MR

Hey just wanted to let you know that I still think you would have been the best possible choice for Journey. I'm basing this not just because of how you sing the past Journey hits, but from what I have heard of your own, new songs. Specifically "One by One" and "I Believe" really kicked ass. I think those could have both easily fit somewhere on Arrival or Generations. But.....I guess we can at least say that their loss is our gain, since we get to continue hearing both Journey perform as well as yourself singing with Frontiers.

My question is this: Which song or songs do you find most challenging to perform on stage, and which one do you most enjoy? Also, since I will be attending my first Frontiers show in Cleveland in February, do you usually perform any songs off Trial By Fire? This is one of my favorite albums and Journey never seems to perform anything but When You Love A Woman and even that is rare. Thanks!


One more thing. Do you have any other links to some of your own material that we might enjoy, or any plans on releasing any of your own music?

journey062393 wrote:Hey just wanted to let you know that I still think you would have been the best possible choice for Journey. I'm basing this not just because of how you sing the past Journey hits, but from what I have heard of your own, new songs. Specifically "One by One" and "I Believe" really kicked ass. I think those could have both easily fit somewhere on Arrival or Generations. But.....I guess we can at least say that their loss is our gain, since we get to continue hearing both Journey perform as well as yourself singing with Frontiers.

Thanks very much!

My question is this: Which song or songs do you find most challenging to perform on stage, and which one do you most enjoy?

Most challenging is probably "Mother Father" or "Suzanne." The ones I enjoy performing most are the ones the audience gets into the most, so I guess the dirty dozen may not be the most interesting songs to sing 500 times over, but each time a song like "Don't Stop Believin'" or "Faithfully" is performed, is a new audience, and they make it seem like it's a brand new song, if that makes sense.

Also, since I will be attending my first Frontiers show in Cleveland in February, do you usually perform any songs off Trial By Fire? This is one of my favorite albums and Journey never seems to perform anything but When You Love A Woman and even that is rare. Thanks!

Thanks for coming to the show in February! If you see me around please introduce yourself. New posters around here are welcome, but there is an air of uneasiness every time you see a new poster with 5-6 posts start a thread like this. Would love to say hello! We do perform 3 or 4 songs from Trial By Fire.

One more thing. Do you have any other links to some of your own material that we might enjoy, or any plans on releasing any of your own music?

I don't have any links to anything right now. I'm currently writing with two other collaborators online and hope to have new material available next year some time, but Quinn makes it tough to devote 100% to music these days!

Jeremey wrote:Most challenging is probably "Mother Father" or "Suzanne."

No joke! I practiced "Suzanne" long before I ever sang it in front of people, and that one night I did, I had just started getting the beginnings of a cold... I got through it, but it doesn't take much to scuff the polish off of that one!

Rip Rokken wrote:

Jeremey wrote:Most challenging is probably "Mother Father" or "Suzanne."

No joke! I practiced "Suzanne" long before I ever sang it in front of people, and that one night I did, I had just started getting the beginnings of a cold... I got through it, but it doesn't take much to scuff the polish off of that one!

On "Raised On Radio," Perry started taking his chest voice a lot higher for some reason. On the records before Frontiers, he had a seamless blend between his chest voice and head voice. The song "Escape" is a perfect example of that, during the "yes I'm On MY WAY" the first time, he jumps from chest to head without blinking an eye. On Frontiers, he rarely left his chest voice, but due to the tone he used on the record, he pushed his chest voice on songs like "Troubled Child" and "Rubicon." By the time ROR came about, there was little use of the head voice, but he had developed his chest voice much stronger, and on notes like that at the end of "Suzanne," it's nearly effortless for him to use his chest voice to hit that note...That chest voice is the "meatier" tone you notice in the high notes on ROR that adds more depth than his voice pre-Frontiers. It's also much more taxing on the vocal cords. Listening to that refrain over and over, it's clear he completely relaxed in the studio and let it soar. Live, it's nearly impossible to become that relaxed in "one take" so to speak and belt that out, so I usually revert to my head voice on it, or unfortunately keep it in the chest and kill myself.

