How do you avoid vocal strain when singing metal or punk?

1 Warm up properly

Before you start singing, you need to warm up your voice gradually and gently. This will help you prepare your vocal cords, muscles, and breathing for the high intensity and volume of metal or punk singing. Start with some simple exercises like humming, lip trills, or sirens, and then move on to some scales, arpeggios, or melodies. Avoid singing too loud, too high, or too low at first, and focus on your pitch, tone, and resonance. You can also use some vocal warmers like honey, ginger, or lemon to soothe your throat.

2 Use the right technique

Singing metal or punk requires a lot of vocal technique to avoid strain and injury. You need to use your diaphragm and abdominal muscles to support your breath and control your airflow. You also need to use your resonators, such as your chest, mouth, nose, and head, to amplify your sound and reduce the pressure on your vocal cords. You need to avoid tension in your throat, jaw, tongue, and shoulders, and relax your face and neck. You need to sing with a clear and consistent tone, and avoid pushing or forcing your voice.

3 Learn how to scream

Screaming is a common element of metal or punk singing, but it can also be the most damaging if done wrong. Screaming is not the same as shouting or yelling, and it requires a lot of skill and practice. There are different types of screams, such as fry, false cord, or mixed, and each one has its own technique and sound. You need to learn how to scream from a professional vocal coach or a reliable online source, and practice with caution and moderation. You need to warm up before and cool down after screaming, and hydrate your throat well. You also need to know your limits and stop when you feel any discomfort or pain.

4 Rest and recover

After singing metal or punk, you need to give your voice some time to rest and recover. You need to avoid talking, whispering, coughing, or clearing your throat for a few hours or even a day after singing. You need to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, or spicy foods that can irritate your throat. You need to sleep well and avoid stress that can affect your voice. You also need to monitor your voice and seek medical help if you experience any persistent or severe symptoms of vocal strain, such as loss of range, hoarseness, pain, or bleeding.

5 Train and improve

Singing metal or punk can be challenging and rewarding, but it also requires a lot of training and improvement. You need to practice regularly and consistently, but not too much or too hard. You need to vary your repertoire and sing different genres and styles to develop your versatility and flexibility. You need to listen to other singers and learn from their techniques and tips. You also need to get feedback and guidance from a vocal coach or a trusted listener who can help you improve your skills and avoid vocal strain.

6 Enjoy and express

Singing metal or punk is not only about technique and safety, but also about enjoyment and expression. You need to have fun and passion for what you sing, and convey your emotions and messages to your audience. You need to be confident and authentic in your voice, and embrace your uniqueness and creativity. You also need to respect and appreciate your voice, and take care of it as a precious instrument. Singing metal or punk can be an amazing way to express yourself and connect with others, as long as you do it with care and awareness.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?