Paule

Bruce Dickinson, the legendary frontman of Iron Maiden, is an unparalleled figure in the realm of heavy metal, celebrated for his exceptional vocal talents and enduring influence. From his electrifying stage presence to his resilience in overcoming challenges, Dickinson’s journey epitomizes rock ‘n’ roll excellence. His famous catch phrase, “Scream for me _!” (inserting the town that he’s performing in) is guaranteed to elicit a thunderous reply from the audience.

Early career and discovery

Born on August 7, 1958 in England as Paul Bruce Dickinson, Bruce Dickinson initially gained recognition with the band Samson, where he honed his dynamic vocal range and theatrical performance style. His impressive abilities caught the attention of Iron Maiden, who saw in him the perfect fit for their ambitious musical vision.

Bruce Dickinson’s journey with Iron Maiden

Bruce Dickinson joined Iron Maiden in 1981, succeeding Paul Di’Anno as the lead vocalist. His arrival marked a turning point for the band, infusing their sound with his operatic flair and vibrant stage presence. After a brief departure to pursue a solo career and explore other interests, including aviation and entrepreneurship, Dickinson rejoined Iron Maiden in 1999, much to the delight of their loyal fanbase.

Discography of Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden’s discography spans decades of influential albums that have shaped the metal genre. From “Number of the Beast” in 1982 to “Senjutsu” in 2021, each album marks a chapter in Dickinson’s journey with the band, showcasing his vocal versatility and the band’s enduring creativity. Here’s a list of all of the albums that Iron Maidan released with Bruce at the helm:

• Number of the Beast (1982)
• Piece of Mind (1983)
• Powerslave (1984)
• Somewhere in Time (1986)
• Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
• No Prayer for the Dying (1990)
• Fear of the Dark (1992)
• Brave New World (2000)
• Dance of Death (2003)
• A Matter of Life and Death (2006)
• The Final Frontier (2010)
• The Book of Souls (2015)
• Senjutsu (2021)

Prior to Bruce Dickinson joining Iron Maiden, Iron Maiden released the following albums with Paul Di’Anno as their frontman:

• Iron Maiden (1980)
• Killers (1981)
• The X Factor: Blaze Bayley (1995)
• Virtual XI (1998)

Impact and influence

Beyond his role in Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson has set a benchmark for aspiring metal vocalists worldwide. His theatrical delivery and technical prowess continue to inspire generations of musicians, solidifying his legacy as one of the genre’s most influential figures.

In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson has had a very successful solo career, releasing albums such as:

• Tattooed Millionaire (1990)
• Balls to Picasso (1994)
• Skunkworks (1996)
• Accident of Birth (1997)
• The Chemical Wedding (1998)
• Tyranny of Souls (2005)

Listening to these tracks is a must do for any singer that is looking to understand Bruce’s vocal style. All of the albums linked above are part of my personal music collection.

Vocal mastery and challenges

Dickinson boasts a vocal range spanning from D2 to C♯6, showcasing nearly four octaves of expressive capability. His operatic training blends seamlessly with the raw power demanded by heavy metal, allowing him to deliver haunting highs and emotive lows with equal finesse. Despite facing serious health challenges, including a battle with throat cancer.

In his autobiography “What Does This Button Do?” Dickinson candidly discusses his battle with throat cancer, which was diagnosed in 2015. The treatment included extensive radiation therapy, which posed significant risks to his vocal cords and overall health. Despite these challenges, Dickinson’s determination and disciplined approach to recovery enabled him to return to the stage and continue his musical journey.

From Dickinson himself, “I had a three-and-a-half-centimeter [tumor] — basically a golf ball — living down at the base of my tongue, right at the base. So, that was sitting there for I really don’t know how long by the time it got big enough to notice. But I did a whole album [2015’s The Book of Souls] with that sort of sitting there. And when it went away, I guess there’s a lot more space for the sound come out! Not to put too fine a point on it, but there’s no more obstruction in the way, you know? So yeah, with the high notes I was like, ‘Wow! Whoosh!’ There’s a lot more horsepower in some of the high notes, which is interesting.”

“In early May [2015], I started trying to sing and it sounded absolutely terrible. I sounded like some wounded beast,” Dickinson recalls of the early days of his recovery. “I was just like, ‘Oh my God!’ So, I waited another two or three months. I was wandering around the kitchen, waiting until everybody had gone out, and just started to give the voice a bit of a workout. I went, ‘OK, let’s have a go at the top.’” Dickinson then tested a few operatic lines of one of Maiden’s most classic songs, “Run to the Hills,” and suddenly all was well. “I went, ‘Oh, ooh, yep, yep, yep, yep, yep. Oh my God.’ And then I just relaxed, because I’m not in a hurry now; I know it’s all there. It’s come back.”

Beyond music

Bruce Dickinson’s passions extend beyond music into fencing, where he has represented England internationally, showcasing his dedication and competitive spirit. Additionally, as a qualified commercial pilot, Dickinson piloted Iron Maiden’s Boeing 747-400, named “Ed Force One,” during the band’s world tours, highlighting his diverse talents and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Literary contributions

Bruce Dickinson is also a published author, offering insights into his multifaceted life and career. If you’d like to learn more about Bruce’s life from the man himself, I’d highly recommend exploring some of his writing, which I have linked to below:

• The Adventures of Lord Iffy Boatrace (1990)
• The Missionary Position: Further Adventures of Lord Iffy Boatrace (1992)
• Bruce Dickinson: Maiden Voyage: The Biography (2017)
• What Does This Button Do?: An Autobiography (2017)

Celebrating a metal icon

Bruce Dickinson’s legacy as Iron Maiden’s frontman is etched in the annals of rock history. His journey from a struggling vocalist to an iconic figure serves as inspiration for aspiring musicians navigating the complexities of the music industry. Whether belting out anthems like “Run to the Hills” or “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” Dickinson continues to captivate audiences with his stage presence and vocal mastery.

For the die hard collector of all things Iron Maiden, check out the Eddie Funko Pop figurine collection.

Explore further

For aspiring metal vocalists looking to delve deeper into Bruce Dickinson’s techniques, Rapid Vocal Results offers expert coaching sessions tailored to enhance your vocal performance.

Our expert coaching sessions offer a deep dive into Bruce Dickinson’s vocal style, providing aspiring metal vocalists with the tools to elevate their own performance. Learn to sing better with guidance from an expert Vocal Performance Coach, who understands the nuances of metal vocals and is passionate about your vocal development and providing the best advice to safely develop your very own screaming voice.

Contact us today to unleash your potential and embark on your path to vocal greatness.

---

Disclaimer: If you make a purchase from one of the above Amazon Associate links, a tiny commission goes to supporting the site. In keeping with my “No BS” policy, I only ever recommend products that I personally use or know are beneficial to my readers.

Singer/songwriters and instrumentalists often have no shortage of creative ideas. The initial lyrical or musical idea can be peppered with potential, but the challenge is then to take that gem of an idea and write consistent material to develop it further.

Inspiration can often be fleeting and hard to grasp. You could be in the flow of writing your amazing lyrics and halfway through a verse of chorus, then the ideas suddenly stop coming to you.

