5 FREE Vocal Recording Tips

[@Producelikeapro]

What are your best tips for recording vocals?

[@mageprometheus]

Never ask me to sing 😃

[@enriquezr00]

Taking a bite from an apple gets my voice ready to sing for a morning recording.

[@TheLastMoomin]

I find 'stank face' works well when recording bluesy vocals. Also leaning back > leaning forward.

[@Producelikeapro]

@@mageprometheus haha I hear you!!

[@PocketSunlight]

A mallet on the foot helps me hit those high notes,,,;0)!

[@fifty7beats]

The smile one is a huge one for clarity🙏🏼!

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed!!

[@radarmc]

Emphathize facial expression to portray stronger emotional connection during recordings.

[@neilbonavita8623]

Wooo! Thanks for having Chris on the video; he's always a great teacher. I'm just learning and love this collaboration. Thanks guys.

[@stewie3128]

Every vocalist needs to see this video a few days before they go into a session. This is great stuff guys.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend! I’m glad to be able to help!!

[@chrisliepe]

So glad it was helpful!

[@chrisliepe]

@@philburns5656Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GrandmasterofWin]

On your last point, "99% of success is failure." Don't remember where I heard that but it's so true. Every success story is the story of thousands of tries, thousands of failures, and hard earned incremental improvement. What others see is the end result of your efforts. It may seem like it happened overnight to them because they weren't there with you for the thousands of hours of study, practice, trial and error, and battling fear and inner demons. Success looks effortless because you put in the time to make it nearly automatic.

[@kdakan]

Chris Liepe is the best vocal coach I've found online. He is so great, just see his channel and try out some of his techniques and follow one of his courses. It will do miracles on your singing.

[@cwilliammusic]

Minute 11 when Chris makes his demonstration is amazing. Not just the intelligibility of what he says and the presence. But also the mood is better while keeping the same pitch

[@realRonPetersen]

“Smile while you sing.” What a great suggestion. I hear a distinct difference. Smiling brings my voice forward to my mask and not so much from the throat. my performances are clearer, more expressive and in tune, not the flat pitch I used to hear. I cannot Thankyou enough. Realy great. Wow.

[@insolitusau]

The 'smile' tip has just completely transformed my approach and sound. Such valuable advice.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, that’s a favourite technique of Ron Anderson as well!

[@dopeydad1221]

I loved trying the "Smiley Voice" idea. My tone was definitely better but somehow my pitching was all over the place. Guess that one needs some practice but what a great tip!

[@ktofficial4945]

I'm totally guilty of doing too many takes. I remember some songs I kept redoing for days with over 500 takes and it still came out trash. Of course, that means I need practice to be better but the takes were "my practice" so to speak.

[@AnitaPotterProductions]

As a not so stellar singer it takes me about 3 takes to settle down. First I'll jump around like a total idiot to relax before doing that first take to get myself out of my own head. Eventually I'll quit thinking about it and just go for it. Same thing with recording instruments you get into the head space going "don't screw up, don't screw up". Red light syndrome can be a real paralyzer but the more you hit that button the easier it gets. This video has given me more tips to work on when I do the rare vocal recordings. Thanks Chris and Warren.

[@shadehunter]

Absolutely, man. Playing live is SUCH a different animal than tracking. When you put the headphones on, and you hear that click count in, the whole "Oh f*@#; Gotta nail this" sets in. I've learned to let the "tape" keep rolling if I have the luxury of doing it live. Eventually, you almost forget that you're recording.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Anita, thanks ever so much for sharing your experiences with us!!

[@FroznColors]

this one is going to be IMMENSELY helpful

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks my friend!

[@JAMPROSOUND]

As an engineer of over thirty years, I've recently started singing on my original projects. I have learned more about setting up for a vocal take by being the voice vs just the engineer. My understanding of how a vocal signal can drive other gear has totally shifted having experienced bad and great vocal setups.

[@naked-artradio2623]

So happy 4 u sir

[@DavidSmith-ne1zp]

This is the most valuable 30 minutes I have invested in my quest to sing better! Thanks guys. Every point has been taken!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much David!!

[@Homestudiosimplifed]

Excellent stuff! Chris/Warren just gave us a months worth of classes in under 30 minutes!

[@Sanber]

Man, I love this video!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@josephmerrill2686]

Wow, that smile thing can change someone's life. Was not expecting that tip. Surprising how much it made a difference in talking and singing timbre. Oooh, he was hitting those high rock notes at 23:00 by the end of that exercise.

