It’s just water.
I have recorded lots of singers for their first times and I think folks might not understand what we mean when we say “hydration,” (link is to Mayo Clinic’s page on hydration.)
Being hydrated isn’t going to magically happen on singing day. If you try to hydrate in a few hours, you’ll blow out your voice. Drown it.
Slow and Steady…
Hydration is over a period of time. If you’re hydrated you don’t have to drink as much while performing. That’s what we want. Water-logged voices out, properly hydrated in!
Hydration is important, but maybe not as much as folks say. The truth is, even dehydrated, it can sound better than water-logged. There’s fun grit to play with. But too much water? No dice.
Water can be a habit.
Habits help here, for me. I’ve incorporated water in my diet regularly and now it’s just habit. I don’t drink water any more or less on singing days. If I drink too much, I can hear it in a bad way. I can feel it. I can remember feeling it when I hear it. I try not to do that to myself anymore.
Just like with anything, balance here is desirable and the easiest way to achieve that is getting your drink on several days before performing/recording. It will sound like ass if you guzzle anything while you sing. Just science.
Change of subject, singers.
I’d like to mention since we’re here that many folks I’ve recorded do not like the sound of their own voice when they hear it. I’ve even seen them wince at it.
I would not be discouraged. Not only is this normal, there’s many things you can do to improve the situation. It’s worth while to look at mics. Try as many out as you can. There’s one out there with characteristics that suit you. Have to find it. It’s a quest.
Many are reluctant to find coaching but we’ve had luck asking church choir directors or school music teachers to help us with our songs. Many seem anxious to earn side dough for an easy instructional gig.
Keep at it.
The best thing to do is keep doing it. You may end up liking your voice with what you have. You just have to get used to hearing it.
Good luck, songwriters (and singers).
Return home.
