HawkeyeKane
203 posts
Sep 19, 2011
11:06 AM
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My gig drink of choice is scotch and water. Scotch gives a little burn to the throat to keep it clear, water keeps you on an even keel so you're not snockered. If I'm under the weather, I'll occasionally take a shot of bourbon to clear my sinuses and throat as well. Just watch that I don't overdo it.
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Hawkeye Kane
Last Edited by on Sep 19, 2011 11:07 AM
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bluemoose
608 posts
Sep 19, 2011
11:06 AM
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(what's this 'water' stuff he's talking about? :)
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KingoBad
928 posts
Sep 19, 2011
11:10 AM
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Alcohol is not great for the vocal chords, but then again, a blues singers voice doesn't need to ring like a bell necessarily.
It can take the edge off of course, as long as you don't make the edge hazy and wobbly. Your harp will not function wee with vomit in it.
Just don't drink from the bottles with the broken labels...
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Danny
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HawkeyeKane
204 posts
Sep 19, 2011
11:36 AM
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I'd drink beer instead of liquor if it didn't make me belch so much. Not easy to do an overblow with a burp crawling up your esophagus.
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Hawkeye Kane
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Tommy the Hat
310 posts
Sep 19, 2011
11:43 AM
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Like KingoBad said, alcohol isn't good for the vocal chords. I don't have the information in front of me as to why, but I just read it recently. On the other hand, water is what your vocal chords need. A lot of vocal problems are caused by to much air which dries out the chords. Keep them lubed. Pure water. Then again as mentioned above. You have to consider what you're singing. Opera or blues. Blues and booze baby!
Is it vocal "cords" or "Chords?"
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
Last Edited by on Sep 19, 2011 11:43 AM
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nacoran
4640 posts
Sep 19, 2011
12:04 PM
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A warm beverage will help sore vocal chords. Too much sugar can make your spit sticky and your harp will get rough faster. A cold beverage may feel good but it's not the best thing for singing. (It might be good for when you are done, like an athlete icing down an injury after the game.)
As for alcohol, I'm not a doctor, but alcohol has been used for years for 'anti-anxiety' purposes. It might also numb up the throat a bit and loosen things up, but warm tea is probably a better choice for the vocal chords.
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Nate
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HawkeyeKane
205 posts
Sep 19, 2011
12:16 PM
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@nacoran
Not just any tea. I've used throat coat tea for a while now. That stuff works wonders. The one possible drawback is that the teabags tend to lose some of their herbal materials in the tea itself, which could turn into a harp hazard when drank. But I haven't had a problem with it yet.
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Hawkeye Kane
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MrVerylongusername
1945 posts
Sep 19, 2011
12:27 PM
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Dairy is bad, it causes you to produce thicker mucous.
Caffeine and alcohol are not so bad, but dehydrate you, if you have access to plenty of water onstage it shouldn't be a problem.
When I have a gig and my voice is hoarse, I boil up ginger and honey and drink it like sweet tea. It's a very ancient treatment - not sure whether it works or whether it's a placebo effect, but I always feel better and a mug of the concoction (I take a flask full) between sets gets me through a gig.
I do like a shot of Dr. J Daniel's finest medicinal tonic though.
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kudzurunner
2697 posts
Sep 19, 2011
12:46 PM
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When Mr. Satan would complain of a phlegmy throat in the old days, his next step was always to get a slice of a lemon, or even half a lemon. Lemon cut through the phlegm and gave him a strong voice again.
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HarpNinja
1694 posts
Sep 19, 2011
1:18 PM
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All alcohol and caffeine is going to be bad for your vocal chords. One of the reasons I was such a late bloomer in music was a vocal issue.
Growing up, I had a huge problem with vocal noduals and was slated for surgery at one point. I had to go on huge amounts of vocal rest and was in speech therapy for a good chunk of elementary school.
Throughout singing in choirs and various activities, I learned to stop the onset, but I frequently have issues with sore throats and getting hoarse. Not that I would've made it, but one of the reasons I never went after gigging heavily in my 20's was because it hurt to sing two nights in a row.
Eventually, I got into blues and it was easier on my throat. Now, in my coverband, it is tough to get through a whole weekend.
My suggestions....
1. Be well hydrated BEFORE and DURING the show.
2. Don't strain your voice when you sing - find a comfortable range and keep it simple.
3. Throat Coat as mentioned above.
4. Vocalzone...AMAZING! I used to suck on one between each set...it is disgusting, unless you like Jagermeister/black licorce kinda flavors, but it works 100% as stated.
5. Stay away from booze.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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Tommy the Hat
313 posts
Sep 19, 2011
1:42 PM
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@HarpNinja
I saw these products online after a google search. Is there anyplace that sells that stuff locally. Like health food stores or GNC etc. Assuming you're from the U.S.
