My vocals sound...tired? Effortless? Emotionless?

[Unstoppabels]

Thats the just of it. Ive tried many different things to try and get rid of this problem as well but nothing seems to do the trick. Its not that im just talking the vocals or aren't putting effort into it. In fact, I put full effort into and record as if i was rapping it live with tons of feeling and excitement, but then when i listen back, it sounds dead.. My voice, so i have been told is deeper than average and has some monotone but i dont think that would manage to effect the recording so much. Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated, thanks

 

[sleepy]

If you are barely hearing your voice for the first time, then you are finding out that how you hear yourself when you speak is not how people hear you.

If your voice is deep and it sounds monotonous, then it will sound deep and monotonous when you record it. Recording your voice will not change your voice just because it's recorded. There is also no trickery into making a voice sound as if it has more energy. The reason why some people sound energetic is because they have that energy and they have a voice that has that same energy.

You may either need to get used to your voice, or accept that that's how it sounds and you have to find a type of music that fits your voice.

 

[John Vietnam]

One of my friends I normally record also has a bassier voice, and a similar problem. It is good that you acknowledge that it sounds dead, because when performing, you can not hear it the same as someone listening would.

You can use EQ to assist in this problem by working on the lower frequencies. But, honestly, you have to fix the source - yourself. One thing I would suggest is to practice your inflections. How does the tone of your voice change as a verse progresses? Are you performing your verse with excitement, or emotion? Is high energy conveyed more than the actual meaning of the content?

This may sound unorthodox, but this is something that I have practiced with theatre professionals. Take any one of your verses, someone else's verse, or, even a Dr. Seuss book. Choose a word that has strong feelings associated with it such as hope, despair, disgust, or ecstasy. Read the entire piece as if you were trying to convey that word, even if is not associated with the text. Do this over with different words.

Also, it would help to describe your setup. Maybe it's just your mic and my advice is unnecessary. Please go into further detail and let me know if this helps, I can also offer more advice contingent on your situation.

 

[Unstoppabels]

One of my friends I normally record also has a bassier voice, and a similar problem. It is good that you acknowledge that it sounds dead, because when performing, you can not hear it the same as someone listening would.

You can use EQ to assist in this problem by working on the lower frequencies. But, honestly, you have to fix the source - yourself. One thing I would suggest is to practice your inflections. How does the tone of your voice change as a verse progresses? Are you performing your verse with excitement, or emotion? Is high energy conveyed more than the actual meaning of the content?

This may sound unorthodox, but this is something that I have practiced with theatre professionals. Take any one of your verses, someone else's verse, or, even a Dr. Seuss book. Choose a word that has strong feelings associated with it such as hope, despair, disgust, or ecstasy. Read the entire piece as if you were trying to convey that word, even if is not associated with the text. Do this over with different words.

Also, it would help to describe your setup. Maybe it's just your mic and my advice is unnecessary. Please go into further detail and let me know if this helps, I can also offer more advice contingent on your situation.

My setup is an NT1A>MBox>Mac but thankyou for the ideas, i will try them tomorrow when i get a chance and will let you know how it goes. I was thinking about getting a reflection filter, to get more of that studio sound, do you think that would help? and heres a song for example ( ) does it sound dead? When i was recording it, i was doing it with tons of excitement and i was pumped haha but i still think it doesn't sound that way.

---------- Post added at 11:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:40 AM ----------

Thankyou, but i have been recording for a decent amount of time, i was just curious if there were any vocal techniques to help with this. I am used to my voice but allot of people have told me they get tired of my voice quickly because of this problem.

 

[John Vietnam]

It doesn't sound dead, that would be a little harsh. But you definitely have room for improvement. The most important word here is inflection.

This track is a very good example of the use of inflection: Kendrick Lamar - The Heart Pt 2. I can't post the link, sorry.

The exercise I suggested in my other post would be effective in practicing this. Each word, clause, and couplet in your bar has unique meaning to it so why not spit it with the emotional honesty it deserves? Hope it helps.

 

[AddictiveBeats]

I really like your flow ! And i don't think it sounds dead, just needs a bit more emphasis on some parts. I suggest you add backvocals, it's gonna make a BIG difference if it's well mixed ! If ever you're interested, I could mix your vocals, for free, just so i can improve myself and that would help you at the same time. Also if you're looking for beats, send me an email !

 

[ManoHD]

I have a friend that has the exact same problem I told him many many time but he doesn't understand.

Listen to your songs I mean really listen to your songs from a different perspective. Develop your ears.

From listening you do sound monotone. Add some contrast to your vocals. To me sounds like you were reading it.

Memorize your lyrics and rap with the feeling of the words if that makes any sense to you. Keep working man. Good luck.

 

[Unstoppabels]

To me sounds like you were reading it.

Memorize your lyrics and rap with the feeling of the words if that makes any sense to you.

That may be what it sounds like but i memorize all of my raps before i record them. I dont like focusing on reading and rapping at the same time, but thankyou

---------- Post added at 04:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:07 PM ----------

I really like your flow ! And i don't think it sounds dead, just needs a bit more emphasis on some parts. I suggest you add backvocals, it's gonna make a BIG difference if it's well mixed ! If ever you're interested, I could mix your vocals, for free, just so i can improve myself and that would help you at the same time. Also if you're looking for beats, send me an email !

Thank you, i actually have a track or 2 that you can try and mix for me, PM me your email or hit me up @ iRevency@live.com we can talk and i can send you them