[@hrorm]

Super wholesome episode with Mr Liepe !!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wonderful!!

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks so much!

[@johnhowarthmusic8706]

I am not a vocalist but have to sing my own songs. I need to do less processing and, having watched Chris before and now you two together, I can add my own tip: 'Watch and learn from Pro's like you two'. Because the result is a positive swing and attitude that promotes confidence, motivation, smiles and more enthusiasm. Now, I'm ready to try recording a vocal track that I've been avoiding. Thank you both for sharing your expertise in such a meaningful way that (being English) I can understand..

[@chrisliepe]

Nice!

[@axel.lessio]

Such a brilliant collaboration, I'm a fan of both of you and I love these crossovers. Cheers!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Axel!!

[@sharmsong]

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant advice. I love that you took this from a producer to a singer. Perfection, thank you for this!!!

[@KordTaylor]

I love how Chris gets you fearless about unleashing the voice as a starting point and then pulling it back.

[@NewFalconerRecords]

All great points. In regards to point one (perfection is the enemy of great). I remember an episode of the recent series Soundbreaking where Linda Perry was producing the Christina Aguilera track 'Beautiful' and it was nailed first take. Christina then said, "Oh no, I can do it better" and Perry (who also wrote the song) said "I know you can, and that's why I'm not letting you redo it." Aguilera then pestered Linda to re-record it for ages until she finally caved in. Within about 30 seconds of note-perfect vocal gymnastics and melismatics, Perry stopped the recording and said, "that's enough". Years later, Christina Aguilera finally realised what Linda Perry had seen in the original take. The rawness and vulnerability. That's an excellent producer right there.

[@urbansessions.offiziell4563]

Great Video Great Tips🙏🔥...my tip is sing from youre heart and the Song will be a big one!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Lovely!!

[@nickagervasi]

Such good info. As a self producing singer most of the time, I can admit I do many of these and also could be better about others.

[@haylinicole7358]

I LOVE the sing with a smile tip! I've always struggled with accepting the darkness in my voice because I tend to like brighter female vocals, but I do like how smiling changes the tonal quality.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, Ron Anderson taught me that many years ago.

[@nicklaskragbe1075]

I can't thank you enough. I've been in the recording process and the smile tip is exactly what I needed, Producing and recording myself had me being really unemotional when it came to my takes. just tried the smile tip and it works really well.

[@padraiglyons3709]

Fantastic tips there guys. The smiling one really works. I sang a line without smiling beforehand and then sang the same line but this time smiling beforehand and I noticed immediately that the second time, my voice had more body, grabbed the words more, if that makes sense.

[@DLJMUSIC]

Warren and Chris are two of the best things to ever come along on KZbin. Both have been so beneficial to me in singing and recording. I was so excited to see that two of my favorite KZbinrs had done a video together. Please do more together in the future!

[@chrisliepe]

Oh we will!! Glad you're enjoying the collaboration!

[@drum877]

People look for punches at the end of a phrase have them sing over the last few lines before the punch and continue on and find the perfect time or word or syllable to exchange by moving the clips start and end point. It will make your punch sound so clean like it’s one take.

[@102wingnut]

You guys are two of my favorite channels so it was super fun to hear you together! Very helpful video. Thanks to both of you 😁

[@jasonsimmons7479]

One of the things we do when recording vocals is to let the singer go through the whole song first. We record it but it's basically a warm up take. Then for the next time we might do it in chunks. We still say we're not recording (but are). By telling them we're not recording it takes away a lot of the nervousness ppl get.

[@chrisliepe]

Absolutely! Chunk recording is KEY to lowering the stress and pulling out great ideas!

"Think big picture, but work in chunks" "Let yourself fail publicly and intentionally" (and work from there to perform well) 👍

[@Producelikeapro]

Very well said!

[@jacobdejongh9042]

Big fans of both of you, great to see a collab!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@chrisliepe]

I agree... So fun to have these discussions!

[@Producelikeapro]

Chris Liepe yes, indeed!!

[@mlssn]

In addition to Warrens great tip about having the lyric sheet in front of you, make sure you have a picture of what the lyrics needs and trust your feeling. Did this take convey the emotion inherit(?) in the lyrics,

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Magnus!!