Jeremey wrote:
On "Raised On Radio," Perry started taking his chest voice a lot higher for some reason. On the records before Frontiers, he had a seamless blend between his chest voice and head voice. The song "Escape" is a perfect example of that, during the "yes I'm On MY WAY" the first time, he jumps from chest to head without blinking an eye. On Frontiers, he rarely left his chest voice, but due to the tone he used on the record, he pushed his chest voice on songs like "Troubled Child" and "Rubicon." By the time ROR came about, there was little use of the head voice, but he had developed his chest voice much stronger, and on notes like that at the end of "Suzanne," it's nearly effortless for him to use his chest voice to hit that note...That chest voice is the "meatier" tone you notice in the high notes on ROR that adds more depth than his voice pre-Frontiers. It's also much more taxing on the vocal cords. Listening to that refrain over and over, it's clear he completely relaxed in the studio and let it soar. Live, it's nearly impossible to become that relaxed in "one take" so to speak and belt that out, so I usually revert to my head voice on it, or unfortunately keep it in the chest and kill myself.

Thanks for that explanation Jeremey. I've always heard exactly what you're talking about in his vocal transition from Escape to Frontiers to ROR but didn't know exactly how to technically define what I was hearing. I knew I liked the deeper, richer vocals better and figured the change came from age and use, but I didn't know the physical difference in singing style that was involved.

Jeremey wrote:On "Raised On Radio," Perry started taking his chest voice a lot higher for some reason. On the records before Frontiers, he had a seamless blend between his chest voice and head voice. The song "Escape" is a perfect example of that, during the "yes I'm On MY WAY" the first time, he jumps from chest to head without blinking an eye. On Frontiers, he rarely left his chest voice, but due to the tone he used on the record, he pushed his chest voice on songs like "Troubled Child" and "Rubicon." By the time ROR came about, there was little use of the head voice, but he had developed his chest voice much stronger, and on notes like that at the end of "Suzanne," it's nearly effortless for him to use his chest voice to hit that note...That chest voice is the "meatier" tone you notice in the high notes on ROR that adds more depth than his voice pre-Frontiers. It's also much more taxing on the vocal cords. Listening to that refrain over and over, it's clear he completely relaxed in the studio and let it soar. Live, it's nearly impossible to become that relaxed in "one take" so to speak and belt that out, so I usually revert to my head voice on it, or unfortunately keep it in the chest and kill myself.

You know, I'd never really considered it that much in the history of his singing, but you are right... When you are using your chest voice on songs like that, you are really "belting it out", and it's much harder to sustain. I've learned to substitute falsetto for high chest voice when needed to get thru something, and it does help. I wonder if that's the reason Hugo gets criticism for having no power in his Journey YouTube clips... It does sound like he's using head voice too much when higher chest voice is more appropriate to get that right sound. You can get away with it live, but on video, it shows.

Here's another example... On the Journey/Def Lep tour, Journey of course was awesome. For Lep, Joe Elliott's vocals did not sound right on the high songs, and I've long heard he doesn't have his range anymore. I had to take a break partway thru the show, during "Love Bites", and out in the hall it sounded as if he was singing falsetto barely above speaking level, but they had his voice so surrounded by effects to prop it up, it sounded like he was down in a well. I'll never forget that.

Thanks for taking the time to answer that. I know what you mean about new posters, but I've just never really had anything to say. I've been reading the post for quite awhile though. Its always interesting to see what others have to say! But thanks, and if we get the chance to we will definitely come meet you.

I've got a quick question for Jeremey and any other vocalists prowling these boards.

I've always loved singing and would love nothing more than to be able to perform songs, both instrumentally and vocally, for people. I pick up instruments really easily and have no problem learning new things on them. HOWEVER, nobody I know likes my singing voice, and I've never been properly able to have any kind of acceptable lead vocal style. I harmonize well when singing in a group, but.. I can't carry a tune on my own.

I hate annoying people with my miserable voice and want to develop something credible.

How does one born with a bad voice/singing style, develop into a better singer? I'd love to learn all the ins and outs of singing but I struggle mightily, even when I think I've mastered a song.

