Every Heart... Pleease please listen

[DigitalDivaMitzi]

Hmm.. That was actually pretty good, but as you mentioned, try to work on the balance of the vocals and the music next time. You have a lovely voice, some pronounciation was a littttle shakey though. You have a good voice for this song, and you kept in tune pretty well.

[Fiona C]

*nods nods* I think I need to work on opening my mouth wider when singing. I think that's the problem that makes my voice sound retraint. It's one of those I KNOW I can hit the note but it makes it sound like I'm having a hard time reaching it. Or I run out of breath (hehe if anyone has a good advice for overcoming this it'd be awesome)

*waves hand in air* I have a suggestion.

Our music teachers at school always told us we should take a breath at the end of sentences, or else at natural pauses, such as commas. They also told us to put ticks or other marks on our music sheets to show where we should take breaths. :) Works pretty well. ^^

[minkchan]

sorry so late hehe went on a vacation to MInnesota to see my hubby's family for 2 weeks so i haven't really been around hehe but *nods nods* I'll try that. I'll definately try to sing the whole song next time and try the comma/tick thing. Thanks guys ^_^ I'm soo happy to hear feed back from all of ya. ^__^ *huggles everyone* Now that I'm back though I'll try for the whole song and hopefully *crosses fingers* a better version hehe ^^

[Ridgewolf]

This post has everything to do with the fact that I am a fan of Mink. Why else would I post here? :D

I hope I can be of some help, Mink. Your voice is very nice and I (maybe I'm just strange) was able to catch your 'breathiness' at the end of some of your phrases ( and why :) ). Personally, I think the breathiness adds flavor to the piece, and should be nixxed only after careful consideration.

Please note that any information, or facts that are offered in this post have nothing to do with my opinion of your singing, Mink. You sound very nice, and if you would, I am certain I would enjoy hearing this piece completed. :D

Volume: At the beginning, all sets of volume seem fine and perfect. For the later part of the song, why not pull back the background track? It might pronounce your voice effectively. Your microphone quality may be an issue as well, but I don't know what kind of mic you have. You might want to consider recording with your mouth (consistantly) the same distance away from the microphone throughout the song.

Diction: There was one spot I caught a slightly unclear consonent. (what is the spelling for that?) Yes, it's silly to mention it, and that is why I did mention it. :D


You mentioned in above posts that you were interested in advice on singing. I have some media related to this subject. I won't post a whole book here (out of respect to Mink, herself, and also the HDDs for voiceactking.co.uk), but here are some things that I've found helpful in my professional singing career. :)


Posture. The top of your head should be as far away from your hips as possible. If you are sitting, both feet should be flat on the floor, and your rear should be 'on the edge of your seat.' If you're having trouble with good posture, stop for a second, stand up, and immitate a little kid holding their arms up (to be picked up by daddy). :)

Breathing. This is a big one. You should not feel (notice) your lungs move when you sing. It will sound strange to someone who is not familiar with the idea, but your abdominal area should be doing all the work/movement. Your upper abdomen, obliques (sides), and back should all expand when you breath in. This allows room for your lungs to expand (and fill) downwards, as they are designed to. (You know how some people pull their stomachs in when they are at the beach to look thinner? It is best not to do this when you are singing. Your lungs need the room. Let yourself go. :) )

Vowels. At least for English vowels (and any other vowels because all vowels are the same in every language :wink:), the tip of your tongue should be right behind your bottom teeth. Yes, it should be as flat against the bottom of your mouth as possible. This techique is for your plain, 'open' vowels of course, but it should help.

Pitch. The only thing I can recommend is to practice scales. If you have a piano or keyboard, use it. What you are looking to do with pitch practice is to hear the note in your mind before you sing it. One should also look to sing it perfectly, not sliding to it, or bouncing with 'vabratto.' Make sure you have the note before you go to the next one. Then try singing the note softly. If you can sing those high notes, solidly, while soft, then you will nail them when you increase the volume. :wink: (if you don't know scales, go ahead and use the melody to any song for practice. that would be the same thing :) )

Presentation. Relax. The back of your mouth should be open (as if you were drinking water). When you drink something, your throat opens up wide, and that is the feeling you want to have. The sound coming from you should resonate (make your nose vibrate), and feel effortless. If you have to struggle in your singing, stop. Your body is trying to tell you something. :)



Finally...

