands on this forum, no-one screams or does backing vocals? Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyratm Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 I used to scream - found trying to scream from your throats the sure fire way of destroying your voice. I still struggle to hit notes now. Take it from the gut and roar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted November 17, 2013 Author Share Posted November 17, 2013 Exactly! It's a difficult thing to try to explain to someone, "sing from your guts" etc but once you get the hang of it it almost becomes second nature and doesn't even make a mark on ones throat/vocal chords at all. I do tend to get a slight sore throat after doing it for a while but that's just down to all the air I'm inhaling and exhaling often pretty violently. Did you take any lessons or did you just start doing it one day? Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyratm Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 [quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1384705760' post='2279697'] Exactly! It's a difficult thing to try to explain to someone, "sing from your guts" etc but once you get the hang of it it almost becomes second nature and doesn't even make a mark on ones throat/vocal chords at all. I do tend to get a slight sore throat after doing it for a while but that's just down to all the air I'm inhaling and exhaling often pretty violently. Did you take any lessons or did you just start doing it one day? Truckstop [/quote] Just started one day, went really well untill one gig and got too into it, screamed from the throat and was in agony! One thing i've found which helps is to use your mouth - opening wide allows you to project more volume and power. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
essexbasscat Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 I'd heartily recommend assessment by a well qualified singing instructor. A properly trained singer can sing all day without getting a sore throat. You may well be doing yourself some long term damage. Best wishes for your singing career EBC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Apple Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 ^This. I'd avoid anything that is going to put undue stress on your vocal folds. I trained as an Actor and we used to do a lot of work in order to be heard and to protect the voice at the same time. All this metal-guttaral stuff is not really my bag, but each to their own. If you really must do it, I wouldn't look at it as a scream, but as the voice of a character, in the same way as an actor might find another voice. Then you will find the voice comes from you, and not from the neck. After all who-ever thinks about their voice when speaking? Think about a Baby on the bus next to you. The bastard can scream all day long and never tire. Because the voice is completely unfettered by thought or external influences, it just 'is', if you see what I mean. BTW, getting nodes on your folds is serious, and often requires surgery.. So think on! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.jpg.7e18f76540598a8efc0e6ca9be453059.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.