Don’t be alarmed if this is something you experience! It’s common and is often referred to as “writer’s block”. All songwriters will suffer from writer’s block at some stage in their career (yes, even The Beatles, Bernie Taupin and Elton John, or Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters).

Here’s a few helpful suggestions on how you can overcome writer’s block when it strikes, and keep your musical ideas flowing:

1. Change your environment

Sometimes, a change of scenery can work wonders. If you typically write at home, try going to a park, café, or a different room in your house. New surroundings can stimulate creativity and provide fresh perspectives.

Here’s one that works for me: going to sit down at a busy pub, bar or coffee house. I’ll put on some headphones or mentally block out the noise around me. Once I start blocking out that noise, I feel my concentration levels rising as I read through the lyrics I’ve already written. When I’m in this zone, I find it easier to come up with new ideas.

Part of what makes this work is putting myself in a place of great distraction, and then working on blocking all of the external noise and distractions around me out. I know it sounds crazy, but try it for yourself and let me know how you get on!

2. Freewriting

The goal of freewriting is to map out a song. We’re not necessarily writing the lyrics straight away. We’re trying to get all of the ideas onto a page and create an overview of what a song might look like.

Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write continuously without worrying about structure or quality. The goal is to let your thoughts flow freely, which can help you break through mental blocks and discover new ideas.

For many people, the idea of structuring their lyrics and purposefully mapping out a song can be uncomfortable. However if you write without thinking about creating a cohesive story, it is much easier to get off track. If you spend too much time developing an unimportant character, you can literally pull the focus off the central story and end up with lyrics that dilute your message.

There are many different types of song and we’ll cover different forms of songwriting in a future blog post. For this example, I’ll use a storytelling framework which has been popular through the decades from as far back as the 1950’s and is still popular today, especially in the rock, metal, blues, pop and country genres of music.

When freewriting my own music, I like to map out the story of the song first. If I’m starting with a verse, I will write down what’s taking place in that verse, almost like a play or a movie script. To start, I have “Act 1, Scene 1” where the hero is exiting a bus onto a city street. I can then flesh out that verse with the “what, who, and why” our hero is where he is. Scene 2 (or verse 2) should then build upon this idea as the next part of the story.

My chorus is typically structured as a summary statement. As a simple example, let’s imagine we’re writing a story song about a guy who has accidentally burned down his apartment. My chorus is most likely going to be structured around a catchy summary statement. This statement should sum up the overall idea or most important message that the songwriter wants to convey in the song. One obvious idea could be “FIRE!”. Another could be “Don’t play with matches, you’re gonna get burned.”

You win the game if you can make your chorus catchy. Design a singalong chorus for your song and you’ll get the crowd on your side when you perform. Even better if they can remember the lyrics and a simple melody after your show – congratulations, you may have created an ear worm and your song might go viral!

3. Collaborate with others

Collaborating with fellow musicians or songwriters can bring new ideas and energy to your creative process. Brainstorm together, bounce ideas off each other, and co-write songs to gain inspiration from different perspectives.

Be aware that during your collaboration, if you have a strong idea of what your song is about then you must make sure that you remain in control of your song’s arrangement and lyrical direction. However, if you only have a loosely based idea on what you want to write about and you can keep yourself open to ideas, you can find a wealth of benefits in collaborating with other artists.

4. Explore different genres or artists

Experimenting with different musical genres can spark creativity and help you break out of a creative rut. Listen to genres you don’t usually explore and incorporate elements from them into your songwriting.

If you have a favourite songwriter, get to know their influences. This could sometimes end up taking you back a couple of decades. The fresher the source for your ideas, the better the music that you create will be.

For example if your favourite band is Linkin Park or a similar style of music to them, it would likely benefit you to do some research on Chester Bennington (R.I.P) and find out who his earliest influences were. Hint: they included Stone Temple Pilots, Depeche Mode, and Nine Inch Nails.

5. Keep a Journal

Carry a journal or use a note-taking app to jot down lyrics, song titles, and musical ideas as they come to you throughout the day. Reviewing your notes later can provide inspiration for new songs or help you develop existing ideas.

If you are a lyric writer, this is one of the best tips that I can possibly give you. Here’s why: people say the most interesting things.

As a songwriter, I like to read and I like to watch movies. I also enjoy interacting with people in various social activities, especially pubs, bars and cafés. In those environments, I’m always listening out for interesting phrases. Anything that creates a powerful visual suddenly becomes a great starting point for a song.

I know it’s not always considered “cool” to read, but you’re a lyric writer! Wouldn’t it make sense to see how successful songwriters and writers go about setting the scene for a story?

6. Take breaks

Sometimes, stepping away from songwriting for a short period can reignite creativity. Engage in other activities you enjoy, like reading, exercising, or spending time in nature. Returning to songwriting with a refreshed mind can yield new perspectives.

Nobody appreciates hard workers more than me. Except that when you force yourself to try to finish a lyric, you actually in danger of pushing the best ideas further away to the back of your mind where they are out of reach and are lost in the dark.

The better way to do things is to relax. If you’re trying to come up with lyrics to fit are particular phrase, ask yourself better questions like:

• “What is it that I really want to say?”
• “What is the next part of the story?”
• “What would my favourite songwriter say in this part of the song, and how would they say it?”

If you are stumped and you’ve got writer’s block going on, don’t try to force yourself to come up with an answer. Take a break and keep repeating these questions to allow your subconscious mind to contribute and participate in your writing.

7. Listen to music

Draw inspiration from other musicians by listening to a wide range of music styles and genres. Pay attention to song structures, lyrics, melodies, and production techniques that resonate with you. Analysing music can spark ideas for your own compositions.

8. Set realistic goals

Break down your songwriting process into manageable steps and set achievable goals for each session. Celebrate small victories, such as completing a verse or refining a melody, to stay motivated and build momentum.

9. Exercise or meditate

Physical activity and meditation can help clear your mind and reduce stress, which are common barriers to creativity. Incorporate regular exercise or meditation sessions into your routine to enhance your mental clarity and creative output.

For me, I like to do some “shadow boxing” around the house, or I might go for a walk around the neighbourhood. Most importantly, I like to make sure that I’m not consciously thinking about the lyrics for my song. Sometimes we really do need that mental break.

10. Experiment with Song Structure

Break away from your usual songwriting patterns by experimenting with different structures. Try starting with the chorus instead of the verse, or explore unconventional song forms. Changing your approach can trigger new ideas and revitalize your creativity.

I like to pick up my guitar and start jamming melody ideas. I improvise a bunch of lyrical ideas on the spot over the top of the music that I’m playing, always listening to see what fits and what can be improved.

Overcoming writer’s block is an essential part of your journey to becoming a great songwriter

By implementing these tips and exercises, you can nurture creativity, break through mental barriers, and continue to produce meaningful and original music. Embrace the process of exploration and experimentation to discover your unique voice as a songwriter.

Start applying these strategies today to unlock your full songwriting potential!

Need more inspiration and better ideas to improve your songwriting?

There are many books that are commonly recommended to help with your songwriting. Here are some of my favourites that I personally recommend (I’ve included links to each of them):

• Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison
• Songwriting for Dummies
• Songwriters on Songwriting by Paul Zollo
• The Addiction Formula by Friedemann Findeisen
• Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting by Robin A Frederick
• Common American Idioms (great for coming up with catchy choruses!)

