Tips for artists · 4 min read

Looking after your voice before a session

Simple habits that keep your voice working for a full day.

Your voice is the one thing you can’t borrow or replace, and recording is demanding. A long session asks more of it than most people realise. A few simple habits make a real difference.

Drink water the day before

It takes time for water to reach your vocal folds, so a glass on the way in isn’t enough. Sip through the day before, and keep sipping in the session. Room temperature is kinder than ice cold.

Sleep

Tired voices sound thin and crack more easily. If you only manage one thing, get a decent night’s sleep.

Go easy the night before

Shouting at a gig, singing over loud music in a bar or a late night out all take a toll. Alcohol also dries you out. We’re not going to lecture anyone, but a rough voice at 10am costs real money.

Warm up gently

Humming, lip trills and soft sirens up and down your range wake the voice up without straining it. Start quietly, and don’t go for your loudest or highest notes straight away.

Don’t clear your throat

It feels like it helps, but it slams the vocal folds together. A sip of water, a swallow or a gentle hum is better.

Don’t whisper-strain

If your voice is tired, whispering hard isn’t a rest, it can be just as tiring. Speak softly, normally, and give it a proper break.

Take breaks in a long session

If you’re in for several hours, we’ll take breaks. Use them to be quiet, sip some water, and don’t talk loudly in the kitchen.

Order your songs sensibly

Record the hardest, most demanding song while your voice is fresh. Leave doubles, ad-libs and the quieter ones for later.

If you’re ill

If you have a cold or a sore throat, ring us as early as you can and we’ll talk it through. Check the cancellation terms first, because they apply to changes too.

Look after it, and it’ll look after your song.