The mood and feel of this clip came across clearly. Mink, you did a good job on your interpretation of the piece. I'll admit I don't have authority to judge certain things, but a lot of what I heard sounded appropriate.

No pressure, and no worries. I do not mean to come across as demanding in any way. This is all here to help you out. Take it or leave it as you like. :)

Keep up your practice, Mink. You've done well with everything I have listened of you. I am also certain that if you get a mind to push yourself, you will be very pleased with the results. To answer your question: You do sound good. *NODS* :D :D

Anyway, keep safe, and good journey. 8)


P.S. Oh, and if this post is too long, just let me know and I'll edit it down or out. It kind of turned into a novel. :shock:

:D

[minkchan]

Duuudde!! You've been like the awesomest!!! *huggles* (forgive my island talk lived there for too long hehe) ^_^ I LOVE LOVE critiques and advice like this...very proffesional, clear, direct yet not SIMON (since Idol contests are so popular now hehe) and just plain 'cool beans' hehehe *huggles Ridgewolf again*

I can definately hear the 'breathiness' that's mainly the lack of umm air supply hehe. I tried to hide it best I could with a bit of emotion but I can't hide it sometimes hehe :P I'll DEFINATELY take your advice and run with it! *runs around the room* (see?? ^_~ hehe) The feet on the floor while singing is a good idea (though i'd have to lower my chair the short person that I am) I tend to slouch while singing....The breathing whilst singing... i think I know what you're talking about feeling your lungs move. Sometimes when I try to reach a certain note I'm having a hard time with, i do try to 'feel' my lungs fill up with air...i guess that's a no no then eh? ^_^;;

but you know...*strains what little brain cells she has left for the day...* i KNOW you..... lol.... *strains more of her braincells* SAVAGE!.....i've a sinking feeling you're c.....cy....nnn........ CRACK! ~_~ I don't remember ...but I KNOW you! I just can't remember from where *sighs* I KNOW I've talked to you on a messenger.....but not enough to call me by my real name.... .... .... ... ... .... bah lol i'm sure i'll be sitting in the tub or watching tv when i'll go "THAT'S WHERE I KNOW HIM!!!!" It's an affliction of my husband's that I regretfully caught lol

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for giving me a listen, critique, advice and praise. ^_^ *hands you a piece of cakey*

[Ridgewolf]

[center:25689f673b]
*Accepts the cake quietly, smiling.*
*Nods once, noticing the breeze tugging at him again as he slowly turns and strides away.*
*Feels the pull of the atmosphere as he retraces his steps, the invisible fingers of the wind brushing the tall grass as he makes his way home.*[/center:25689f673b]

[SashiMizumoto]

You sounded excellent! At some parts, it could have been a little higher, but I still love it! X33

[minkchan]

Thankies ^__^ I'm hoping to redo it sometime but I just haven't the time or patience at the moment hehe :P

[-Luchia-]

I join the others!!!!!^O^
I'm not so good as you but, i really like to sing, and i love very much BOA's song, avery heart is very nice, but my favourite are: Discovery and No.1!!!!!!
But your voice is beautiful and it suit perfectly whit this song!!!!
(sorry i'm italian so if i've made some mistakes please forgive me and tell me if you don't understand what i've said!!!!XDDDD)

[YukiYuki]

*latches onto Minkchan* Awesome voice.

.....I envy. I don't really have much to say except, maybe because of my lack of knowledge when it comes to singing, I thought there was nothing wrong with it. It's awesome <3 I love it. ;_;

....;_; (Groovy.. ;_;)

[takekawayumi]

some note couldve been held longer but it was TEH coooool! Nice voice! Great job! :D