Well, it’s that time to get your scarves out of storage and cradle a hot, steaming mug of your favorite tea and wonder how you’re going to get through this winter without succumbing to colds
The term ‘oversinging’ is often bandied about especially when criticizing an ‘American Idol’ contestant or certain singers of the National Anthem. It can be a confusing concept because it actually means two different things. Oversinging can mean singing too loudly, often called ‘pushing’ but also refers to singers who overuse vocal embellishments such as licks, riffs and runs.
We’ve all witnessed performers whose mesmerizing effect sometimes outweigh their musical abilities. What is that special something that reaches out and grabs the audience by the neck and won’t let go? We could call it the ‘wow factor’ and I want to suggest some ideas on how anyone can learn to amp up their own wowosity to create unforgettable performances.
As I stated in my last article (Belting Basics Part 1), the broadest definition of belting may be the best: carrying a speech-like or yell-like sound to the top of one’s range. It is usually loud and resonant but not always. The point is that belting can be many things. There are even belting substyles which can be mastered for artistic effect (e.g. heavy belt, nasal belt, ringy belt, brassy belt and speech-like belt).
Commercial singers outside of the musical theater world may wonder what belting is and isn’t. To be completely truthful, that same conversation is very common even IN the musical theater world! Traditionally, belting was the term used to describe a loud, resonant yelling vocal sound used in a live stage setting without amplication. The contrary style was (and is) called ‘legit’, a term with a built-in negative bias.
One of those magic moments that can only happen at NAMM. Live2Play's Jerry Cobb happened upon the Hammond booth when this gentleman began playing and SINGING. Still wonder who it is?
It started like any other love…intrigue, a brief period of unrequited longing, excuses made to visit the college computer store and lame attempts at small talk with the salespeople. A fond touch here. A wistful glance there. Sweet subtle smiles.
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