Any tips or tricks on improving vocal style at all?

I'll take stab at this one for Jeremey and he can correct me if I'm out of line. If you were born with a "lousy" lead vocal voice, my suggestion for you would be to stop trying to sing already created works by "real" singers and create songs that specifically fit your voice and it's range and various nuances. You might also want to invest in a few vocal singing lessons.


How'd I do Jer?

ProgRocker53 wrote:I've got a quick question for Jeremey and any other vocalists prowling these boards.

I've always loved singing and would love nothing more than to be able to perform songs, both instrumentally and vocally, for people. I pick up instruments really easily and have no problem learning new things on them. HOWEVER, nobody I know likes my singing voice, and I've never been properly able to have any kind of acceptable lead vocal style. I harmonize well when singing in a group, but.. I can't carry a tune on my own.

I hate annoying people with my miserable voice and want to develop something credible.

How does one born with a bad voice/singing style, develop into a better singer? I'd love to learn all the ins and outs of singing but I struggle mightily, even when I think I've mastered a song.

Any tips or tricks on improving vocal style at all?

Do like me and keep it in the shower.

chf34jmac wrote:I'll take stab at this one for Jeremey and he can correct me if I'm out of line. If you were born with a "lousy" lead vocal voice, my suggestion for you would be to stop trying to sing already created works by "real" singers and create songs that specifically fit your voice and it's range and various nuances. You might also want to invest in a few vocal singing lessons.


How'd I do Jer?

Yeah, I've created a lot of original stuff that's better suited to my voice, but it never hurts to improve on it. There's a lot of people out there who won't listen to something twice if the lead vocals are atrocious, and I want to avoid that. Plus, you have lots of people out there who are all about the covers, you gotta throw those folks a bone too.

Nothing says you can't throw the mike over to a bandmate that can sing the covers better.

chf34jmac wrote:Nothing says you can't throw the mike over to a bandmate that can sing the covers better.

Haha that's true, but right now I'm having some problems finding people around the area into the same musical style as me, so until I can find others into melodic/progressive stylings I gotta focus on solo creativity and improve my performance there.

ProgRocker53 wrote:I've got a quick question for Jeremey and any other vocalists prowling these boards.

How does one born with a bad voice/singing style, develop into a better singer? I'd love to learn all the ins and outs of singing but I struggle mightily, even when I think I've mastered a song.

Any tips or tricks on improving vocal style at all?

If you are open to advice from anyone, I would first suggest not to ever stop singing if you enjoy it. I don't have anywhere close to the voice or tone I'd like, but I shan't be stopped. May not wish to perform as a singer if it's not your talent, but there is something very therapeutic about singing in general. It's one of life's greatest joys!

Vocal lessons can always help, though they are often far from fun. But no matter what style you want to learn, base vocal lessons are often very similar. A few years back I thought what the heck and bought a Jim Gillette "Metal Power" DVD, and much of the technique was stuff I'd run across from an opera vocal teacher I took lessons from back when I was 17. Chf34jmac is right, though -- you have to find your niche, and it may not be exactly what you want. Ya know, if you want to sing Judas Priest, but sound like John Denver... it's best to be realistic. Still, I've sang outside of what I should several times, and had to learn what works best for me and what doesn't, and even then, I still push the boudaries sometimes, because I just freaking love to sing. I remember once I wanted to do "Kiss From A Rose" by Seal, and worked so hard on it -- then went out and really nailed it, I thought, only to be told my a close friend it sounded like Michael Jackson singing it.

That's the real danger of singing covers... In most cases, you will be compared to the original vocalist, so again, Chf34jmac is right... might want to try originals and see how that goes. If nothing else, you apparently have many more ways to rock besides the mic.

Best of luck, and don't ever give up, though.

Fuck, I'll write your lyrics. I guarantee you I can write some good shit.

Rockindeano wrote:Fuck, I'll write your lyrics. I guarantee you I can write some good shit.

And he has the pics to prove it

I'm being serious. OK, somebody pick a topic and I will have the words up tomorrow a.m.