[@cameronwood6419]

Definitely not as experienced as some, but something I learned from years of non-musical entertainment is don't 'sing to the microphone'. It's a tool and it's there to record what you're doing; use your imagination and sing to the crowd (or person) you're visualizing. It brings out more of the passion. And the 'smile' tip - it's huge even if you're not doing music: corporate voiceovers, radio, anything that involves recording your voice, it really brings out more depth and personality.

[@doerrjams5770]

Incredibly generous gift of 24 minutes. Thanks to both of you.

[@jacques_koffaltretes]

3 is crazy, how simple and true that is. I learned about smiling when recording simple section ideas on my phone.

[@ErdincMusic]

This was amazing. Not only I have learned bunch of stuff but it also inspired to me to record some vocals right away. Thank you gentlemen.

[@bedroomrockstudios408]

Great advice for all producers, not only vocalist but great for all musicians. Not to feel pressure to get ideal first take, but the best take without thinking about it, letting it flow.

[@sonnybrasco9735]

Yo the smile technique is official. I just spit a few bars smiling and I definitely hear the difference. I do rap so its gona be funny going in the booth smiling 😂 all about the finished product being better, I'm with it. Thanks!

[@darlenesheffield9835]

Yes, it's a great technique that many amazing vocal coaches teach, such as Ron Anderson for instance

[@iammindflip]

Damn, this singer is super dope, great tips !

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@kjtheproof]

I really enjoyed this video and learned a lot, thank you fellas!!!

[@lavalizard1]

I find value in pre-production - making sure that I come into the session with a strong sense of the melody / performance already locked in or at least highly opinionated. I find that the pressure builds when I’m not comfortable with the material, lyrics and/or approach.

[@splashesin8]

Singing lower but fun stuff or whatever I'm in the mood for, unrelated to what i might be about to do, almost opposite, as I'm getting ready and heading out, makes all the rest of the top of my range a piece of cake to not have to think about too much. It helps me to be smoother around the top of the lowest octave.

[@Beatledave7]

Very helpful & cool tips! Thank you both.

[@fmajor_music]

Video i was looking for. Best!

[@TazeLatimer]

BLESSSSSS UP

[@enriquezr00]

Thanks guys, I feel so much better now with these tips.

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome Ruben!!

[@Dragndroprecords]

I believe the saying goes "Good is the enemy of Great!" Have a nice day!

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely

[@LukasLach]

This was brilliant. It reinforced EVERYTHING I‘ve self-taught about vocal recording and vocal producing and it is great to see I‘m on the right track. Awesome!

[@chrisliepe]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@monkeymindbananas9550]

Hey. fan of both of yas just turned this on, excited to watch. This will be informative ill bet. Thanks for all you guys do.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! It was a lot of fun to make!

[@chrisliepe]

You're so very welcome!

[@MissLucyRox]

Everything SO true… mic must not be the enemy! The brain is. I'm just repeating it for myself 😂. Love you, guys.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@toussaintmalik8639]

man these youtube collabs are the best things to come out of 2020

[@RC32Smiths01]

Learning about the art of vocals in mixing is interesting! Knowledgeable as always!

[@chrisliepe]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@chrisliepe Absolutely man! Glad to see you on!

[@mikebooth9619]

I find that playing a not-turned-on keyboard while I sing distracts me from seeking perfection and also pulls me into the emotion of the vocal. I don't worry that much about getting my chords right because it's my voice that is being recorded.

[@MrSamfonseca]

Amazing tips! Thank you.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@blueslsd]

As a guitarist first and singer second this is so helpful. I don't actually like the sound of my voice until I've heard it for a few weeks at mixdown. Cheers to you both.

[@ProbablyTooLoud]

Same here. I can record guitar for hours and feel great, but tracking my vocals takes much more effort. Nowhere to hide with vocals I guess.

[@briankingart]

Thank you Chris, Sir Warren. Verrrrrry good advice, esp. the last multitake!

[@edkrausmixengineer]

My favorite tip is #5. Connecting with the listener on an emotional level trumps all else.

[@brushman20]

The Distraction thing is something every dentist should use as well!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha yes, indeed Jeff!

[@NURREDIN]

I want to know what Chris Liepe uses for his vocal chain...Mic,mic pre or channel strip ( I think I see an Avalon 737 in his rack),compressor,eq,and reverb.

[@NURREDIN]

P.S. is that a Mojave mic he's using for this video?

[@thesongacademy5017]

@@NURREDIN yes, it is a Mojave mic!

