My first singing attempt for you to critique. Should it be my last?

So I'm trying to branch out and start singing. I've always been extremely self conscious of my singing. Like, I've never sung in front of anyone. Which is crazy for a musician right? I even waited for my room mate to leave before I recorded this song. I did it in one attempt and was wondering what advice you all had for me on the song and the singing. I have the rest of the music written for this song (full band) and need to know if I should go through with recording everything, or if I need to tweak some stuff.

I did it one take, so it may suck quality wise, you can hear the dude that lives above me stomping around at one point.

I joined soundclick for this song:

http://www.soundclick.com/mattdawsonsoloproject

thank you all so much in advance. It really means a lot to me to have you guys as a resource.

ohh and my disturbing lyrics:

Here's to you Drowning:

We

There is nothing wrong with your voice. A little practice, a few more takes - you'll be fine.

Good job, better than me. Practice, keep at it.

KAC

thanks a lot guys, that means a lot.

any constructive criticism though?

I thought you were very good.

I can't offer any criticism, I can't find anything wrong with it. Maybe make it a bit more flowing...?? I dunno, making it more flowing might ruin it.

You're doing fine, considering!

One can't expect to jump out of the cradle and run the 100 yard dash... first, crawl, then walk, then run, then fly... oh wait. Well, anyhow, first things first.

Keep at it. Don't judge yourself against people who've been singing for years. Keep some perspective.

Almost every facet of playing music or singing will improve with good practice and plenty of it.

With some practice and understanding of making a better recording, your voice is not bad or bad enough to quit singing. I would keep it up! I would also try doing your recording in separate takes, one for your guitar and one for your singing. Pan, double, triple, broaden, lessen, etc. Keep it up!

It's not bad. But, as you know, it's not great. Your voice would benefit from closer mic placement and a bit of compression. But that would also mean you need to do two separate takes: first guitar, then vocals. But that's just from the recording side of it.

You sound ok...build some confidence and then let go and sign!

Belt it out like you own the song..... You are holding back, that just doesnt work with singing. Its like dancing you gotta do it like nobody is watching. Sing it like you would like to hear it sung ,, and forget about the fact that you are the guy singing it. Just keep doing cuts and recording them. Dont worry about what they sound like. You will be amazed how much better you will sound.

Am I the only one who had trouble hearing your voice? From what I can tell, it sounded fine, well worth further practice and development. But I can't say for sure because it's drowned out by the guitar.

As others said (more tactifully than me), you should invest some coin in a recording setup that will let you track the guitar and the vocal separately. This will allow you to mix levels, add effects, etc.

But, again, you certainly sound like a singer!

Best,

Jersey Jack

Wow, thank-you all for the kind words!

I actually got to this point in the song by recording bits and pieces just to hear myself. I kept like talking and trying to do strange things with my voice for the melody, it seems like I got better every time, but still unable to do what I want.

I really want to be able to belt it out, this was me trying. Any advice? Because I think I may just need to keep practicing.

I rearranged the song and changed some of the lyrics around after listening to it today. I think I'll rerecord and post, if anyone is interested in hearing it.

Rhat is correct in saying that belting it out is the next stage in your development. You did a good job here so far and it would be nice if you could learn to project a bit. I'd advise that you go gradually into this (and of course voice lessons with a teacher on your wavelength wouldn't hurt).

One easy way is to record a full band arrangement and overdub your voice on that. You can "trick" yourself to project by turning your vocal low in your headphones as you are recording. Another way is to stand further away from the mic as you record your vocal. I use both of those techniques often when I want a vocal to sound more 'belted out'. (I often record vocals with only one side of the headphones on...)

You've got a good start so keep working at it.