Disclaimer: If you make a purchase from one of the above Amazon Associate links, a tiny commission goes to supporting the site. In keeping with my “No BS” policy, I only ever recommend products that I personally use or know are beneficial to my readers.

Practice is the cornerstone of improvement for any singer, yet many of us struggle to make it a consistent part of our routine. In this article, we’ll explore common reasons singers avoid practice and delve into why cultivating a positive mindset towards practice is crucial for achieving rapid vocal results.

Top 10 excuses to avoid practicing

1. Fear of Being Heard (“Thin Walls Syndrome”)
   This fear is prevalent in shared living situations or apartments where privacy is limited.
2. Lack of Dedicated Practice Space
   Not having a room where you can comfortably make noise without disturbing others.
3. Time Constraints
   Busy schedules often leave little room for dedicated practice sessions.
4. Lack of Motivation
   Finding the drive to practice regularly can be challenging, especially when progress feels slow.
5. Uncertainty about What to Practice
   Not knowing which exercises are beneficial or how they contribute to vocal improvement.
6. Perfectionism
   The pressure to perform flawlessly during practice sessions can deter singers from even starting.
7. Physical Discomfort
   Issues like vocal strain or discomfort can make practice sessions unpleasant or even painful.
8. Distractions
   External factors like noise or interruptions can disrupt focus and hinder productive practice.
9. Self-Doubt
   Feeling inadequate or comparing oneself to others can undermine motivation to practice.
10. Lack of Accountability
    Without a coach or mentor to provide guidance and accountability, it’s easy to procrastinate or skip practice sessions.
    
    Warning: Some singers experience confusion created by the glut of online singing teachers that might give a few hints and tips out, but only cover half of what it takes to correctly perform a vocal or breathing coordination. This is the breeding ground for creating bad vocal habits.

Developing a success-supportive mindset

Overcoming these challenges begins with cultivating a success-supportive mindset. Here are some strategies to help you build consistency in your practice routine:

• Create a Dedicated Practice Schedule: Allocate specific times in your week for practice, treating it as non-negotiable.
• Adapt Practice to Your Environment: Use techniques like humming or lip bubbles to practice quietly in noise-sensitive environments.
• Mix Up Your Practice Routine: Incorporate both songs and vocal exercises (like scales) to ensure comprehensive vocal development.
• Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger vocal goals into smaller, achievable milestones to maintain motivation.
• Seek Feedback and Support: Join vocal communities or seek guidance from experienced singers to stay motivated and accountable. You can start by following Rapid Vocal Results on Facebook!

For a more detailed discussion on developing a positive mindset to achieve your vocal goals, check out our related article here.

Why vocal exercises matter

While singing songs is enjoyable and builds confidence, it’s essential to balance this with structured vocal exercises. Here’s why:

• Range Expansion: Vocal exercises help expand your vocal range systematically, allowing you to reach higher notes with ease.
• Technique Refinement: Exercises target specific aspects of vocal technique, correcting flaws that singing songs alone might mask.
• Muscle Memory: Repetition of exercises builds muscle memory, enhancing vocal control and consistency.

For a deeper dive into the importance of including scales in your vocal exercise routine, read more here. You can also get started with free introductory scale exercises here.

Let’s get you over the practice hump

Remember, practice isn’t about achieving perfection overnight. Instead, it’s a journey towards consistent improvement and breakthroughs in your vocal abilities. Embrace the process, stay committed to your practice routine, and you’ll pave the way for rapid vocal results.

Need a hand with a practice routine? Please contact me at any time and let’s chat.

Here’s to better singing for everyone!

Spotify’s recent overhaul of its royalty payment system has sparked concerns among emerging artists about the potential implications of these changes. While initially appearing reasonable, a closer examination reveals deeper issues that could disproportionately affect young musicians.

Under the new policy, tracks on Spotify with fewer than 1,000 streams annually will no longer generate royalties, effectively rendering a significant portion of artists’ catalogues unpaid for. This move has raised questions about Spotify’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and has drawn criticism for its potential negative impact on artists’ livelihoods.

Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify, has come under scrutiny for his remarks regarding the value of original music. His assertion that “Today, with the cost of creating content being close to zero, people can share an incredible amount of content” has been met with backlash from the music community, with many arguing that it demonstrates a lack of understanding of the costs associated with creating quality music.

Indeed, my professional opinion is that Ek’s comments reflect a profound disconnect from the realities faced by emerging artists. The expenses involved in writing, recording, producing, mixing, and mastering music, not to mention artwork, distribution, and promotion, are substantial and often overlooked by platforms like Spotify.

This situation highlights the broader issue of artists’ compensation in the digital age, with companies like Spotify profiting from the creative labour of musicians while justifying minimal payments in legal terms. As the debate continues, it’s crucial for artists to explore alternative avenues for monetising their work and advocating for fair compensation.

Additionally, consider the financial perspective of Spotify’s operations. In the first quarter of 2024, Spotify reported impressive numbers, with monthly active users growing by 19% year-over-year to 615 million, subscribers increasing by 14% year-over-year to 239 million, and total revenue rising by 20% year-over-year to €3.6 billion. With a gross margin reaching 27.6% and operating income improving to €168 million, it’s clear that Spotify has the financial capacity to compensate artists fairly for their work.

Three years ago, Spotify had three million creators on the platform. Every year since, that number has increased, from four million to five million, to eight million at the end of 2020. Spotify cofounder and CEO Daniel Ek said during Stream On was quoted as saying, “I believe that by 2025, we could have as many as 50 million creators on our platform.”

Daniel Ek himself has highlighted Spotify’s focus on revenue growth and margin expansion, expressing confidence in the company’s ability to achieve its ambitious plans. Therefore, the notion that Spotify cannot afford to pay artists a fair commission for their work is debunked by its own financial performance. Just 7,500 artists on Spotify (out of over 8 Million) make $100,000 or more annually on the platform.

What can we do about it?

While it’s not possible to avoid streaming platforms completely in today’s day and age, let’s make an effort to take some of the power back from these greedy corporations. As an original artist, there are steps you can take to develop your own social media and online commerce system to sell your music:

1. Build your own website. Utilise free website builders like Wix to create a professional online presence for your music. Utilise their templates to showcase your work and connect with fans.
2. Create free social media pages to develop your artist brand. Utilise platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to engage with your audience and promote your music.
3. Upload one or two tracks to Spotify and treat it only as a business card. Use Spotify as a promotional tool to direct listeners to your other platforms where you have more control over monetisation.
4. Upload a preview of your music to YouTube and include website information in the video description. Utilise YouTube to reach a broader audience and drive traffic to your website and social media channels.
5. Get your music onto all platforms that can monetise your tracks for you. Services like DistroKid offer flat-priced distribution and come highly recommended for independent artists looking to expand their reach and generate revenue from their music.

As we plunge deeper into the murky depths of AI’s integration into music creation and production, the warning cries grow louder, echoing through the halls of artistic expression. While AI dangles the seductive promise of revolutionising music, its insidious influence threatens to strangle the very essence of human creativity.

