TIPS: DRUMMING AND SINGING Morgan Doctor (The Cliks)
I find it helpful to figure out where my drum line and vocals intersect-what syllables the beats land on, picture it in my head. You can also think of singing as another limb, that sometimes can help. If the vocal line is challenging then simplify the drum part.
Samantha Maloney (Motley Crue, Hole)
I have sung while drumming, although I could never figure out what was the most comfortable as far as mic placement, since my arms are usually flailing all over the place when I play. Also, I always had an issue with the mic picking up the snare and cymbals since I bash the hell out of everything. I have tried the headset mic, which looks and feels ridiculous, so that lasted about a day. My two fave singing drummers are Phil Collins, and Deen Castronovo. Check Deen out with Journey. He sings lead on some songs live in concert and sounds just like Steve Perry. He is amazing.
Kate Schellenbach (Luscious Jackson, Beastie Boys)
At certain points during Luscious Jackson’s career I sang backup vocals, but it was always so stressful-- figuring out where the best place for the mic was where it wouldn’t get in the way or fall on me, hearing my vocals over the mix, etc. As our sound got more complex, and we got individual in-ear monitor mixes, I felt more secure singing, but it’s still something I don’t love to do. You’re already doing four things at once playing the drums, then adding one more thing to do seems like the straw that could break the drummer’s back. Plus, I can never remember lyrics, so unless I’m singing, “ooooo’s” or something simple, I’m useless.
TIPS ON SINGING AND DRUMMING FROM TOM TOM READERS: Jeanne Poremba
use a big, puffy foam cover for the mic, so that you don’t cut up your mouth on it while singing and drumming.
Blake Tabb
Tape oft-forgotten lyrics to the snare. Nobody gives the drummer crap when they look down at their gear.
Justine Maria Valdez
Sit Straight up, breath with your diaphragm, and warm-up your vocal chords..
Maureen Brown
Practice singing a very simple song that you know well, while drumming. Also, singing backup vocals first gets your feet wet.
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