OT: Physical things that can affect singers

[Rick]

With the recent thread about old singers that still have it, it brought some questions to mind. How does a singer's weight gain/loss affect their voice? We have all seen male and female singers over the decades that have gone up and down the scale in big numbers. Do they have to adjust for this vocally? Also, what if a singer is on long term medication, like corticosteroids, for a chronic medical condition, how does that affect their voice? Feel free to add other conditions, I thought I would just get the topic started with these two.

I'm no singer, but I've had to take corticosteroids at one dose or another since I was in my 20's, as I have a digestive system disorder. I've always heard they thicken the vocal cords, and I'd have to agree. I used to be able to sing way high, but I have zero range now. That could also be because I'm 46. I have a fairly good range in my falsetto that gets me through the Journey songs as I toodle down the highway though.

[TRAGChick]

With the recent thread about old singers that still have it, it brought some questions to mind. How does a singer's weight gain/loss affect their voice? We have all seen male and female singers over the decades that have gone up and down the scale in big numbers. Do they have to adjust for this vocally? Also, what if a singer is on long term medication, like corticosteroids, for a chronic medical condition, how does that affect their voice? Feel free to add other conditions, I thought I would just get the topic started with these two.

Weight gain will affect the effort it takes to sing. From my own personal experience.

If your torso / abs are not in shape, you have no "core-support" to deliver a strong sustain on notes, and the vibrato will cycle slower - which makes the vocals sound "sluggish".

Just my .02

[S2M]

A good kick in the nuts, I've heard, can make you sing a bit higher....never tried it myself.

Thanks for looking....

[SusieP]

I have always carried some weight around my tummy. I'm that kind of shape - apple shaped. Slim arms, legs, neck and shoulders but weight around the tummy. If I gain weight I find myself out of breath when singing, so I try to maintain my 'average' weight to avoid that.

Of course, many opera singers with wide girths will tell you that gives them a larger diaphragm and enables them to sing with more power.

I think we are back to that old argument of.......we are all different, and how Nature/God made you defines what affects your voice.

I have never smoked, but singing in venues before the smoking ban I found that cigarette smoke used to make me dry - I could still sing the same, but my mouth always felt uncomfortable.

[Ehwmatt]

I think it's probably a person-to-person thing. Look at a guy like Mike Reno. Guy is as big as a house and still sounds killer. Others don't fare so well after packing on the lbs, although the only one that comes to mind right now is Lou Gramm and there are obviously bigger things going on there, so it wouldn't be fair to chalk it all up to weight gain. Plus he's sounding better from the more recent YouTube vids.

[kgdjpubs]

I think it's probably a person-to-person thing.

I think it may be just that. John Farnham has definitely put on some weight in the last 10 years, and his voice hasn't changed one iota. That's guy's voice NEVER changes though, so maybe he's a poor example.

[Jeremey]

With the recent thread about old singers that still have it, it brought some questions to mind. How does a singer's weight gain/loss affect their voice? We have all seen male and female singers over the decades that have gone up and down the scale in big numbers. Do they have to adjust for this vocally? Also, what if a singer is on long term medication, like corticosteroids, for a chronic medical condition, how does that affect their voice? Feel free to add other conditions, I thought I would just get the topic started with these two.

From my experience:

Weight gain and loss fluctuations can cause the typical things that being out of shape would cause for runners or other athletes. If you are an opera singer and stand in one place, and are singing properly, then maybe a bit more girth is going to give you more power and projection. If you are trying to entertain people by running around onstage and being physically active, you're probably going to get winded then your singing is going to suffer as you move your voice more into your throat and jaw rather than your chest. Keep in mind though, some people who appear to have a few extra lbs are actually in very good physical shape, and it wouldn't really affect a performance.

Steroids for chronic medical conditions can and will ruin a singer's voice. I have asthma, and if I were to take a corticosteroid inhaler every day or whatever as prescribed, it would really screw up my vocal cords. The reason you have to rinse your mouth out after using them is that you are very susceptible to thrush....This is the same thing that can happen to your vocal cords - Basically suffering from yeast infection in your voice box. I use a prescription steroidal nasal spray when I remember to that can help control asthma, and has no effect on vocal cords. All kinds of medicines for "normal" people, such as decongestants, steroids, and lots of other stuff, are not recommended for working singers.

As always, there's exceptions to EVERYTHING, so the above info is just pretty general....take it for what it's worth!