Sorry. :)
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
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Stevelegh
296 posts
Sep 19, 2011
1:54 PM
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Piss (English word for alcohol, as in 'on the piss') is a bad thing all round for a gigging musician.
Don't get me wrong, I love drinking. I'm halfway through a bottle of wine right now and drinking some Irish whiskey, but I would never do it at a gig.
The reason is you'll be impaired. People talk about Dutch courage, but it's horseshit. Your senses are dulled. You feel confident and as a result think you're doing better than you really are. Alcohol, cigarettes, chocolate or dairy is not going to give you 'that' voice. Get a good singing teacher.
As far as putting some water in. Even worse. It will dilute the alcohol and not cause drying of the vocal chords as per neat spirits. Plus you'll be more drunk. The liver tends to reject most alcohol over 17% ABV, which is why you have winos. Wine is perfect for getting pissed on. 12-13% and the body takes that straight in. Whiskey and water is a great way to dilute 40% down to an absorb able level.
Just get a good singing teacher and leave 'the piss' until after the gig. You will have earned it.
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MrVerylongusername
1947 posts
Sep 19, 2011
2:07 PM
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I disagree.
Playing harmonica isn't the same as driving. If we were talking about reaction times etc... fair deal... don't drink AT ALL and drive.
but playing the harp is about creativity and getting in 'the zone'. The more self conscious you are, the harder it is to get there.
In my experience enjoying a small tipple to take the edge off the anxiety can actually benefit your performance. Again, it might be placebo - a psychological crutch - but I do know a few musicians who actually play better with a pre gig loosener.
Last Edited by on Sep 19, 2011 2:08 PM
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HawkeyeKane
207 posts
Sep 19, 2011
2:10 PM
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I've also noticed that whiskey can help you keep a drier mouth. At least it has in my case.
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Hawkeye Kane
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harmonicanick
1311 posts
Sep 19, 2011
2:50 PM
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Sonny,
Why do you ask this question please?
Nick
(single malt man)
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Honkin On Bobo
780 posts
Sep 19, 2011
3:57 PM
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None other than the legend himself, Buddy Guy, talks about how during the first time playing in front of a sizable audience, he was nervous enough that he was not loose. So the next time he had a couple of pops before taking the stage and killed.
I know this is met with agreat deal of objection by the teetotalers in the forum, but i think there's something to it. Not saying get blasted, but feeling loose with no anxiety would seem to be key.
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Tommy the Hat
317 posts
Sep 19, 2011
5:01 PM
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Oh I definately agree that having a few drinks will loosen you up and for me I think I may get a better performance, especially playing harp. My only question pertains to the original post concerning singing. I'm not sure about the effect on singing, which again would also depend on what type of music you're singing. For blues or rock, no big deal. But for Some Pavorotti shit then I don't know..lol.
But on another note, I had to sing last week and it was a song and genre I was unfamiliar with. I had 2 days to learn it and the lyrics. I didn't drink at all the whole day because I found that while practicing and drinking, after a drink or two I started to mess up the lyrics. So I guess it all depends. If I were in my comfort zone as far as the material, then I would definitely want to loosen up....and maybe more. I get nervous as all get out.
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
Last Edited by on Sep 19, 2011 5:03 PM
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MrVerylongusername
1948 posts
Sep 19, 2011
5:53 PM
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True - I forgot we were talking about singing.
But singing is still a performance and subject to anxiety. I still think a little loosener can sometimes do more good than harm.
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nacoran
4645 posts
Sep 19, 2011
8:07 PM
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There is an interesting psychological effect, I'm not sure what the name of it is, but if you are in an altered state- drunk, tired, even listening to music, and you learn something while you are in that state, it is often easier to remember what you learned when you are again in that state. My Psych 101 teacher used to tell a story about a bar he and his buddies used to like to drink at that they could only find when they were already drunk.
I'm not a drinker myself, but not out of any moral position on it. I take a medication that can be thrown off by alcohol. That medication also helps with anxiety, so I'm already medicated before a show. The important thing to remember with any intoxicant- legal, illegal, or prescription- is that it distorts your perception. I've heard people who have a drink and it loosens them up and they play better. I've also heard people who have a few belts who are convinced they sound better but who really are drunk off their ass and can't play a thing.
I'd suggest for anyone medicating before a show to do some recording at various levels of intoxication. It may be that there is a level where you function better and a point where you start to sound worse. I always know exactly how much medicine I've taken. If you are doing a show you should know that with your alcohol consumption too. Keep it at the right level during the show, then you can get really drunk afterwards if that's your thing.
I still think, just in terms of vocal chord health, warm tea is probably a better solution. (Of course, you can always put something in the tea if you want a little courage too.) :)
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Nate
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Rick Shanks
105 posts
Sep 19, 2011
9:11 PM
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Laphroaig... neat and in small ammounts. Water nearby and more often.
