All musicians worry from time to time about the condition of their instruments.
Maintenance is, therefore, an ongoing concern. When the strings on a guitar begin to sound a little dull, they might be replaced. Drum kits might be tuned and steadily augmented and cut down over time. In some cases, the entire instrument might be swapped out for a new one.
But there’s one specific type of musician who doesn’t have this luxury. That’s the vocalist. If your voice goes, you don’t have the luxury of borrowing a friend’s. In this respect, singers have more in common with athletes than they do with other musicians. Looking after your voice, and reducing strain and injury, will help you to sound good in the long run.
One important aspect of this ongoing care should be the drinks we consume. So, what drinks should we prefer, and which should we avoid?
What you shouldn’t drink
Let’s start with the drinks that hinder vocal performance.
Milk
Dairy is full of fats that will cling to the inside of your throat, and promote the production of extra mucus to clear them away. Drink it, and you’ll be constantly, and unsuccessfully, clearing your throat.
Fizzy drinks
Anything carbonated can cause you to involuntarily belch. This is not something that you’ll want to happen when you’re in front of a microphone in a room filled with people.
Alcohol
Alcohol is often prescribed as a remedy for stage fright. A little bit of it can help with your nerves, to be sure. Plus, let’s face it, a lot of people think that they are very impressive when they take a pint onstage.
However, alcohol will dehydrate you, and affect your pitch. You won’t be able to properly relax your diaphragm. If you’re singing well within your comfort zone, then things might go fine – but if you’re stretching to reach a particular note then you’ll struggle.
Caffeine
Caffeine, much like alcohol, is a diuretic. It will dehydrate you, and cause your throat to contract.
Ice water
Similarly, if your water is too cold, then your throat will constrict after you’ve drunk it. You’ll be less likely to hit those notes, and more likely to suffer an injury.
What to drink
So, with all of this in mind, what should you be drinking?
Herbal tea
Herbal tea will provide a pleasant, tingly sensation in your throat. It will loosen everything up and help you to relax. Make sure that it’s warm, but not hot. Honey, lemon, ginger and chamomile tea are all favourites.
Room-temperature water
While it might seem like a very bland and boring option, water is probably the safest bet. Make sure that you aren’t drinking so much that you need to go to the toilet midway through the performance.
