Hey Metal Vocalists (studio greenhorn)

[DirtySanchez]

Help me out.

FedUp is going into the studio this weekend and I'd like to get some input.

I've only recorded in a studio environment twice before and both times I felt like an idiot screaming at this mic. with headphones on. Imagine trying to do slayer at karaoke . I always get so pumped to record then after my first attempt at a song I sorta hold back. What helps you get into the mood? With punk rock its different because I'm singing. IDK, maybe I already know there's not much I can do about it, it just feels weird. Should I have a few shots to take the edge off? lol

Share your advice, do's/don'ts, experiences.

[DMFJ03]

You're not using headphones?!

Where are you recording so I know not to ever go there.

If you are doing vocals, you have to hear yourself. You won't know if you are going flat or sharp. Perhaps you should ask if they have headphones that you can use.

[songsmith]

Vibe is kind of a hard thing to get on demand. I'd listen to some music that sits kinda near what you're going after, but be careful not to just imitate that music, just let it get you in that headspace.
If you're going for angst and spit, try to keep the new baby out of your thoughts for just awhile. Babies turn us all into cooing softies. Especially me.
I used to watch movies that amped me up. "Falling Down" always used to make me want to beat somebody up, try that.
Get some exercise. Weightlifters and boxers work out to metal and hardcore rap, maybe try the opposite, get physical to get motivated.

Technically speaking:
Get a lot of sleep. Take a Tylenol PM if you have to, it makes a huge difference for me.
Have the lyrics printed out legibly and put on a stand.
If you sing better in front of a crowd, have a few folks in the control room, if you don't, turn the place into a ghost-town. Do what you need to do to get inside the song. If you get all squirmy about the engineer being there, turn around and face the wall.
My biggest problem is red-light syndrome. As soon as the engineer hits "record," I get uptight and start blowing stuff I've done a million times in front of large crowds. I can't offer much advice other than get a deep breath and do another take. Just do what ya do. So much can be done with non-destructive editing these days, you can fix a lot of tiny things at mixdown, or just do a punch-in. Old-schoolers see that as cheating, but Pandora's Box opened up 20 years ago... you have to make a technically good recording just to compete. Pitch-correct is your friend, as long as you don't come out sounding like Cher or Britney.

Finally, be you. You're a good guy, and you care about what you do. Let that guide you.----------->JMS

[DirtySanchez]

You're not using headphones?!

Where are you recording so I know not to ever go there.

If you are doing vocals, you have to hear yourself. You won't know if you are going flat or sharp. Perhaps you should ask if they have headphones that you can use.

LOL!!! Yeah, Im using headphones.

From original post : screaming at this mic. with headphones on.

It just feels funny.

[DirtySanchez]

Technically speaking:

Have the lyrics printed out legibly and put on a stand.
If you sing better in front of a crowd, have a few folks in the control room, if you don't, turn the place into a ghost-town. Do what you need to do to get inside the song.
My biggest problem is red-light syndrome. As soon as the engineer hits "record," I get uptight and start blowing stuff I've done a million times in front of large crowds. I can't offer much advice other than get a deep breath and do another take. Just do what ya do.

This is very helpful stuff. Thanks. Red-light syndrome is a perfect description of what I'm talking about. Will def. be jammin some Celtic Frost, High On Fire, and Sworn Enemy to get into the right frame of mind.

[VENTGtr]

If there's an iso room where you can sing along while the other guys are playing
you may end up with something that's useable as a finished track. If so, would
at least take some time doing vocs after out of it.

May also get you hyped up enough to feel more at ease.

Other'n at, what S.S. said.

[Killjingle]

Brian,

PM me with your phone number. I have something I want to tell u to try.

[Ron]

Brian,

PM me with your phone number. I have something I want to tell u to try.

Oh no... not the testicle clamp.

[Bloodsong]

it works Ron. that's all that matters.

[onegunguitar]

Help me out.

FedUp is going into the studio this weekend and I'd like to get some input.

I've only recorded in a studio environment twice before and both times I felt like an idiot screaming at this mic. with headphones on.

He finally admits the idiot part-HAHAHA!!!
J/K!!!!

[metalchurch]

you'll be ok Brian just think mean thoughts like I don't know, hate fucking a Polynesian teen,ummm, you found out that you're having triplet girls, Bushy is cheating on you with a singer from a rival gang...

But yeah throw back a few shots, add some beans and summon the power of Dio.

good luck

[PanzerFaust]

Brian,

PM me with your phone number. I have something I want to tell u to try.

Oh no... not the testicle clamp.

I thought you always liked the clamp?

We could switch you over to the Anal Intruder.......

[UNEARTHA7XMatt]

just got at it full bore! thats what I did with SeVeR. Gotta do it with feeling! You know what to do Brian Tear it up!

[DirtySanchez]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm gonna start laying down my vocal tracks either tuesday or thursday. We have ten songs basically ready for leads and vox. It's so weird. I can't wait to hear the finished product, but I do not feel rushed. I'm totally cool with taking as long as I need to do things right. Some things I didn't realize til we got in the studio: Most of our songs are pretty fucking long. I think most are about 7 minutes. I also rewrote the lyrics, so the weren't on 529 miscellaneous pieces of paper/napkins/reciepts haha. I don't swear as much as I thought I did in my songs. Some songs do not even have any swearing. Oh well, I made up for it in "Gang Violence", 11 fucks in 7 sentences hehehe.

Btw, Thanks for the ideas Chad!

[Chuxema]

Brian,
May not have any experience as a heavy metal
singer, but I do have some damn good advice......
........turn your phone off while laying down the
tracks. That is the best advice I can give.

Cheers!
Chuck

[tornandfrayed]

I like the clamp.

Also remember that tape is cheap now a days and you can go til you get it. If you aren't feeling the song then move on and come back..

The only thing that I could suggest is to do it naked with all your friends there once or twice. Then put your clothes on and do it again and you should feel a great sense of relief...I know I always do....

[DirtySanchez]

I like the clamp.

Also remember that tape is cheap now a days and you can go til you get it. If you aren't feeling the song then move on and come back..

The only thing that I could suggest is to do it naked with all your friends there once or twice. Then put your clothes on and do it again and you should feel a great sense of relief...I know I always do....

I'm definitely taking my time with it. Can't do the naked thing though.
Scott has to play some leads yet, and his raging boner would be in the way.

[Ron]

I like the clamp.

Also remember that tape is cheap now a days and you can go til you get it. If you aren't feeling the song then move on and come back..

The only thing that I could suggest is to do it naked with all your friends there once or twice. Then put your clothes on and do it again and you should feel a great sense of relief...I know I always do....

I'm definitely taking my time with it. Can't do the naked thing though.
Scott has to play some leads yet, and his raging boner would be in the way.

Just have him put a slide on it. LOL.

[Frank Benlin20]

yeah colton has felixs old slide, maybe he could ,loan it to you to use for teh studio work youare doing.

[tshovel]

well myself i would allways jam with the whole band for a bit before i would get stuck in the little room for hours alone.. try that it worked 4 me!!