How We Get An Emotional Vocal Performance In the Recording Studio

A studio is a place of refuge for the artist. It's a place where they can go to escape the public's judgment and create something entirely theirs. This is especially true for vocalists. Singers are often the most exposed band members and need to feel comfortable in order to give their best performance. This blog post will discuss how you can work with a vocalist in the recording studio to get the best possible results.

1. Preparation is Critical

Music recording pre-production is the process of preparing for a recording session (See these blog posts for more on pre-production (part-1) (part-2)). Pre-production includes selecting material to record, choosing the instruments and voices, and arranging the songs. It also involves making decisions about the overall sound of the recording, such as the kind of reverb and EQ you will use. Pre-production is a crucial stage in the music recording process, as it can make the difference between a successful and less than satisfactory recording. The better prepared you are for a recording session, the more likely you will achieve positive results.  

Get to know your vocalist’s strengths, weaknesses, and style

As a producer, taking the time to get to know your vocalist is essential. Not only will this help you to create a strong recording, but it will also allow you to work around any weaknesses. Furthermore, understanding your vocalist's style will give you a better sense of how the mix will complement their performance. Try asking your vocalist about their musical background and influences to get started. Asking questions will give you a good idea of the kind of music they are passionate about and the style they are most comfortable singing. You can also ask them about their favorite singers and what they admire about their performances. Once you have a better understanding of your vocalist's preferences, you can start working on tailoring your session plan to their specific needs. You can ensure that your vocalist always sounds their best with a little effort.

Discuss the song with the vocalist and figure out what emotions they want to convey

As a singer, it is vital to understand the emotions that your song is trying to convey. Lyrical, emotional understanding can be complex, as the lyrics and music can often conflict with one another. However, by discussing the song with your vocalist, you can better understand what they hope to express. For example, if the lyrics are sad but the music is upbeat, they may be trying to convey the feeling of hope despite despair. Or if the lyrics are angry but the music is slow and mellow, they may be trying to show the contrast between inner peace and outer turmoil. By understanding the emotions that your vocalist is trying to convey, you can help them to communicate their message through the song better.

2. Choose a Suitable Studio Space and Equipment to Record Vocals

A large room will make a singer feel like they need to fill up the space with their voice.

When recording vocals, choosing a suitable studio space and equipment is essential. The room's acoustics can significantly impact the sound of the recording, so it's important to find a space that minimizes unwanted noise and reverberation. The size and space of the studio should be appropriate to the song's mood. For example, if your album is a small coffeehouse type of album, then you want to choose a more intimate space to record your vocals. However, if you're recording a rock or club album, you might want to put the singer in a large space. Putting a vocalist in a large room will put them in the mindset that they need to fill up the space with their voice, thus giving a better or louder performance. You can surround them with Gobos (acoustic isolation), which will help tame the reverberations in the recording. Your choice of microphone can also help isolate them from the room. Choosing a suitable studio space and equipment ensures that your vocal recordings are of the highest quality possible.

3. Make sure the Vocalist is Well-Rested and Hydrated

As any singer will tell you, the voice is a delicate instrument. Like any other muscle, it can become tired and strained if overused. That's why ensuring the vocalist is well-rested and hydrated before a performance is essential. A good night's sleep will help to ensure that the voice is in tip-top condition. At the same time, plenty of water will keep the vocal cords lubricated and prevent them from becoming swollen or inflamed. Tea is a controversial beverage in the singing community. Some vocalists swear by tea and or honey. However, the tannins in tea can cause dry mouth and slow down salivary and mucus glands. So, a singer drinking too much tea could cut a session short due to dryness or swelling. By taking care of the voice, a singer can help to ensure that their performance is always at its best.

4. Use Positive Talk and be Emotionally Supportive with your Vocalist

As a vocalist, it is important to have positive self-talk and be emotionally supportive. But as producers, we must remind ourselves that vocalists are people and connected to their instruments. You should avoid the negative talk as much as possible. Focus on speaking kindly and encouragingly. It is also important to be aware of your emotions and how they might affect their singing. If you are feeling down or anxious, try to take some time to relax and center yourself before you start recording because those emotions can spill over to the vocalist.

Additionally, it is helpful to have someone who is emotionally supportive and can offer positive feedback during the session. This person can be a friend, family member, coach, or teacher. Having someone who believes in them and is willing to offer constructive criticism can make a world of difference in vocal performance. However, be mindful if the vocalist might want to be alone. Some artists like to work by themselves and don't want external feedback. Remember, it is vital to have pre-production meetings with your vocalist to understand their musical process better.

Conclusion

Recording vocals can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding process. By choosing the right studio space, correct equipment, and ensuring the vocalist has the proper emotional support, you can help ensure that your recordings are of the highest quality possible. Check out our podcast and other social media pages for more information on recording vocals. These tips can help your vocalist feel comfortable and give them the best chance to shine. Have you had success recording vocals in a studio? Share your story in the comments below!

Dr. Mike Testa