[Ehwmatt]

With the recent thread about old singers that still have it, it brought some questions to mind. How does a singer's weight gain/loss affect their voice? We have all seen male and female singers over the decades that have gone up and down the scale in big numbers. Do they have to adjust for this vocally? Also, what if a singer is on long term medication, like corticosteroids, for a chronic medical condition, how does that affect their voice? Feel free to add other conditions, I thought I would just get the topic started with these two.

From my experience:

Weight gain and loss fluctuations can cause the typical things that being out of shape would cause for runners or other athletes. If you are an opera singer and stand in one place, and are singing properly, then maybe a bit more girth is going to give you more power and projection. If you are trying to entertain people by running around onstage and being physically active, you're probably going to get winded then your singing is going to suffer as you move your voice more into your throat and jaw rather than your chest. Keep in mind though, some people who appear to have a few extra lbs are actually in very good physical shape, and it wouldn't really affect a performance.

Steroids for chronic medical conditions can and will ruin a singer's voice. I have asthma, and if I were to take a corticosteroid inhaler every day or whatever as prescribed, it would really screw up my vocal cords. The reason you have to rinse your mouth out after using them is that you are very susceptible to thrush....This is the same thing that can happen to your vocal cords - Basically suffering from yeast infection in your voice box. I use a prescription steroidal nasal spray when I remember to that can help control asthma, and has no effect on vocal cords. All kinds of medicines for "normal" people, such as decongestants, steroids, and lots of other stuff, are not recommended for working singers.

As always, there's exceptions to EVERYTHING, so the above info is just pretty general....take it for what it's worth!

How the fuck do you run around like you do and still sing like that with asthma? Damn. [/i]

[Tito]

Steroids for chronic medical conditions can and will ruin a singer's voice.

Tito: I ain't saying just saying.

[texafana]

If your torso / abs are not in shape, you have no "core-support" to deliver a strong sustain on notes, and the vibrato will cycle slower - which makes the vocals sound "sluggish".

110% wrong.

[TRAGChick]

If your torso / abs are not in shape, you have no "core-support" to deliver a strong sustain on notes, and the vibrato will cycle slower - which makes the vocals sound "sluggish".

110% wrong.

I noted that it was from my own experience.

[artist4perry]

Haven't you heard the term, it isn't over till the fat lady sings?

That could refer to me......................

Soft middled Soprano at your service......matter of fact, I sing higher notes now than I did when I was thin and in shape.

[weatherman90]

I think it's probably a person-to-person thing. Look at a guy like Mike Reno. Guy is as big as a house and still sounds killer. Others don't fare so well after packing on the lbs, although the only one that comes to mind right now is Lou Gramm and there are obviously bigger things going on there, so it wouldn't be fair to chalk it all up to weight gain. Plus he's sounding better from the more recent YouTube vids.

Ann Wilson is another one who sounds amazing no matter what her physique is like. Would like to see Loverboy one of these days...

[Journey/Survivor]

With the recent thread about old singers that still have it, it brought some questions to mind. How does a singer's weight gain/loss affect their voice? We have all seen male and female singers over the decades that have gone up and down the scale in big numbers. Do they have to adjust for this vocally? Also, what if a singer is on long term medication, like corticosteroids, for a chronic medical condition, how does that affect their voice? Feel free to add other conditions, I thought I would just get the topic started with these two.

From my experience:

Weight gain and loss fluctuations can cause the typical things that being out of shape would cause for runners or other athletes. If you are an opera singer and stand in one place, and are singing properly, then maybe a bit more girth is going to give you more power and projection. If you are trying to entertain people by running around onstage and being physically active, you're probably going to get winded then your singing is going to suffer as you move your voice more into your throat and jaw rather than your chest. Keep in mind though, some people who appear to have a few extra lbs are actually in very good physical shape, and it wouldn't really affect a performance.

Steroids for chronic medical conditions can and will ruin a singer's voice. I have asthma, and if I were to take a corticosteroid inhaler every day or whatever as prescribed, it would really screw up my vocal cords. The reason you have to rinse your mouth out after using them is that you are very susceptible to thrush....This is the same thing that can happen to your vocal cords - Basically suffering from yeast infection in your voice box. I use a prescription steroidal nasal spray when I remember to that can help control asthma, and has no effect on vocal cords. All kinds of medicines for "normal" people, such as decongestants, steroids, and lots of other stuff, are not recommended for working singers.

As always, there's exceptions to EVERYTHING, so the above info is just pretty general....take it for what it's worth!

Here's some advice for you...

If you breath through your mouth when you sleep, then tape your moth shut at night when you go to bed. That is unless your nose is so stuffed up that your afraid that you can't breath through your nose. When anyone breathes through their mouth they are taking in too much air at a time under normal conditions, which can lead to asthma symptoms. Because of some sinus problems that I have I tended to breath through my mouth as I slept. After I started taping my mouth shut before going to bed my breathing became much better all day long. 3M sell a breathable tape that is intended for that purpose.