[@chrisliepe]

I'm using a Mojave MA300 into a Manley Core Preamp :)

[@NURREDIN]

@@chrisliepe Thank you! It sounds great!

[@AnnaAwe]

Thanks once again! This information is so on point and professional, and free!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@edisonsashes9379]

Love both of your channels. I’ve been watching you Warren for years and just discovered Chris this past year. Great video ! Thanks !

[@tuesdaytuneage-johnscott8370]

This is fantastic! Sort of related to the first tip (perfection not being necessary). There are a lot of times where I record a scratch vocal and most of that ends up being in the final recording. A lot of times the performance was just overall better the first time. Not always though...hahahaha

[@xrxs1020]

As an avid recordist for fifty years, I super-appreciated this presentation.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@mdk1983]

This is cool Warren. I was expecting pointers around distance from the mic, modulation, pop filters, mic levels, peaks etc. But these are priceless points that are like salt in the dish. We can never get that awesome taste unless this stealthy little ounce of salt goes in!

[@s.kanessuperbiatv6464]

How did I only JUST find out my favorite music KZbinrs did a video together?!?!?

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks ever so much

[@LesThomas]

This couldn't have come at a better time. I'll definitely be putting these ideas into practice. Thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@staticisnoise]

such amazing info here!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@SBG57]

cool insight about 6:50, as a somewhat novice with lead guitar I always record my solos in the same sort of way, phrase by phrase punches and then go back and play the compiled solo as one take. Interesting to hear someone much more talented than I taking a similar approach.

[@yashkummar]

Thank you Warren and Chris for your valuable tips. Needed this as I am now about to add my own vocals to my tracks. Cheers guys.

[@AKAtAGG]

As a big fan of great singers (well, Guy Garvey) this was really interesting to see. I always assume a great singer just goes in and does it in one take. I expect Guy Garvey does, but he's pretty much the perfect human being, according to my wife.

[@jennykproductions2640]

This is fantastic. I'm so thankful that I have this entire house to myself most days to make idiot noises and warmup my way. Having my dog following me around as I make weird sounds is also really fun. That makes it easier to get in front of the mic. This was great timing as I'll be tracking vocals tomorrow. :D The smiling thing is something I have heard many times but apparently I didn't pay attention. this made it very clear how much it does matter. Thank you both!

[@chrisliepe]

You're so very welcome!

[@electricladyguitarsdevonuk1414]

This is 'Class'!!! Where were you guys in 1976 - it could have changed my life. Next song I do will be tons better! Thanks. What percentage of 'First Takes' make it through to final mix?

[@riptanionAF]

5. If perfect is the enemy of good, then I must be the best singer there ever was. 😜 4. I typically record my own vocals in chunks. I'll do one scratch take all the way through, and then start recording in chunks. It helps keep my voice from dying out halfway through a song. I can approach each verse, each chorus, etc, with a fresh strong voice that way. 3. I totally get the whole smile thing, but what if you're singing a sad song that you wrote-like one about a woman you loved ripping your heart from your chest and stomping it into the ground? (I seem to write a lot of those. 😢) 2. I love skitting, scatting, and making up impromptu silly lyrics before I get serious about recording the actual song. 1. My bandmate and I frequently loosen up by doing dueling (bad) impressions of Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Edward G. Robinson-among others. Myaaah, see!

[@WizardOfArc]

Adam Fox aka Rip Tanion a sneer is also a kind of smile. You might use that?

[@HitTheRoadMusicStudio]

Chris & Warren, absolutely amazing tips !!! The present moment and feeling really counts ✌

[@chrisliepe]

YES

[@KordTaylor]

I LOVE THIS. So much info. Really great collaborations. 🔥

[@MrXrace]

Love you Guys ,you're the best, helping out so many people like me,ThanX, And Stay Save all you music makers,,,,,out there,

[@zer0tzer0]

Speaking of Morning Vocals, I believe is was Peter Gabriel who had a producer tell him to either sleep in the studio, or if it was his home studio, leave everything set up so he could just press record first thing in the morning, because the take was so low, it didn't really sound right at the end of the day. So they did it even before his first cup of coffee, and they got it.

[@marioCazares]

Yay! I only found out about Chris Liepe a month ago so it's great to see him on your channel!

[@JimCim]

These are valuable tips for me, even after recording for decades. Thank you.

[@chrisliepe]

So glad!

[@SjaakShirly6559]

SMILE! The best tip ever!! Thanks.

