Comments on singing...

[blue4u]

I find it interesting that people feel the need to criticize the vocals on some songs. I've seen a handful of comments on singing that surprised me. They were well intentioned criticisms but it was negative feedback. Ok, maybe it's constructive criticism but it can also be disheartening and defeating. Especially when it's not asked for. So, here's my rant....

First of all, if you're not a singer you have little business being critical of those who are unless they ask you for your feedback directly. You don't have to like the voice but keep your criticism to yourselves. It takes courage to put your voice out there for everyone to judge! For those who haven't tried, go sing in front of a live audience and THEN you can criticize!

Someone said, about a song I sang on, that he was "not a fan of the voice". I took it in stride with good humor but I asked myself...Would ANY of us go to a live show and after the band finishes, tell them that we didn't like the singer's voice with the singer standing right there? WTF?!

I know a lot of you are guitarists who like to tease singers and I'm cool with that. I'm a guitarist who also sings so I get both sides. But the next time you want to criticize someone's singing let's hear YOU sing first so at least the playing field is level

They are called "Shouts" NOT "Criticisms". Act the way you would at a show and clap if you like it or don't clap if you don't. No need for the professor-like breakdown of how you liked this but not that, etc.

This place has always been about positive support and encouragement. I'm hoping we keep it that way.

Thanks for listening!

Rich

[vad1er]

Hi Rich, I would also like to add that it seems to me that the rudeist critics post as guest (or use a name that isn't a RW handle or there real or nick name) instead of using a name we know... Wich is completely cowardly and weak of them and shows they have no spiritual character or honor.. I myself do not mind a little constructive critism and welcome it, but especially to that jackass who insulted my wife on the song she entered into the rumble, Show your face you punny little piss ant!!!!!! Stand up like a man!! Honestly dude my woman is tougher than you ever thought of being, If you had to deal with the multiple surgeries she has had in her life you would have already given up and died.. So It is very appropraite that her first song is about her pain, since it is there all the time! Infact she will have to have surgery again very soon as scar tissue seems to grow back and cut off functions.. She isn't looking for anyones pitty either!! She is just expressing herself.. It's art!! That's all! So direct all insults to me in the future if ya have any balls Biatch!!

[vad1er]

By the way Rich your song Awake is definatly in my top 3 it grabed my attention right off the bat. Very professional sound!

[GuitarSlinger]

Some of you are good at different things, but if I tried to sing I'd probably get banned. I really appreciate the people who do sing, there aren't too many and it takes huge balls.

[vad1er]

Hey guitar slinger you live in sacramento right? Glen is having Jamming Christmas party tommorrow send me your email if you ain't doing anything mine is vad1er@comcast.net.

[GuitarSlinger]

J dot Tessen at Comcast dot net. <-- You never know when the robots are trolling.

I'll catch up with you guys next time, I promised a friend at work to see his band play tommorow in Loomis, going straight there from work.

[davenz]

Agreed; some armchair critics don't know the way to feed back without appearing to be a-holes. Anyone posting on Rifflink or riffcasting a song gets my utmost respect and kudos just for doing it. I wouldn't think of putting down anyone, no matter how good or bad I think it might be. If I can help someone by pointing out an obvious way to do something better, I might comment, but to outright diss or pan someone in a comment on their own song is downright appalling and those people should be warned, then banned under the terms and conditions of the site if they keep doing it.

Riffworld is a place people should feel safe and confidant that what they output is listened to by other musicians, appreciated for what it is or isn't and know is not going to be trashed by some insensitive lamer just out to shoot people down.

Dave.

[Rotund]

It takes courage to put your voice out there for everyone to judge! For those who haven't tried, go sing in front of a live audience and THEN you can criticize!

Thanks for listening!

Rich

I think you're great and I appreciate your comments here. I agree, the positive side of this community has allowed us to put some vox out and be creative. I started reading up on recording technique especially in vocals and they all say "let it go" put some emotion into it. That is difficult without changing the basic tonality of your voice. Something I am guilty of in some songs but the community is allowing me to stretch and sing out and it's all good. It's like good athletes can't listen to the sports talk shows you just gotta go play. My opinion You "Keep on Truck'n" I like your songs and I will keep on listen to you.

[blue4u]

I try a lot of things with my voice and some of it works and some of it doesn't but I like to be creative and explore different possibilities Thanks for the great feedback guys. And thank you for the nice words Rotund. I'll keep trying to sing better....

Rich

[yahsteck1]

I have always been a big fan of your Vocs Rich! Keep it comming!

[sinfreealex]

Do people generally have lyrics already written and an idea of how they want the songs to be sung?

[czarnian]

Keep up the outstanding work Rich and pay no mind to those who undermine your efforts.

[Wedgebill]

Don't worry about the singing Rich, it's the major talking of bollocks you need to sort out mate, you're catching up with me nowadays

[vad1er]

Do people generally have lyrics already written and an idea of how they want the songs to be sung?

It depends if you want someone to just write lyrics or you write lyrics for us to sing... We are versitile here on rw..

[riffer7777]

some folks are jealous rich.your above them.keep goin dude you rock