I’m the singer but I can’t sing

Submitted by Reevle t3_116qmpw in Music

Hi guys. I’m the bassist and singer of a new band that’s currently working on originals, and will hopefully soon get a gig of our own.

We’re mainly alt-rock/grunge influenced, however have other enjoyments such as punk, metal, and even britpop. Anyway, essentially the reason I’m writing this is to ask, is it possible to do well in a band if the lead singer is, well, not very good?

This isn’t a self loathing post. I’m not the worst singer known to man. But I’m not as confident as I wish I was. I’ve had mixed feedback, with bandmates, friends, and even random spectators telling me I’m good, but from a few others I’ve heard else, which has affected my confidence solely in regard to singing.

I know there are musicians like Dave Mustaine and Kurt Cobain who many consider “not technically advanced” vocally, (I for one think they are both very good), and I suppose I am just asking for advice. Should I get lessons, should I just carry on, as my bandmates seem to think my voice fits our style of music. I enjoy singing and want to continue, but for the sake of actually taking music somewhere, which I am passionate about, is it worth reconsidering?

Thanks.

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Fairlybludgeoned t1_j981w4u wrote

I would take lessons if I were you. You clearly have something to offer, it would help your confidence and at any rate lessons will help you improve. Don't trust randoms. They may have no ear for sound, just be ignorant or actively trying to crush your dreams for whatever reason. Having lessons won't mean you have to change how you sing in your band anyway, so I wouldn't worry about that. Go do the thing.

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dfreshcia t1_j98290m wrote

Go listen to Pavement, our Lady peace, spacehog, literally every post hardcore/emo/pop punk band and you will have your answer. Rock bands with conventionally "good" singers are in the minority honestly. David Lee Roth couldn't hit the right note with a shotgun at point blank, but he's one of the greatest front men of all time. It's all about confidence and swagger.

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OzzieLeonheart t1_j984nt2 wrote

I'm not the best person to answer this as I am in a similar situation. I have recently started writing and recording my own music during COVID.. I just kept working on my voice and I can tell a huge difference between my first recording and my latest recording. It takes time and energy and practice. I still wouldn't say I have the greatest voice but I'm a lot more confident in my voice and I feel like that's mostly what it takes. Just keep working and practicing on your vocals. Also if that means taking lessons take the lessons! I really want to just to fix my tone.

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Jonestown_Juice t1_j985z8o wrote

It's more important to have an interesting voice than to be technically skilled.

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Octolavo t1_j986onr wrote

Mustaine and Cobain are great songwriters above all.

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EveSixxx t1_j9886qe wrote

Tons of shitty singers out there with hits.

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jjdubbs t1_j98a4lk wrote

If the people in your band are happy with your voice, thats all that matters. It will get better with practice, but there are a ton of youtube vids that will teach you some basics. Warming up is very important, and you shouldnt feel pain after extended singing. History is full of singers without stellar voices, make it work for you. The naysayers can fuck off...how many of them sing in bands?

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Fit-Friend-8431 t1_j98as51 wrote

Jim Morrison, Ozzy Osborne, Jimi Hendrix, David Byrne all weren’t “good” singers but that didn’t stop them. These guys and like the examples you gave (Cobain) are all good because they have something you can’t teach, charismatic vocals.

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MisterGoo t1_j98f16g wrote

>Should I get lessons

Yes. Especially if you intend to tour, lessons will teach you how to preserve your voice, whatever your singing proficiency is right now.

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No_Associate_2532 t1_j98iwoz wrote

Morrissey and Damon Albarn are both technically bad singers, certainly in early careers. They had character that made the songs though, and improved technically over time.

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EndItAlready666 t1_j98lesw wrote

Kurt Cobain was an incredible vocalist. He's rough and emotive, but his ability to craft harmonies and melodies between his instrument and voice is damn near untouchable.

But to the question, Billy Corgan, Tim Armstrong, Shane McGowan, Joe Strummer, and (earlier) Nick Cave are all examples of singers that are not technically good singers, but are unique and undeniable vocalists. They do all have the benefit of being tremendously gifted songwriters, performers, and giant personalities. Those things go a long way in making up for any shortcomings in technical ability.

Quick edit to say, definitely go for some vocal lessons, get some practice under your belt, build up some confidence, and lean into whatever emotional conviction you have in your performance. If the audience can feel you, they'll forgive a load of less-than-stellar technicality.

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Jesusisajedi t1_j98lesj wrote

Buy your own vocal effects pedal. A bit of reverb can go a long way to help you hit the notes. Also I use the Boss ve-500 which has a guitar input (I assume would work for bass) and it actually pitch shifts your voice live to match the note you’re playing on guitar.

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s-multicellular t1_j98qeso wrote

Take lessons. There are so many ways it can improve your natural abilities. I always could basically sing fine, never any bad feedback, but taking lessons opened up a whole array of different techniques and abilities. Also eventually taught me to increase my effective range.

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cittatva t1_j98ybm7 wrote

There’s a big difference between a singer who doesn’t have a classically good voice, and a bad singer. Even singers who could never do opera can be amazing vocalists. Kurt cobain was mentioned by another commenter, and … man, listen to the mtv unplugged recordings of him. He put so much energy and feeling into that I still get goosebumps just thinking about it. Others suggested taking voice lessons, and it’s a good idea IMO. Just don’t try too hard to sound like someone else. Learn good technique, how to protect your voice, and then focus on how to put the feeling into it.

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hadriker t1_j99207o wrote

Don't let that stop you. Tim Armstrong of Rancid has been fronting a band for 30 years and still hasn't bothered to learn how to sing.

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Remo_italia t1_j99zhxk wrote

Its not about how your voice sounds tbh, because your voice makes you unique, always keep that in mind.

Being tone deaf though... thats a problem. But, if you arent tone deaf, you should be fine, you're on track to being a proper singer.

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jjdude67 t1_j9acrgt wrote

A musician will always benefit by studying more, so lessons will help. At least go through some youtube videos and explore new techniques that work for you? I can sing, but it is very limited to blues and rock. When I try to sing nice and sweet to my woman, its sounds bad.

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free187s t1_j9aoqsu wrote

Late to the party, but it might be a situation where certain songs fit your current level of vocal abilities better than others. This could be caused from the vocal style or key of the song you’re singing.

If anyone says you’re a good singer, then you have some abilities already. Taking lessons will help refine your technique.

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East-Ad-9078 t1_j9c2451 wrote

Interesting question. A lot of singers who are not technically brilliant are still great in the rock arena. If you do anything with enough conviction people will believe in it and being on the stage is a performance. All the worlds a stage and we are merely players. Rock hard my friend the audience will give their decision if you can hack it !

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