[@chrisgibson861]

I was going through videos that I had missed and came across this one. Great video! Could you do a short video on what note taking looks like. How do different producers take notes or approach note taking? Thank you for your time, and consideration.

[@m17434]

This is SO HELPFUL as a singer. Thank you! More please.

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching

[@ScottSmithMusic]

These are all great tips and techniques, guys! I emptied my glass beforehand and I'm glad I did! I appreciated listening to you both.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@utubehound69]

Good stuff hope you are doing well Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@HenryMittnacht]

Great episode. I just joined Chris' free online course. NOW I will register for his full course 👍

[@scottakam]

Enjoying the collaborations.

[@chrisliepe]

Great!

[@NICUofficial]

Already knew this was gonna be good by about 1:35 because I relate SO hard... when I can get INTO the song, just be purely in the moment being free & loose & happy then there is a 100x better chance of a great take, even imperfect but when I'm all tight and rigid and wooden trying to hit my pitches it's always awful practice for accuracy, perform for freedom (?)

[@peezyy3]

This is genuine free gold

[@JamesJohnson-hb1me]

One of the best videos ever! Thank you both!

[@chrisliepe]

You're very welcome!

[@donvittoriosierra]

Great tips. I've found myself doing some of these instinctively like the part about making a fool out of myself publicly before getting in the groove

[@Richard_Hood]

Inspiring stuff fellas, I'm going try these aporoaches and see what happens, thank you.

[@chrisliepe]

You're so welcome!

[@MartinLuxen]

Thank you Warren & Chris! Great tips! also I like the story about SRV for the guitar solo's! The best recordings are when you don't know that you are recorded....

[@treymatsui3553]

This is really helpful Mr. Huart and Mr. Liepe!😄 Thank you very much!😋 I love the "smile" technique!😁 Honestly I've always done it because I thought I sounded better!😆 And I'm glad to see that it's not just me who loves to use it!😄 I have been singing since I was little.😃 And I have a very good voice.😊 The one problem I've encountered lately is puberty.😅 It changes my voice drastically, and in some cases I can never sound like I did after I record.😞 Which makes me a little nervous to sing and record one day and sound different the next.😟 I'm in my late teens and every day is an uphill battle to sound the same. Also keeping in mind, if I ever sing live, I don't want anyone to be disappointed and think I was totally faking it or changing my voice.😓 That's why I haven't I cannot afford the costs of hiring a vocal coach, and I definitely can't afford going to a studio to record.😅 So I purchased a workstation early this year with the just the intention of recording vocals, but as soon as I did, I loved the instruments and music making process as much I did singing!😊 So I've been just learning all I can learn about music theory, using my keyboard, and using your tips and tricks.😄 Without confidence in my voice this year, I've only been making instrumentals for my own enjoyment.😊 They're okay, but my hopes of still making music with my unique voice still motivates me to keep searching for answers.😊 So if I may kindly ask, would you happen to have any advice for me Mr. Huart?😟 Do you think I should keep trying to sing or wait until I'm an adult?😕 Please let me know what you think, and I don't mind if you're brutally honest with me.😊 Hehe.😄 Thank you so much for your time.😊

[@chrisliepe]

Believe it or not, puberty is one of the VERY best times to start experimenting with your voice! If you have an open mind and are willing to try a lot of things, you'll set yourself up for DEEPLY understanding how your voice can FEEL when you do certain things... AND you get yourself in the mindset of working with a FEEL FIRST approach because your sound isn't dialed in just yet. IT WILL BE and you'll be a better vocalist your whole life because you experimented with your voice when it was volatile.

[@treymatsui3553]

@@chrisliepe Really!?🤩 Thank you so much Mr. Liepe for the advice!😁 I will do exactly as you said and use the Feel First approach.😊 No one has ever had this good of an explanation for me!😃 I truly appreciate all your wisdom.😄 Please take good care.😊

[@norwegiansniper9713]

Warren you give great advice and make it better and smoother to be creative and of course to create! I have a question, and might even ask if you could do a video about how to set up a system so that all the musicians can hear themselves while recording. I´ve been looking into headphone amps and studio standard personal mixers like Aviom. But I truly don´t understand the connectivity and etc, and who better to ask than you!

[@AlexeySolovievMusic]

Super awesome video! Thank you so much Warren and Chris

[@yonnierenton6177]

Wow Thankyou Cheers Stay MarV

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much