The deceptive promise of AI in music

AI’s siren song beckons with platforms like Amper Music and Jukedeck, offering a seemingly endless stream of compositions at the touch of a button. Yet, beneath this facade of convenience lies a sinister truth: AI’s algorithms lack the soulful nuance and emotional depth that define true artistic expression.

Unravelling the mechanics of AI in music

At its core, AI in music relies on complex algorithms trained on vast datasets of musical compositions. These algorithms analyse patterns, harmonies, and structures, seeking to mimic the creative process of human musicians. However, while AI can mimic elements of musicality, it struggles to capture the intangible essence of human emotion and experience.

Eroding creativity and collaboration

AI’s encroachment into the realm of creativity threatens to erode the collaborative spirit that fuels artistic innovation. By reducing music creation to a series of mathematical calculations, AI stifles the spontaneous creativity and improvisation that arise from human interaction. The result is a sterile, homogenised landscape devoid of the raw authenticity that defines true artistry.

The death knell for human skill and ingenuity

As AI’s reach extends further, the death knell tolls for artists, engineers, and producers alike. Imagine a world where the next Pearl Jam album is not birthed from the depths of human emotion and experience but churned out by soulless algorithms. Recording studios echo with the hollow cries of displaced professionals as AI renders their skills obsolete, leaving them cast adrift in a sea of irrelevance.

A soulless machine’s appetite for destruction

The music industry, a soulless machine in its own right, eagerly laps up the promises of AI, blinded to the impending doom it heralds. Unchecked AI development threatens to crush all semblance of human creative enterprise, leaving behind a barren wasteland devoid of passion, authenticity, and soul.

Wake up call for creatives

The time for complacency is over. Creatives, artists, engineers, and producers must rise from their slumber and confront the looming spectre of AI with unyielding resolve. Let us not allow our voices to be silenced by the cacophony of algorithms, but instead, let us raise a defiant cry in defence of human creativity.

Rallying against the onslaught

In the face of AI’s relentless onslaught, we must stand united as guardians of creativity, fighting tooth and nail to preserve the sanctity of human expression. By sounding the alarm and rallying against the encroaching tide of AI, we can forge a future where creativity thrives, innovation flourishes, and the soul of music remains untainted by the cold grasp of technology.

---

Did you enjoy this article? Everything above this line was written by AI!

Hopefully this helps to prove my point around how AI can take over if left unchecked. Let’s say you’re a band like Pearl Jam, and your record company asks for a new album. The band has just come off tour and is taking a break.

The record company decides to use AI to create the next Pearl Jam album. The record company already has a contract with the artists to use their likeness in perpetuity, so they are likely allowed to do this without the band’s permission.

My concern is simple: When the next Pearl Jam album is due, we are increasingly going to see AI-generated albums. When this technology advances further, the artist will no longer be required and neither will the recording studio.

The sound engineers and producers will no longer be required and kids will be singing along to the latest AI-generated albums. The unfettered approach to AI development will eventually stifle all human creative enterprise in the music industry.

There are some genres where there could be a case where utilising AI is far less impactful. DJs and rappers have been operating in a grey area for a very long time, where they sample another artist’s music and often get away with using that music without needing to pay any kind of royalty or licensing fee back to the original artist.

If AI has a genuine place in music production and in live performance, I believe it lies within the field of electronic dance music. The reason for this being that (as I’ve said before), DJs commonly sample other artists’ tracks and chop them up to create new and interesting beats and music loops.

Another place that AI could be used within music production is within the various digital audio workstations (DAWs) to accomplish time-saving jobs, i.e. something that a studio engineer could automate like sampling a piece of music and replicating the same effects across the rest of the track.

AI music should however not be allowed to replace the blood, sweat and tears of real singers, songwriters, instrumentalists and recording engineers who have dedicated their entire lives and careers to developing mastery of their instruments. For that reason alone, AI should not be welcomed into the pop, rock, jazz, blues, country and metal genres of music. We need to ringfence these music genres to ensure the preservation of human creativity and the artists that reside within.

If you’re currently working in any of the above fields and feel that AI is impacting on your livelihood, I’d love to hear from you and learn about your experience.

If you’re new to AI and the impact it’s making on the world right now, I’d highly recommend reading “The Age of AI: And Our Human Future” by Kissinger, Schmidt and Huttenlocher which discusses how AI will change our relationships with knowledge, politics, and the societies in which we live.

Disclaimer: If you make a purchase from any of the Amazon Associate links on this site, a tiny commission goes to supporting the site. In keeping with my “No BS” policy, I only ever recommend products that I personally use or know are beneficial to my readers.

Hey there, fellow vocal virtuosos! Are you ready to turn up the volume on your singing skills? If you’ve been looking for a fun, motivating way to take your vocal game to the next level, then you’re in luck because we’ve got something exciting in store just for you!

Introducing RVR Vocal Gym – your ultimate companion for turbocharging your vocal success!

Think of RVR Vocal Gym as your personal trainer for your vocal cords. Just like hitting the gym for a workout, except instead of lifting weights, you’ll be flexing those vocal muscles and hitting those high notes like a pro!

We get it – practicing singing on your own can sometimes feel like a solo mission in a sea of silence. But fear not, because RVR Vocal Gym is here to change the game. Say goodbye to dull, uninspired practice sessions, and hello to a vibrant, supportive community of fellow singers who are all on the same journey as you.

So, what exactly is Vocal Gym all about?

It’s like a group exercise class, but for singers! Picture this: you, comfortable in your own home, with your favourite water bottle at hand, joining a virtual gathering of like-minded vocal enthusiasts, led by our talented vocal coach. Together, you’ll embark on a musical journey filled with vocal exercises and techniques designed to unlock your full potential.

But here’s the best part – you get to practice in total privacy! With your microphone muted, you can belt out those notes with confidence. It’s the perfect blend of solo practice and community support, all wrapped up in one harmonious package.

And the cherry on top? RVR Vocal Gym offers all of this at a fraction of the cost of traditional vocal coaching sessions. That’s right – premium vocal training without breaking the bank!

Ready to dive in and join the vocal revolution? Here’s how:

1. Sign up online: Head to our RVR Vocal Gym page and sign up for a one-off session, or a weekly subscription to Vocal Gym. It’s quick, easy, and hassle-free!
2. Mark your calendar: RVR Vocal Gym classes run at 10am every Saturday (New Zealand time), so clear your schedule and get ready to rock your vocal workout!
3. Get ready to sing: Grab your favorite water bottle, stretch those vocal cords, and prepare to unleash your inner diva (or divo)!

Whether you’re a seasoned singer looking to fine-tune your skills or a beginner eager to find your voice, RVR Vocal Gym welcomes singers of all levels with open arms. So, what are you waiting for? Join the RVR Vocal Gym family today and let’s hit those high notes together!

See you at the gym, vocal champs!

Robert John Arthur Halford, born on August 25, 1951, is more than just a name; he’s an icon, a force of nature, and the embodiment of heavy metal. Known worldwide as the “Metal God,” Rob Halford has left an indelible mark on the music industry, particularly as the lead vocalist for the legendary British heavy metal band, Judas Priest.

The rise of Judas Priest

Founded in 1969, Judas Priest emerged from the smoky depths of Birmingham, England, armed with a sound that would shape the very fabric of heavy metal. Their music, characterized by thunderous riffs, soaring vocals, and unapologetic attitude, resonated with fans across the globe. And at the helm of this sonic juggernaut stood Rob Halford, a vocal powerhouse like no other.