[Ehwmatt]

I think it's probably a person-to-person thing. Look at a guy like Mike Reno. Guy is as big as a house and still sounds killer. Others don't fare so well after packing on the lbs, although the only one that comes to mind right now is Lou Gramm and there are obviously bigger things going on there, so it wouldn't be fair to chalk it all up to weight gain. Plus he's sounding better from the more recent YouTube vids.

Ann Wilson is another one who sounds amazing no matter what her physique is like. Would like to see Loverboy one of these days...

Great example

[Rick]

With the recent thread about old singers that still have it, it brought some questions to mind. How does a singer's weight gain/loss affect their voice? We have all seen male and female singers over the decades that have gone up and down the scale in big numbers. Do they have to adjust for this vocally? Also, what if a singer is on long term medication, like corticosteroids, for a chronic medical condition, how does that affect their voice? Feel free to add other conditions, I thought I would just get the topic started with these two.

From my experience:

Weight gain and loss fluctuations can cause the typical things that being out of shape would cause for runners or other athletes. If you are an opera singer and stand in one place, and are singing properly, then maybe a bit more girth is going to give you more power and projection. If you are trying to entertain people by running around onstage and being physically active, you're probably going to get winded then your singing is going to suffer as you move your voice more into your throat and jaw rather than your chest. Keep in mind though, some people who appear to have a few extra lbs are actually in very good physical shape, and it wouldn't really affect a performance.

Steroids for chronic medical conditions can and will ruin a singer's voice. I have asthma, and if I were to take a corticosteroid inhaler every day or whatever as prescribed, it would really screw up my vocal cords. The reason you have to rinse your mouth out after using them is that you are very susceptible to thrush....This is the same thing that can happen to your vocal cords - Basically suffering from yeast infection in your voice box. I use a prescription steroidal nasal spray when I remember to that can help control asthma, and has no effect on vocal cords. All kinds of medicines for "normal" people, such as decongestants, steroids, and lots of other stuff, are not recommended for working singers.

As always, there's exceptions to EVERYTHING, so the above info is just pretty general....take it for what it's worth!

Here's some advice for you...

If you breath through your mouth when you sleep, then tape your moth shut at night when you go to bed. That is unless your nose is so stuffed up that your afraid that you can't breath through your nose. When anyone breathes through their mouth they are taking in too much air at a time under normal conditions, which can lead to asthma symptoms. Because of some sinus problems that I have I tended to breath through my mouth as I slept. After I started taping my mouth shut before going to bed my breathing became much better all day long. 3M sell a breathable tape that is intended for that purpose.

Sounds like some kind of torture. Hey, whatever works, right?

[Jana]

Tom Jones was asked in an interview how he maintains his voice. He said that he lost his voice once and didn't know what was going on. He found out it was the change in climate traveling to do concerts that was hurting his voice. He carries a gauge to measure the humidity in the room where he's staying and has a humidifier he takes with him to turn on if he needs it if it's too dry of a climate.

[Rick]

Tom Jones was asked in an interview how he maintains his voice. He said that he lost his voice once and didn't know what was going on. He found out it was the change in climate traveling to do concerts that was hurting his voice. He carries a gauge to measure the humidity in the room where he's staying and has a humidifier he takes with him to turn on if he needs it if it's too dry of a climate.

When Journey played in Las Vegas in March, it was said they had Arnel in a controlled environment because the air is so dry there.

[Journey/Survivor]

With the recent thread about old singers that still have it, it brought some questions to mind. How does a singer's weight gain/loss affect their voice? We have all seen male and female singers over the decades that have gone up and down the scale in big numbers. Do they have to adjust for this vocally? Also, what if a singer is on long term medication, like corticosteroids, for a chronic medical condition, how does that affect their voice? Feel free to add other conditions, I thought I would just get the topic started with these two.

From my experience:

Weight gain and loss fluctuations can cause the typical things that being out of shape would cause for runners or other athletes. If you are an opera singer and stand in one place, and are singing properly, then maybe a bit more girth is going to give you more power and projection. If you are trying to entertain people by running around onstage and being physically active, you're probably going to get winded then your singing is going to suffer as you move your voice more into your throat and jaw rather than your chest. Keep in mind though, some people who appear to have a few extra lbs are actually in very good physical shape, and it wouldn't really affect a performance.