Rockindeano wrote:I'm being serious. OK, somebody pick a topic and I will have the words up tomorrow a.m.

HAIL DEANO!!!!!Dude you kill me ...you have your fingers in so many damn pies ....(you know what I mean lol)

Rockindeano wrote:I'm being serious. OK, somebody pick a topic and I will have the words up tomorrow a.m.

Ok.... Hmm, random topic... How about a song about being the last man on Earth after a disaster (sort of like "I Am Legend"). All sorts of cool thoughts to explore on that one.

Rip Rokken wrote:

Rockindeano wrote:I'm being serious. OK, somebody pick a topic and I will have the words up tomorrow a.m.

Ok.... Hmm, random topic... How about a song about being the last man on Earth after a disaster (sort of like "I Am Legend"). All sorts of cool thoughts to explore on that one.

Dude I got to tell ya that picture for your avatar gives me the fuckin creeps you need to swap back to the other one!!!

wildone wrote:Dude I got to tell ya that picture for your avatar gives me the fuckin creeps you need to swap back to the other one!!!

LOL! Here's one just for you....

Rip Rokken wrote:

wildone wrote:Dude I got to tell ya that picture for your avatar gives me the fuckin creeps you need to swap back to the other one!!!

LOL! Here's one just for you....

LMFAO your to funny ...but hell that's alot better then the other one,I think it was the sparkling teeth and grin that spooked the fuck out of me!

Rip Rokken wrote:

Rockindeano wrote:I'm being serious. OK, somebody pick a topic and I will have the words up tomorrow a.m.

Ok.... Hmm, random topic... How about a song about being the last man on Earth after a disaster (sort of like "I Am Legend"). All sorts of cool thoughts to explore on that one.

You got it Dokken.

wildone wrote:LMFAO your to funny ...but hell that's alot better then the other one,I think it was the sparkling teeth and grin that spooked the fuck out of me!

HAHA! You have to thank FinalFight for the polish job on those choppers.... He's the Photoshop expert, apparently. Hey, I might ask him to do another version with some some blood on the teeth, like he's been eating raw meat or something. Count Dokkula!

Rockindeano wrote:You got it Dokken.

Sweet! Can't wait to see....

Rip Rokken wrote:

wildone wrote:LMFAO your to funny ...but hell that's alot better then the other one,I think it was the sparkling teeth and grin that spooked the fuck out of me!

HAHA! You have to thank FinalFight for the polish job on those choppers.... He's the Photoshop expert, apparently. Hey, I might ask him to do another version with some some blood on the teeth, like he's been eating raw meat or something. Count Dokkula!

No way dude have him figure out away to get count choculas hair on him that would be to funny and of course you'd have to kick down fangs and all shit even a bowl of count chocula in his fuckin hands

wildone wrote:No way dude have him figure out away to get count choculas hair on him that would be to funny and of course you'd have to kick down fangs and all shit even a bowl of count chocula in his fuckin hands

That would be great!

Jeremey wrote:By the time ROR came about, there was little use of the head voice, but he had developed his chest voice much stronger, and on notes like that at the end of "Suzanne," it's nearly effortless for him to use his chest voice to hit that note...That chest voice is the "meatier" tone you notice in the high notes on ROR that adds more depth than his voice pre-Frontiers. It's also much more taxing on the vocal cords. Listening to that refrain over and over, it's clear he completely relaxed in the studio and let it soar. Live, it's nearly impossible to become that relaxed in "one take" so to speak and belt that out, so I usually revert to my head voice on it, or unfortunately keep it in the chest and kill myself.

Thanks for explaining that Jeremey. I love the tone of Perry's voice on ROR, definately my favorite vocals of his. So when talking about voice, is tone and/or timbre the same thing? Not sure which to use when describing a certain voice sound?

Goddammit, I am sick and tired of seeing people misspell definitely. It's spelled, definitely, NOT definately. Fuck to all ends!

Rockindeano wrote:Goddammit, I am sick and tired of seeing people misspell definitely. It's spelled, definitely, NOT definately. Fuck to all ends!

LMAO! That one must be habit, cuz that's the second time you've called me on it .....you anal-retentive freak!