Speaking as a vocal coach, my first introduction to Judas Priest was hearing the studio version of the song “Victim of Changes”. Within the first 30 seconds, Rob hits a stratospheric note that can only be described as defying all laws of gravity. I was hooked immediately, and Rob Halford has been my favourite heavy metal vocalist ever since.

The Metal God

Rob’s voice defies simple description. Rob has inspired legions of hard rock and heavy metal singers with his versatility. His style ranges from pristine, clean vocals through to gritty, mid and high-range distorted screams. He has created his own style that is a cross between dramatic opera and screaming heavy metal. His voice is an instrument of raw power and emotion. Whether belting out anthems like “Breaking the Law” or delivering haunting ballads like “Beyond the Realms of Death,” Halford’s range and his delivery style is nothing short of extraordinary.

Rob’s trademark is his incredible vocal range that sees him able to effortlessly hit searing high notes that other vocalists can only aspire to. His four-octave vocal span – from the resonant C2 to the stratospheric C6 – sets him apart as one of the best in the business, if not the all-time best. But it’s not just about hitting the notes; it’s about infusing each lyric with passion and authenticity. Aspiring rock and metal singers would do well to study every Judas Priest album, dissecting Rob’s vocal style, tone, and lyrical finesse.

To my knowledge, there has never been another voice that comes close to matching the vocal width of his low, mid and high range. At 72 years of age (at the time of writing), Judas Priest have just released their latest album, Invincible Shield and the vocal performances are stunning. Rob continues to show the world that there is only one Metal God.

The image and the Harley

Image matters, especially in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. Early in his career, Rob experimented with various looks, searching for the perfect visual expression of his musical identity. Eventually, he and his bandmates settled on their iconic leather-and-spandex attire; a blend of rebellion, sensuality, and rock-star swagger.

But Rob took it further. He fused the leather-clad biker aesthetic with underground elements by borrowing from BDSM culture: studs, whips, and handcuffs. The look instantly matched with the hard-driving guitar riffs, dual guitar attack and relentless rhythm section. Then came the pièce de résistance – the Harley Davidson.

During live performances, Rob would ride the roaring motorcycle onto the stage. Revving the engine became the signature intro to “Hell Bent for Leather”. The crowd would erupt, caught in a frenzy of anticipation.

Grammy glory and enduring legacy

Judas Priest’s impact extends beyond the music itself. Their 2010 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance solidified their place in history. And Rob Halford? He remains the quintessential frontman, a beacon for aspiring vocalists, and a living testament to the enduring power of rock ‘n’ roll.

As we celebrate Rob Halford’s star-studded career – one that spans over five decades – we raise our horns and salute the Metal God. May his voice continue to echo through concert halls, inspiring generations to come.

Rock on, Rob. You’ve earned your place among the immortals.

Judas Priest was a record pumping powerhouse

From 1969 up until 1992, the band released the following albums with Rob Halford at the helm. I’ve included links to each of these in case you’d like to find out more:

• Rocka Rolla (released on 6th of September, 1974)
• Sad Wings of Destiny (released 26th of March, 1976)
• Sin After Sin (released 8th of April, 1977)
• Stained Class (released 10th of February, 1978)
• Killing Machine (released in November, 1978 and then again as Hell Bent for Leather in the US in February, 1979)
• British Steel (released 11th of April, 1980)
• Point of Entry (released 27th of February, 1981)
• Screaming for Vengeance (released in July, 1982)
• Defenders of the Faith (released 20th of January, 1984)
• Turbo (released in April, 1986)
• Ram It Down (released 13th of May, 1988)
• Painkiller (released 14th of September, 1990)

Rob leaves the band

Rob Halford left Judas Priest in 1992. When he left, he had the intention of launching a solo career but ended up forming an explosive heavy metal/thrash band called “Fight”. The guitarist in that band was Russ Parrish, better known today as the guitarist “Satchel” of the band Steel Panther. Fight released two studio albums:

• War of Words (released 14th of September, 1993)
• A Small Deadly Space (released 18th of April, 1995)

Rob obviously felt that he had a point to prove by recording a heavier album with Fight that ended up pushing his vocal abilities to their very limits. The sheer aggression and vocal intensity Rob delivered on these albums and subsequent tours would later create serious vocal strain and excessive wear and tear on his vocal cords. After Fight, Rob collaborated with the guitarist John Lowery to create an industrial band called TWO who released a single album which was a dramatic departure from the Judas Priest and Fight style of music:

• Voyeurs (released in 1998)

The TWO record was very much “Nine Inch Nails” influenced and was not well-received by Rob’s fans.

Rob’s solo career

In 1999, Halford finally reinvented himself as a heavy metal solo artist, supported by a top-notch band. His first album, Resurrection, was released to critical acclaim in 2000. Fans celebrated as Rob returned to his mighty metal roots. He then toured with Iron Maidan and Queensrÿche to promote the album.

Due to the overwhelming demand, Rob released a live album titled “Live Insurrection” in 2001 and then another album called “Crucible” in 2002.

In the meantime, Judas Priest began a worldwide search for a worthy replacement. They settled on an excellent singer by the name of Tim “The Ripper” Owens, and together they set about writing and recording a new sound for Judas Priest. They promptly released two albums:

• Jugulator (released 28th of October, 1997)
• Demolition (released 31st of July, 2001)

The reunion

Judas Priest had spent more than a decade apart from Rob Halford when they suddenly announced a reunion on the 11th of July, 2003. They have been releasing music and performing together ever since, bringing these fantastic albums to life:

• Angel of Retribution (released 28th of February, 2005)
• Nostradamus (released 17th of June, 2008)
• Redeemer of Souls (released 15th of July, 2014)
• Firepower (released 9th of March, 2018)
• Invincible Shield (released 8th of March 2024)

Want more Rob Halford?

If you’re an aspiring metal singer, there’s so much to learn from Rob Halford. He has quite a transparent vocal style, so if you know what to listen for, it will really help you to understand how Rob creates his vocal style and navigates the full spectrum of his emotional range.

You can read more about Rob and his amazing journey to become the Metal God in his autobiography, Confess. I’ve included a link to this here.

If you want to learn to sing in Rob Halford’s unique vocal style, contact me today for a point by point breakdown as part of a coaching session. Better information leads to better singing!

Disclaimer: If you make a purchase from one of the above Amazon Associate links, a tiny commission goes to supporting the site. In keeping with my “No BS” policy, I only ever recommend products that I personally use or know are beneficial to my readers.

This post is continuing to pay tribute to the greatest rock and melodic metal singers of all time. This time, we’re going to be featuring the man who famously sung about the “youth gone wild”. I am of course talking about the one and only Sebastian Bach, most famously known for his role as front man for Skid Row.

Sebastian Bach was born Sebastian Philip Bierk on April 3, 1968. He is a Canadian-American, born in the Bahamas and raised in Peterborough, Ontario with his seven siblings.

He was the lead singer for Skid Row from 1987 to 1996. He has achieved many creative feats including performing on Broadway, acting in film and television (including Trailer Park Boys, The Masked Singer and Gilmore Girls). Sebastian now continues his music career as a highly successful solo artist.

