Former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach recently explained a common mistake made by amateur singers during soundchecks, as reported by Ghost Cult Magazine.
Bach detailed how professional singers preserve their voices for live performances, contrasting this with the habits of less experienced musicians. Bach elaborated on the practice of overexerting one’s voice before a show.
“I’ve seen some video clips of guys at sound checks singing as hard as they can and there’s nobody there. Just like I could tell you’re not a pro if you’re blowing your voice out at 200 p.m. and your show’s at 8. Like it’s a joke.”
He continued to describe the purpose of a professional soundcheck.
“It’s like why? Who are you singing for? The janitor? My sound check is I make sure everything’s working like the in ears I make sure that the amps are not too close to me so they overpower me you know. I don’t go up there to sing the whole set like I don’t understand musicians that that want to do that but I save for the stage.”
Bach’s comments highlight his approach to vocal preservation and performance preparation. This practice of vocal preservation is crucial in genres like rock and metal, where vocal demands can be particularly strenuous. Long-term career viability for vocalists often hinges on smart preparation and avoiding unnecessary strain.
The concept of “saving it for the stage” is a widely recognized principle among seasoned performers across various musical disciplines. It reflects a strategic approach to energy management and performance quality.
Soundchecks are designed to be a technical assessment of audio levels and equipment functionality. For vocalists, this typically involves singing short, controlled passages rather than full-song renditions.
Historically, many legendary vocalists have shared similar advice regarding vocal health and pre-show routines. This wisdom is passed down through generations of musicians.
The presence of an audience, even a small one like a janitor, can inadvertently encourage performers to “show off” and exert more energy than necessary, leading to vocal fatigue.