Steroids for chronic medical conditions can and will ruin a singer's voice. I have asthma, and if I were to take a corticosteroid inhaler every day or whatever as prescribed, it would really screw up my vocal cords. The reason you have to rinse your mouth out after using them is that you are very susceptible to thrush....This is the same thing that can happen to your vocal cords - Basically suffering from yeast infection in your voice box. I use a prescription steroidal nasal spray when I remember to that can help control asthma, and has no effect on vocal cords. All kinds of medicines for "normal" people, such as decongestants, steroids, and lots of other stuff, are not recommended for working singers.

As always, there's exceptions to EVERYTHING, so the above info is just pretty general....take it for what it's worth!

Here's some advice for you...

If you breath through your mouth when you sleep, then tape your moth shut at night when you go to bed. That is unless your nose is so stuffed up that your afraid that you can't breath through your nose. When anyone breathes through their mouth they are taking in too much air at a time under normal conditions, which can lead to asthma symptoms. Because of some sinus problems that I have I tended to breath through my mouth as I slept. After I started taping my mouth shut before going to bed my breathing became much better all day long. 3M sell a breathable tape that is intended for that purpose.

Sounds like some kind of torture. Hey, whatever works, right?

In the beginning I would pull the tape off in the middle of the night when I was half asleep because it felt weird to not be able to breath through my mouth. But over time I got used to it. I only put a small piece over my mouth, just enough to keep my mouth shut. And the kind of tape I use doesn't hurt to take off. I definitely can breath better since taping my mouth shut at night. I can workout much longer without becoming winded.

A friend of mine who has asthma was the person who told me about the mouth taping thing. There's a book called "Breathing Free" that goes into details about the mouth taping during sleep, and it mentions certain breathing techniques that help you breath better, and help's eliminate asthma. I know the mouth taping thing sounds strange, but it works.

[artist4perry]

With the recent thread about old singers that still have it, it brought some questions to mind. How does a singer's weight gain/loss affect their voice? We have all seen male and female singers over the decades that have gone up and down the scale in big numbers. Do they have to adjust for this vocally? Also, what if a singer is on long term medication, like corticosteroids, for a chronic medical condition, how does that affect their voice? Feel free to add other conditions, I thought I would just get the topic started with these two.

From my experience:

Weight gain and loss fluctuations can cause the typical things that being out of shape would cause for runners or other athletes. If you are an opera singer and stand in one place, and are singing properly, then maybe a bit more girth is going to give you more power and projection. If you are trying to entertain people by running around onstage and being physically active, you're probably going to get winded then your singing is going to suffer as you move your voice more into your throat and jaw rather than your chest. Keep in mind though, some people who appear to have a few extra lbs are actually in very good physical shape, and it wouldn't really affect a performance.

Steroids for chronic medical conditions can and will ruin a singer's voice. I have asthma, and if I were to take a corticosteroid inhaler every day or whatever as prescribed, it would really screw up my vocal cords. The reason you have to rinse your mouth out after using them is that you are very susceptible to thrush....This is the same thing that can happen to your vocal cords - Basically suffering from yeast infection in your voice box. I use a prescription steroidal nasal spray when I remember to that can help control asthma, and has no effect on vocal cords. All kinds of medicines for "normal" people, such as decongestants, steroids, and lots of other stuff, are not recommended for working singers.

As always, there's exceptions to EVERYTHING, so the above info is just pretty general....take it for what it's worth!

Here's some advice for you...

If you breath through your mouth when you sleep, then tape your moth shut at night when you go to bed. That is unless your nose is so stuffed up that your afraid that you can't breath through your nose. When anyone breathes through their mouth they are taking in too much air at a time under normal conditions, which can lead to asthma symptoms. Because of some sinus problems that I have I tended to breath through my mouth as I slept. After I started taping my mouth shut before going to bed my breathing became much better all day long. 3M sell a breathable tape that is intended for that purpose.

Sounds like some kind of torture. Hey, whatever works, right?

In the beginning I would pull the tape off in the middle of the night when I was half asleep because it felt weird to not be able to breath through my mouth. But over time I got used to it. I only put a small piece over my mouth, just enough to keep my mouth shut. And the kind of tape I use doesn't hurt to take off. I definitely can breath better since taping my mouth shut at night. I can workout much longer without becoming winded.

A friend of mine who has asthma was the person who told me about the mouth taping thing. There's a book called "Breathing Free" that goes into details about the mouth taping during sleep, and it mentions certain breathing techniques that help you breath better, and help's eliminate asthma. I know the mouth taping thing sounds strange, but it works.

So.........how long have you had these S and M tendencies? LOL! Is that all that is restrained?