Sebastian Bach is an anomaly among singers. He has a high tenor voice with extremely thick vocal cords, which not only allow him to sing high C5s and D5s in chest voice, but also to have the ability to mix chest and head voice with his “false cords” to create grit and gravel in the highest notes of his mixed register.

Speaking as a vocal coach, Sebastian’s voice is extremely special in its characteristics and its tonal nature. He is famous for having so much girth and width in his high vocals. This creates a gritty, gravelly scream that Sebastian uses to great effect in songs like “18 and Life” and “I Remember You”, among others.

Sebastian’s early years

Sebastian was surrounded by music at home growing up. His mother and aunt sing informally at home, which inspired Sebastian to join a choir at eight years of age. According to Sebastian Bach himself, he was always getting into trouble from a young age. He was curious to try new things, and he had no fear.

His first credited band was “Kid Wikkid”. Upon hearing of the band and unaware of their ages, Bach auditioned for the group when he was 14. He was hired by Jason Delorme, who was the guitar player and band leader of the group. Kid Wikkid moved to Toronto, and Bach’s dad eventually allowed Bach to move in with an aunt who lived there.

Side note: Sebastian Bach’s dad is actually a very accomplished artist in his own right. His paintings would grace the cover of various Skid Row albums. More on this later!

Fast forward to the 1980s

The formation of Skid Row happened in the mid-1980s. At that time, the vocal duties were handled by Matt Fallon.

The band began playing in various clubs around the New Jersey area. However, the band itself failed to make an initial positive impact with record companies and potential managers. It was obvious to everybody from the outset that Matt Fallon didn’t have what it took to make it big. He was absolutely committed to the band and worked his ass off on stage, but vocally lacked the critical firepower to truly bring Skid Row’s songs to life.

Below is an example of Matt Fallon, the original front man for Skid Row, performing an early demo song with the band.

In 1987, Fallon left the band (largely by mutual decision). This presented an opportunity for Skid Row to find a new singer and the search had begun.

A star is born

Sebastian Bach was spotted singing at rock photographer Mark Weiss’ wedding by Jon Bon Jovi‘s parents. They immediately approached him and suggested that he get in touch with Jon’s friend, Dave Sabo (the guitarist better known as “Snake”), who was originally jamming with Jon Bon Jovi before founding Skid Row with Rachel Bolan (the bassist).

Footage from Sebastian performing at the wedding still exists today!

This was not the first time that Sebastian was offered an opportunity to front an American rock band. Prior to hearing about Skid Row, he was briefly a member of a band called “Madam X”, from Detroit. Madam X had gone through a number of singers in a very short time, and Sebastian was their third. There were issues with Sebastian getting into the US to perform and combined with disagreements between him and the bassist of the band, it was short-lived position.

After Madam X, Bach was cautious of auditioning for another American band. When he heard Skid Row’s demo tapes he changed his mind and immediately flew to New Jersey to audition. Sebastian quickly proved that he was the voice that Skid Row had been looking for.

With their new front man in place, Skid Row was set for mega stardom.

The first tour

Dave “The Snake” Sabo leveraged his relationship with Jon Bon Jovi to get Skid Row to open for Bon Jovi’s New Jersey tour in 1989 (who were promoting their fourth album). In turn, Jon Bon Jovi leveraged his success with his own band’s album, Slippery When Wet, to help Skid Row get their first recording contract. Jon was a shrewd businessman and recognised Skid Row’s potential early on.

Bon Jovi set himself up as the middleman and had Skid Row sign a contract with him. He agreed to take Skid Row under his wing. Skid Row then performed over 9 months in 1989 for some of Bon Jovi’s largest crowds during their New Jersey syndicate tour, propelling their careers and securing another opening spot for Aerosmith a year later.

During the Bon Jovi tour, Skid Row’s reputation and fanbase were growing rapidly to the point where Sebastian Bach would later claim that Skid Row’s merchandise had begun outselling Bon Jovi’s. Possibly to keep Sebastian Bach in his place, during one of the shows Bon Jovi’s crew poured ice milk on Sebastian before he took the stage.

Fun fact: The tradition of the headlining band pranking the opening band has been going on for years and traces its roots right back to Black Sabbath (Tony Iommi is famous for pranking both other bands, and his own band members).

After signing with their new manager, Doc McGhee, Skid Row’s self-titled debut studio album was released on the 24th of January, 1989 by Atlantic Records. The album was initially received with mixed reviews in the music press.

At the time, Skid Row were very different from the glam bands that had come before them. They were mixing melodic music with Sebastian’s high-powered, fiery vocal deliveries. It was only a matter of time before the band was to find a legion of fans.

Need more Sebastian Bach?

To learn how Skid Row went from an opening act to a world class headlining show, check out Sebastian Bach’s biography. It is a must read for every up and coming rock or metal singer. I personally enjoyed learning about why Sebastian Bach’s vocal tone changed noticeably between his debut album and Slave to the Grind, in 1991.

The Skid Row records that Sebastian Bach sang on are as follows (I have included links to the vinyl copies of each of these in case you’re interested):

1. Skid Row (released 24th of January, 1989)
2. Slave to the Grind (released 11th of June, 1991)
3. B-Side Ourselves (released 22nd of September, 1992)
4. Subhuman Race (released 28th of March, 1995)

Skid Row went on to produce additional albums after Sebastian Bach’s departure, but in my humble opinion, they were never as good as their glory days with Sebastian at the helm. He was such a hard act to follow that they went through a succession of four different singers following Sebastian, before disbanding. The list of singers that replaced Sebastian consisted of Johnny Solinger (1999-2015), Tony Harnell (2015), ZP Theart (2016-2022) and most recently Erik Grönwall (2022-2024).

Sebastian himself went on to live out his own successful solo career. His solo albums (I’ve managed to track down some CD copies and streaming links for these) include:

1. Bring ‘Em Bach Alive! (live album released 2nd of November, 1999)
2. Angel Down (released 20th of November, 2007)
3. Kicking and Screaming (released 27th of September, 2011)
4. ABachalypse Now (live album released 22nd of March, 2013)
5. Give ‘Em Hell (released 22nd of April, 2014)

There is no doubt in my mind that if Sebastian Bach and Skid Row were able to put their disagreements behind them and go on tour once more, within a year Skid Row would undoubtedly become one of the largest grossing bands in rock and metal today.

Disclaimer: If you make a purchase from one of the above Amazon Associate links, a tiny commission goes to supporting the site. In keeping with my “No BS” policy, I only ever recommend products that I personally use or know are beneficial to my readers.

This is a new series of posts that serve as a tribute to some of my favourite singers and songwriters. These are artists within the rock and metal genres who I consider to have made giant contributions to changing the musical landscape as we know it. These artists are collectively responsible for spawning hundreds of thousands of imitators, but the originals can’t be beaten. Previously we talked about the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne.

Today we’re going to focus on the star studded career of Jon Bon Jovi. In particular, we’ll talk about the vocal challenges that he has been enduring over the past decades. We’ll also discuss how and why his voice broke down in the way that it has, and the high-tech vocal procedure that Jon recently received in the hopes of recovering some of his iconic vocal tone, strength and range.