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KiwiRick
http://www.richardshanksart.com
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Rubes
412 posts
Sep 20, 2011
4:30 AM
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All good advice here, personally I prefer a pre gig tasty beer (ale not lager) and whilst usually a fairly wet player, have to watch out for dehydration based 'dry mouth' . Not good for harp.....
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Rubes's band DadsinSpace-MySpace
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SonnyD4885
129 posts
Sep 20, 2011
5:38 AM
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will drinking effect the harps on stageS?
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toddlgreene
3336 posts
Sep 20, 2011
5:45 AM
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Well, if you play harps with unsealed combs, yes. But any liquid, including excessive saliva, will make the combs swell. In the booze thread, I gave an additional answer-the sugars in the alcohol or mixed drinks, when dried upon your reeds, can make them sticky, and possibly stuck to the point of being unresponsive. Tap 'em out good after you play, or save the heavy drinking til afterwards.
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Todd L. Greene
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toddlgreene
3339 posts
Sep 20, 2011
7:31 AM
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I'm not dependent on cold beer, but it sure is refreshing. Perhaps I'm dependent on being refreshed?
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Todd L. Greene
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Andrew
1437 posts
Sep 20, 2011
7:39 AM
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I once had an hour to kill before a piano lesson when I was 17, so I had a pint of mild in the pub (illegally), and in the piano lesson I played like a zombie with palsy. I vowed never again.
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Andrew.
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Those who are tardy do not get fruit cup.
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groyster1
1416 posts
Sep 20, 2011
10:35 AM
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@Verylong
I very much enjoy a single malt scotch and a pint of brown ale but only because I love the taste and not for its sedative effect-I was just trying to make a point out the danger of using a "crutch" but was by no means passing judgement on anyone in this forum
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oldwailer
1722 posts
Sep 20, 2011
12:49 PM
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I like to drink at informal jam sessions, but not when I'm getting up for a gig.
The best thing I've found for singing is a product called "Vocal-Eze." I got some at a Guitar Center about a year ago--it's a little spray bottle of stuff--when the voice gets sore, you just spray a couple of pumps into your mouth--like the breath sprays that used to be popular. Works wonders on a hoarse voice. It is expensive though--it was about ten bucks for the little spray bottle--but it has lasted me for well over a year--maybe even two years, now that I think about it.
Lemon cough drops work well too--but you gotta remember to take them out of your mouth when you play--they tend to build up a lot of sticky spit that gets into the harps. . .
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Always be yourself--unless you suck. . .
-Joss Whedon
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Tommy the Hat
321 posts
Sep 20, 2011
1:06 PM
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Before coming to work I was reading through Roger Love's book on singing and he addresses this. I don't have the book with me so I am lacking I some details but basically he says this. Speaking and singing are forcing air passed your vocal chords over and over which dries them out. The best thing you can do, in his opinion, is stay lubricated by drinking plenty of water daily. He recommends a lot. The Chords need phlegm. However they don't need a lot and this is why dairy can be a problem sometimes. But they do need some and that is what keeps them lubed and functioning properly.
Now, this is where caffeine comes in. It is a diuretic and thus removes water from your body which is why he doesn't recommend it.
He is against lozenges and such because sugar has a negative effect on the chords. He mentions alcohol as being not very good either but I forget why. Something to do with how it effects bloodflow or something.
He also recommends not to drink hot teas or liquids because of how it effects blood flow also as well as cold drinks because of it constricting bloodflow.
Cool water or warm tea...not hot. Stay away from sugar and if phlegm is a problem, dairy.
That's the gist of it although my details on the why's may be sketchy. But the no no's are what he says.
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
Last Edited by on Sep 20, 2011 1:08 PM
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SwampBluesTed
60 posts
Sep 20, 2011
1:42 PM
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[...]People talk about Dutch courage, but it's horseshit.[...]
Why do WE always get blamed for everything?
I haven't done nothing wrong...
;)
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Buzadero
865 posts
Sep 20, 2011
3:10 PM
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I heard once about the Dutch portion of my genetics elevating my risk of Alzheimer's. I can't remember just where I heard it, though.
But, I'll drink to that.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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Tommy the Hat
323 posts
Sep 20, 2011
3:30 PM
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"elevating my risk of Alzheimer's.
I can't remember just where I heard it, though"
Uh oh
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
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SonnyD4885
134 posts
Sep 20, 2011
4:31 PM
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i heard if you drink a small amount of olive oil it helps loosing you vocals up
but its nasty trust me!!!
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MP
1838 posts
Sep 20, 2011
4:37 PM
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i used to be indecisive, but nowadays i'm not so sure.
so,i think that drinking lots of gin before a gig is a gre.. wait a minute, on the other hand...
MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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chromaticblues
1011 posts
Sep 21, 2011
9:23 AM
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I use to smoke pot and drink as much as I could before during and after every gig.
I don't know if it helped? I can't remember!
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