by Unkle Buck

Created on: February 28, 2007   Last Updated: April 09, 2007

Vonnie and Tracy both had some great points, but I wanted to take a few of those points a bit further. As a drummer, singer, writer, producer I've learned that humility and the ability to forge relationships based on respect, dependability, and integrity do as much or more for your career/hobby as your talent ever could. Specifically, singers are quite often looked at by instrumentalists like a used-car salesman, or like a cat looks at the new pet in the house that they are soon going to be forced to share turf with. Whether that judgment is fair or not, it's reality and you'd better learn to deal with it, because it also has long-term life lessons. Just remember the old joke that's passed around by instrumentalists. It goes:

How many singers does it take to change a light bulb? One to hold the light bulb, and the rest of the world revolves around them.

Unfortunately, many singers (that only sing) male and female, but especially female have earned that reputation quite well. How to deal with it? Simple. Do what quarterbacks and running backs have been doing for their linemen for fifty years: Give regular thanks and kudos both face-to-face and in public to those that support you and make your job easier. Talk to them about what their performing headaches are, and what they have to deal with. If you do that you may even get excused from some of the nastier jobs at breakdown after a gig. Heck, if you have the looks and the charm and schmooze the crowd after the gig about how great fun it is with those guys you just might get excused altogether; but don't dare assume it or you might get a 150 lb. PA cabinet thrown your way after hearing "CATCH!" Wouldn't want to break those nails! Just kidding!

As far as building your chops? Yeah! I'd say breathing exercises are great, but again, let me take it further. DON'T SMOKE! Don't get me wrong, I am NOT a smoking Nazi; but I won't get up on that soapbox right now. There's just some things that you have to give up if you want to prolong your career. Sure, there's a lot of cool chicks out there that'll tell you things like it makes their voice raspier, but that's just because they're trying to justify their stupid habit. Start jogging two mi. a day, or at least 3 days a week. When you perform always drink about 6 oz. of tea with lemon and honey. Don't drink coffee unless you just don't have tea, but you always want to lubricate your throat and loosen it up with something warm. Remember, that's your instrument, and if IT gets

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