As a vocal coach that specialises in working with both rock and metal singers, I have to say that Bon Jovi’s music holds a special place in my heart. During my teenaged years, Bon Jovi’s music served as the backdrop to many parties, summer breaks and good times.

The man and the band

Jon Bon Jovi was born John Francis Bongiovi Jr. on March 2, 1962. He is a successful singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor from the United States of America. He is best known as the founder and frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi.

Jon was 20 years old when he received his first Bon Jovi recording contract. Even though they’re a band, Jon received the recording contract for all intents and purposes as a solo artist. He then promptly went out and found the best artists he could to collaborate with, putting them under contract. Right from the beginning, Jon was a very smart businessman.

In March 1983, Jon called Alec John Such (bass player), then Alec called Tico Torres (drummer) and Richie Sambora (guitarist and vocalist) to meet up. Bon Jovi, Sambora, Such, David Bryan (keyboardist), and Torres became the founding members of Bon Jovi.

First steps to fame

Jon Bon Jovi’s first big hit was “Runaway”, which was recorded at The Power Station, New York’s hottest recording studio.

In 1983, Bon Jovi visited new, local radio station “WAPP” in New York. He spoke with DJ Chip Hobart and to the promotion director, John Lassman, who suggested that WAPP include the song “Runaway” on the station’s “New York Rocks” 1983 compilation, which was an album featuring local homegrown talent. Jon reluctantly agreed and gave them the song.

The success of Runaway led to a new recording contract with Atlantic Records. Jon Bon Jovi and his newly formed band took the initial momentum and ground it out on the local and national concert scenes and were beginning to build a loyal fanbase.

Fastforward now to 1986 and Bon Jovi released their groundbreaking album, Slippery When Wet, which ended up selling 28 million copies worldwide by 2011. Slippery When Wet included three top ten singles. Two of the singles went to number one; “You Give Love A Bad Name”, and “Livin’ On A Prayer”.

The Slippery When Wet tour ran from 1986 to 1987. It was Bon Jovi’s first worldwide tour and consisted of over 200 concerts, which were on about 3-4 nights every week (sometimes even more while touring the USA).

The start of Jon’s vocal challenges

Growing up, one of Jon’s early vocal influences was Bruce Springsteen (“The Boss”). The Boss is well known for his aggressive, balls-to-the-wall vocal style which creates a lot of pressure and tension on a singer’s vocal cords.

Jon Bon Jovi created a similarly styled vocal delivery for Livin’ On A Prayer. The second chorus of the song in particular goes from a D5 up to an Eb5, which really does separate the men from the boys. This is one of the crucial factors that started to erode away Jon’s vocal strength. Night after night, hitting high D5s and Eb5s regardless of what shape the voice is in, is going to take a massive toll on anyone’s vocal endurance.

In live performances as early as the 1990s, you could really hear Jon starting to struggle. Those long concert tours can be murder on a vocalist’s instrument and voices need time to recover when vocal cords are swollen or under large amounts of vocal fatigue. When this happens, vocal cords do not thin down anywhere near as easily, which makes it harder to hit the signature high notes of a song.

In singing a back-breaking song like Livin’ On A Prayer, there really are very few places to hide and often a singer is left very exposed. The band did their very best to step up and support Jon with killer backing vocals from both David Bryan (keyboardist) and Richie Sambora (guitarist).

When you have an extensive touring schedule, you don’t just have to perform concerts to sold out arenas around the world. You also have to do press conferences, radio interviews and TV shows in order to promote the album you’re touring for, to stay in the charts long enough to do it all again next year.

The Bon Jovi sound

Jon started his career as a real chest belting kind of singer. He would use his chest voice very aggressively to create the foundation of his vocal sound. Over the years, Jon has consciously changed his vocal style and has started using more of a pharyngeal sound, which is essentially creating a mixed voice and singing more into the pharynx area of your throat to help sustain vocal stamina (and to make it easier to achieve a mixed voice).

We’ll discuss this anatomy and vocal style more in a future post.

The purpose of adopting the pharyngeal vocal placement was to begin to take some of the excess weight and strain off his vocal cords. This created a brighter sound for Jon, which he has used to craft his own unique vocal style, different to the sound he used in his early career. This has now become the signature Jon Bon Jovi sound.

In my personal and professional opinion, through the tours to promote “New Jersey” and right up to the “These Days” album, Jon had done and amazing job of keeping his vocals together even though the cracks were showing. This led to some shows being better than others.

The one thing that you could never doubt with Jon Bon Jovi was his dedication to his fans, his band and the energy that he put into each and every performance to make it the best it could possibly be on that night. That man was dedicated!

Over the course of all of these tours, behind the scenes Jon was experiencing a singing voice that was taking longer and longer to recover between shows. The temporary fixes that the singer resorted to were becoming more dire.

The iconic, chart-busting songs like Livin’ On A Prayer, Bed Of Roses and You Give Love A Bad Name were continually being tuned down from as early as the “New Jersey” tour until they were almost unrecognisable from the original keys. Still Jon’s voice struggled to hit the high notes. He was sounding hoarse and the writing was on the wall that the singer simply couldn’t go on this way.

As a vocal coach, I long suspected that Jon was suffering from some form of a paralyzed vocal cord and/or undisclosed neurological condition.

High-tech surgery

I didn’t want to be the one to air Jon’s dirty laundry in public as I have massive respect for Jon both as a singer, songwriter and a performing artist. Instead, I chose to stay silent on the subject until such a time that Jon has actually come out himself and has explained the vocal condition under which he has long been suffering.

In his own words, one of his vocal cords was atrophying (shrinking in size). Vocal cords generally require a high degree of symmetrical closing in order to be able to thin down and produce higher pitches.

“One of mine was as thick as the thumb, and the other one was as thick as a pinky. So, the strong one was pushing the weak one aside, and I wasn’t singing well. So, my craft is being taken from me.” – Jon Bon Jovi

Jon is describing that his vocal cords are usually thick with above average mass. One of his vocal cords was as it should be, but one was decidedly thinner. This creates a problem because the vocal cords can’t come together symmetrically in order to hold back air and create both a pleasing sound and a quality tone. As a result, Jon’s singing voice was sounding progressively weaker than it had ever been before.

What was happening in Jon’s case, was that the strong vocal cord was pushing the weaker one outward and to the side. This would let a lot of excess air pass through the vocal cords and as a result Jon’s voice would be shaky and would lose a lot of volume. This is very noticeable on his later albums, like “Crush”, “This Left Feels Right”, “Have a Nice Day”, “This House Is Not For Sale”, and others.

Bon Jovi underwent vocal surgery in February of 2022.

Jon was fortunate enough to find an ear, nose and throat surgeon (ENT) in Philadelphia who was able to perform a medialization laryngoplasty. During the procedure, Jon’s surgeon placed a plastic implant into the weaker, semi-paralysed vocal cord. The objective of the implant is to help position the non-functioning vocal cord closer toward the healthy vocal cord to allow for better closure when the voice is phonating (making vocal sound).

