Cover of "All Around Me"

First off, Hey! My name is Todd, I'm 16, and I love to sing. [: I'm new to the boards, and I hope to be here for a long time.

Second off, this is a cover of a song called "All Around Me", originally performed by a band called Flyleaf (not sure you have heard of them) xD

Anyhow, I put my own twist to it, and I hope you enjoy it.

[video=youtube;MrTEIWIEi0g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrTEIWIEi0g

Comments and criticism is greatly appreciated, because I think I messed up a couple times.

Also, if I could get some tips on how to not become flat on some notes, that'd be great. I kinda have trouble with that.

Welcome to the forums, Todd. Hope you like it here.

Just a heads up, I know is your first post, but the common courtesy for new members is to leave comments/feedback on other people's threads as well (our moderator mentions this in a 'sticky' thread). The main purpose for it is to promote discussion, rather than just posting in your own threads. Check out other people's threads and feel free to post there too. The regulars are somewhat reluctant in replying to new members who don't contribute.

Anyway, when I get the chance, I'll check out the clip.

Peace!

Ah, my bad. :S I'll do that. Thanks for the heads up.

Hmmm..not bad. I wasn't sure when I saw that it was a Flyleaf cover, lol. Anyways, aside from the microphone clipping, I actually thought this was pretty good.

As far as critique, I would say that when you drop down on the chorus, your loosing something...almost sounds like your reaching for a few of those low notes. I dig the piano version, but to my ears it sounds like your holding back a bit...let it rip dude! Other than that, I would say to work on resonance to kinda give your voice a less "airy" sound. Maybe that's what you were going for on this cover though?

Anyways, I liked it. Good job

I think you sound OK; not bad. I am interested in hearing you sing some other songs. At 2:36 and 2:44 you are trying for higher notes and perhaps running out of power. I keep wanting to hear more dynamic range from you (more expression in the words or short term volume changes).

Do you practice with a microphone, amplifier and speaker? Can you hear yourself sing? I notice my pitch (and singing in general) is usually better if I can hear myself sing.

Hmmm..not bad. I wasn't sure when I saw that it was a Flyleaf cover, lol. Anyways, aside from the microphone clipping, I actually thought this was pretty good. As far as critique, I would say that when you drop down on the chorus, your loosing something...almost sounds like your reaching for a few of those low notes. I dig the piano version, but to my ears it sounds like your holding back a bit...let it rip dude! Other than that, I would say to work on resonance to kinda give your voice a less "airy" sound. Maybe that's what you were going for on this cover though? Anyways, I liked it. Good job

Haha, thanks! Uhhh, the michrophone clipping was my fault. I had it too close, and I went for the high note, it overloaded.

Also, I'm trying to work on not getting that "airy" sound, as you mentioned. It sounds good on this cover, but the next couple ones I'm thinking of doing, it's not gonna work, so I'm working on it.

I had a few listens. That was pretty good. There's a nice nuance in your singing. Though the choruses need some dynamics, because something felt "missing" there.

So are you a baritone? How did you determine that? Just wondering..

I tried singing some songs that a tenor would normally do, and I had to strain for the notes.

Which notes in particular are you referring to? Have you had any vocal lessons?

It can be normal for an untrained tenor voice to strain singing an E above middle C.

I can't hit notes above a middle C. My lowest is around a A2. And, no, I don't take lessons.

You can't really classify a voice without proper training or without an instructor. And vocal range doesn't necessary = voice type. My voice is suppose to be tenor but I can hit a G2. When I was younger (~18), my range was only from G2 to A3, but after some training I can reach A4 and I'm still training everyday. When your technique is more secure you should be able to reach much higher notes, even for lower voices.

I just listened to the original version earlier today. I think I like your version more.

I think your version has the potential to be better than the original.

Just keep working on your singing and you'll be good.

I wish I could see you singing because that would help me critique you better. By seeing you I could tell if you're lifting your shoulders while breathing which could cause shallow instead of full breaths and I would be able to see your throat meaning if it was really tight and not relaxed I could give you advice on that. So next video, if you can I would advise you to show us yourself. It's the only way you can get true critiques and help on your voice.

I agree with an earlier post, it does seem like you're holding back a bit which could be the reason for the flat spots. Your tone and resonance is also very shaky. Just relax everything. Breath deep within your diaphragm, relax the vocal chords and focus the sound from somewhere that isn't the back of your throat, raise the soft palette, drop your jaw and just let everything feel very loose. If you feel like you're straining to hit a high note you should always try to lift more, as my teacher would say lift those eyebrows up high. It helps a lot.

Keep going and don't stop you have really good potential to be great. If you're really serious about singing I would advise you on getting a coach. They can help in many ways that people can never teach themselves.

I just noticed.. you actually hit some D4's in the song (D above middle C)..

Middle C definitely isn't your "top note". I can bet money on this.

Thanks for the tips. I've been trying to relax more when I sing.

Haha, really? It was probably one of those high notes. I'm working on another cover, and I will be using an actual video camera, so y'all can see my face.

Interesting take on the song. You pulled it off well I think and I'm a Flyleaf fan.

Despite the crappy ass recording I can tell you've got a nice voice!

Maybe invest in some decent gear which will reap you some better examples of that voice.

You did really good, I forgot all about flyleaf. Im interested in what else you can sing.