Born with an incredible 4.5 octave range, Melbourne singer-songwriter Tanya George recently released her second EP, titled 'Normality'.
With electro soul-pop vibes, Tanya wrote and created every song on 'Normality' using only her vocal looping techniques.Tanya elaborates: "It was born purely on instinct, expression, and trust in my musical ability as a musician and a singer.
"I hope the messages and theme of this EP resonates with my listeners, and maybe even inspires some level of unity.
"I wanted to challenge the normality of music but blend it with familiarity. There are topics which worry me, lyrics which drive me and harmony ideas which surprise me.
"I wanted to create entirely different music and push my musicianship and my ability as a vocalist."
Here, Tanya shares a few tips to keep your voice in tip-top shape.
Vocal Rest
Complete vocal rest is one of the best ways to rest and revive your voice.A complete vocal rest is where you don't sing, talk, hum or whisper a word. You are literally committing to being silent.
Your vocal cords are two flexible bands of muscle tissue that sit at the entrance of your windpipe also known as your trachea. You need to rest it.
I always say to people imagine how your body would feel if you tried to run for 15 hours a day, you would be wrecked; the same applies with your voice, especially if you are touring.
I have a 4.5 octave range including whistle tone; my project is entirely made from my voice and I gig live full time.
If I don't go on a vocal break on my days off my voice starts to get husky and extremely tired. Vocal rest is the new normal for me.
Stop Talking
Yep, talking too much is not a good idea if you are trying to maintain good, vocal health.A lot of people may actually have poor speech quality which is fatiguing their voice. I personally have a better technique when I sing than when I talk.
Talking in loud environments can be more damaging than singing shows every night. Have you ever lost your voice after a big night out? It's most likely because you strained your voice trying to communicate to people over loud music.
Hydrate
Hydration is important in general. Water is your best friend. Vocal cords and your throat need to be lubricated. There is nothing worse than a dry, husky feeling when you sing.If you know you've got a gig or a studio session, you should prepare to hydrate 24-48 hours prior. When I sing live, especially when I sing my 'Normality' EP live, I have to drink water between every one, two songs. It also helps to clear my throat.
Good: Water, herbal tea with lemon, ginger or honey, hot water.
Avoid: Caffeine, alcohol, coffee, dairy products, strong caffeinated teas, soft drinks.
Warm Up Calmly and correctly
The most common error people make when warming up is warming up too fast and too loud. Calm down!If you were about to go for a run, you wouldn't stand up and start sprinting. Work the most comfortable part of your voice/ range first for that particular day.
You may be tired so your voice needs some love so start lower than usual. Start gentle and soft. Don't just work your whole range straight away.
If you can only sing three notes comfortably, stay there, then move out note by note until you feel warmer. Don't get louder because you get higher. Don't rush, take it slow, be kind to yourself.
Reduce Stress
Stress is not good for anyone. Avoid any stressful situations before you sing.Stress may cause tension throughout your body where you tighten up your neck and shoulders. You gotta be free of stress and focused on having a good, amazing and rad time.