The road to vocal recovery

After the surgery, Jon has said he spent approximately 19 months in rehabilitation. This would involve re-learning how to produce his vowel sounds and also to be able to re-engage the weaker vocal cord into everyday speech. This would progressively move to a regime of vocal exercises that will be designed to help him regain the strength and flexibility that vocal cords require in order to be able to thin down, and to physically change registers between chest voice, mixed voice and head voice.

I suspect that during the time Jon has said he was rehabilitating, a large part of it was spent touring. Recorded concerts show that he was performing with his band right up until September of 2022.

If you’re a singer that has been progressively losing strength and range in your vocal cords and you suspect that you might have a partially paralysed or atrophying cord like Jon, contact me as soon as you can for frank discussion about options to help preserve your voice.

Your first stop should always be to seek a consultation with a qualified ENT. I have experience in this area and have successfully helped to rehabilitate clients that were experiencing partial paralysis in their vocal cords and other related vocal conditions. I can help you with a customised vocal exercise programme to reduce the time it takes to safely rehabilitate your voice.

Finding out more

If you’re interested in learning more about Jon Bon Jovi directly from the man himself, I can highly recommend getting a copy of his biography.

Here are some links to get copies directly to your door:

• Jon Bon Jovi: The Biography – Jon’s highly rated biography.
• Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful – The official book from the band, with stories from band members, including Jon.

Want to hear more from Bon Jovi? Their music can be found on your favourite streaming service, or click here to order their music in vinyl form.

Disclaimer: If you make a purchase from one of the above links, a tiny commission goes to supporting the site. In keeping with my “No BS” policy, I only ever recommend products that I personally use or know are beneficial to my readers.

Better information leads to better singing.

Collagen serves as the foundational support system for our bodies. It is crucial for maintaining the health and flexibility of connective tissues, cartilage, and joints. For singers, collagen plays a particularly vital role in the strength and quality of their vocal cords.

Understanding collagen, the vocalist’s ally

Vocal cords rely on collagen for structure and mass, with higher collagen levels contributing to enhanced vocal strength and resonance. While individuals may be born with varying vocal cord mass, collagen levels can significantly impact vocal performance.

Collagen is abundant in various foods, including animal skin, ligaments, and bone marrow, as well as select vegetables. Understanding the different types of collagen, such as Type I for skin and Type II for joint support, is essential for optimizing its benefits for singers.

Top collagen sources

Here are a few of the top collagen sources that are found in many diets (my favourite is chicken!):

• Chicken and beef (with connective tissue): Rich in Type I collagen, crucial for skin and bone health.
• Fish bones: Provide Type I collagen and minerals like calcium and phosphorus, supporting bone density.
• Egg whites: High in proline, an amino acid necessary for collagen production.

Types of collagen and their functions

There are 16 different types of collagen. Some of them are more commonly found than others. Here are the top five:

• Type I: Provides structure for skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
• Type II: Supports elasticity in cartilage, essential for joint health.
• Type III: Found in muscles, arteries, and organs, contributing to tissue flexibility.
• Type IV: Forms layers of the skin, contributing to its integrity.
• Type V: Present in the cornea of eyes and skin layers, playing a role in tissue strength.

Essential nutrients for vocal health

Certain nutrients are crucial for collagen synthesis and overall vocal health.

Nutrients for collagen production

There are other nutrients that aid the process of collagen production. I’ve listed some of these nutrients below, which are essential for aiding in collagen production:

• Vitamin C: Acts as a cofactor in collagen synthesis, essential for converting proline to hydroxyproline.
• Proline: A key amino acid in collagen formation, found in mushrooms, asparagus, and cabbage.
• Glycine: Supports collagen structure and has anti-inflammatory properties, abundant in turkey and chicken.
• Copper: Required for the final step of collagen formation, linking collagen molecules to form strong connective tissue.
• Zinc: Supports collagen synthesis and bone formation, found in oysters and red meat.

Maintaining vocal strength through diet

A balanced diet rich in collagen-promoting foods can support vocal health and performance. Here are some important foods for vocal health:

• Garlic: Boosts immune system and collagen production, aiding in vocal cord repair.
• Leafy greens: High in chlorophyll and antioxidants, protecting vocal cords from oxidative stress.
• Beans: Provide protein and collagen-promoting amino acids like proline and glycine.
• Cashews: Rich in zinc and copper, supporting collagen synthesis and tissue repair.
• Cottage cheese: Contains casein protein for muscle growth and repair, crucial for vocal muscle maintenance.

Protecting your vocal investment

As singers age, declining collagen levels can lead to vocal cord deterioration and reduced vocal strength. There are some particularly bad habits that can accelerate this process.

Habits to avoid

• Smoking: Damages collagen and impairs vocal cord function.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Dehydrates vocal cords and accelerates collagen breakdown.
• Poor sleep routines: Disrupts collagen production and vocal cord repair processes.
• Late-night snacking: Leads to acid reflux, irritating vocal cords and inhibiting collagen synthesis.
• Frequent fast food intake: Severely impairs collagen production.

The role of supplements in vocal health

Supplements offer a convenient way to ensure consistent intake of essential minerals for vocal health. Products like Neocell Super Collagen, paired with zinc, magnesium, and multivitamins, can complement dietary efforts to support collagen levels and overall vocal performance.

If you’re like me and your goal is to maintain or add additional mass to your vocal cords, then we need to get serious about finding the easiest and most effective ways to supplement our collagen intake. This is because we don’t always eat the right things.

I personally use collagen supplements as a way of being able to top up my body’s collagen levels. I combine this with zinc, magnesium and multivitamins, which include vitamin C. The brand I personally use at the moment is called Neocell Super Collagen (available in different sizes for delivery from Amazon), but any reputable vitamin brand will suffice.

If you’re looking for some of the other supplements mentioned, here are my top picks:

• Zinc: Blackmores Bio Zinc
• Magnesium: Blackmores Bio Magnesium
• Multivitamins: Blackmores Executive B

Another supplement I use to promote collagen synthesis is bone broth, which I make into a soup by mixing with hot water and stirring. Here are a few links to bone broth products, which is a good way to add variety to your collagen intake:

• Chicken bone broth: Sun, Cow, Grass & Friends organic chicken bone broth
• Beef bone broth: Sun, Cow, Grass & Friends organic beef bone broth

Disclaimer: The provided supplement links are Amazon Associate links, which support the site at no additional cost to you. In keeping with my “No BS” policy, I will never recommend any product that I wouldn’t personally use.

Empowering singers for longevity

For singers experiencing vocal strength loss or concerns about overuse, a personalized vocal routine and strategic collagen supplementation can be invaluable.

Conclusion

Collagen serves as the cornerstone of vocal strength and resilience, making it essential for singers to prioritize its production through diet and supplementation. By understanding the importance of collagen and adopting proactive measures to support vocal health, singers can ensure their instrument remains strong and vibrant throughout their careers.

I recommend a multidimensional approach to your collagen boosting strategy:

1. Eat foods that are rich in the components that help the body to produce natural collagen.
2. Consume a high quality multi-type collagen powder. Add it to your drinks and smoothies to maximise collagen production.
3. Drink bone broth (delicious soups high in collagen).
4. Reduce excessive sun exposure.
5. Reduce your body’s exposure to nicotine.
6. Get more sleep, or a better quality of sleep.

For personalized vocal health guidance or consultations, feel free to reach out and book a consultation today.