Drop a Half Step for Live Performance ?

[ric stave]

It's a rollercoaster adventure.....

[mcleachy]

in my cover band, i always drop my floor tom a bit, and then muffle the daylights out of it, but in my original band things, i leave them ring.

[guitardave]

[Gertrude]

saw a clip of Blondie last night...doing "Call Me" in a different key than original. probably not tuned down a halfstep, probably just a whole new key.

that seemed like a much more relevant post before i started posting it.

[guitardave]

yeah...but it was worth it.

when I remember blondie......

......I kinda get a lil' "chub"

[static wednesday]

I feel that every time you detune, change a key or adjust the song that you mess with the sound and feel of the music--my suggestion would be to pick songs that you are comfortable with and to design your set list so that you are not doing the most demanding vocal parts at the end of the night. Also -warm up before a show --get some rest and maybe see if you can have others in the band sing here and there to give you a small break. Works for me. One thing I always remember -most people in an audience dont know what notes you play -they only know how it sounds and if it doesnt sound "right" its not.

[guitardave]

I feel that every time you detune, change a key or adjust the song that you mess with the sound and feel of the music--my suggestion would be to pick songs that you are comfortable with and to design your set list so that you are not doing the most demanding vocal parts at the end of the night. Also -warm up before a show --get some rest and maybe see if you can have others in the band sing here and there to give you a small break. Works for me. One thing I always remember -most people in an audience dont know what notes you play -they only know how it sounds and if it doesnt sound "right" its not.

Thanks. Actually, you just helped me confirm that I have been on the right track for the most part. I have been following everyone of the suggestions that you have just outlined. The suggestion that needs to be followed more closely, is only picking out songs that I am comfortable with, instead of just picking out songs "I want" to do. I have no idea why I press myself to the limit sometimes. I am having a hard time dealing with the fact that I can't sing like I'm 18 anymore.
I also don't really like detuned or "adjusted" music. I like the covers to be as "authentic" as possible.
I guess I just needed to hear someone else confirm it.
Thanks, Dave