Thanks so much for the response Kristina. I know that I don't have the perfect vocal technique, but I have taken voice lessons before and think my regular technique is not the biggest factor in them showing up.

I had a collapsed lung (lots of chest pain) a few weeks ago, and neglected going in for it as I passed it off as gas or something that would go away. So when singing then I probably used my throat too much to compensate for lack of air support.

I was also sick a couple months ago when I think the vocal nodules first started to appear. When I was sick I ignorantly cleared my throat a lot. Sometimes I would clear it super hard trying to cough up phlegm to spit out.

And lastly I think most of my voice misuse comes from too much yelling at shows (in the audience talking to friends) and too much yelling at parties and bars. So I guess all of these factors lead to me changing my technique due to tired chest and vocal chords and made me stress them.

I really would like to play these shows as they've already been promoted and since we are just starting as a band I don't want to get a rep for bailing on shows and such (we already bailed on 2 last month for all of this). We are however going to cut our 6 song set down to 4 songs (less than 20 minutes performing), and I am going to do light vocal warm-ups as you suggested.

I am really rather baffled at the whole situation since my ENT acted like it was no big deal. He knew I had a show that night and a few more coming up. Then everything else I've read on the matter has been don't sing and talk little to none.

Anyway, thanks again for the advice Kristina. Any other advice is much appreciated. --Casey

Casey~

After I posted and signed offline, I thought I shouldn't have been so hard on your vocal technique. As you've pointed out, other factors can come into play. Still, brushing up on your technique with a teacher is a good idea, just to be sure.

Kristina
[url]http://voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com[/url]

I live in GA. Its about 50-70 degrees out these days. Is it bad for my voice (given the nodules) to go running in this weather? How about on a treadmill?

Cold doesn't hurt your voice per se. If you try to sing after breathing a lot of cold air, there [I]could [/I]be potential difficulties. So just arrange your schedule accordingly :) The treadmill is fine, too.

Best wishes,
Kristina
[url]http://voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com[/url]

My youth leader is helping me to sing, she says I need to work on my pro/anun ciation. Any tips? Also, I think my voice is a tad bit nasaly, can I fix that?

Pronounciation...by which I assume she means saying your words clearly...All that means is using the tip of your tongue and your lips to say your words. I know, I know, that sounds obvious. But try it. Really think about using the tip of your tongue and your lips to form your words. It works.

Nasally singing is often just the product of not dropping your jaw as you sing. So it sounds like you have a lazy mouth :) Don't worry...most of us do!

Try focusing on dropping that jaw and let us know if that helps.

Kristina
[url]http://voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com[/url]

[QUOTE=slazareth;13716409]Thanks so much for the response Kristina. I know that I don't have the perfect vocal technique, but I have taken voice lessons before and think my regular technique is not the biggest factor in them showing up.

I had a collapsed lung (lots of chest pain) a few weeks ago, and neglected going in for it as I passed it off as gas or something that would go away. So when singing then I probably used my throat too much to compensate for lack of air support.

I was also sick a couple months ago when I think the vocal nodules first started to appear. When I was sick I ignorantly cleared my throat a lot. Sometimes I would clear it super hard trying to cough up phlegm to spit out.

And lastly I think most of my voice misuse comes from too much yelling at shows (in the audience talking to friends) and too much yelling at parties and bars. So I guess all of these factors lead to me changing my technique due to tired chest and vocal chords and made me stress them.

I really would like to play these shows as they've already been promoted and since we are just starting as a band I don't want to get a rep for bailing on shows and such (we already bailed on 2 last month for all of this). We are however going to cut our 6 song set down to 4 songs (less than 20 minutes performing), and I am going to do light vocal warm-ups as you suggested.

I am really rather baffled at the whole situation since my ENT acted like it was no big deal. He knew I had a show that night and a few more coming up. Then everything else I've read on the matter has been don't sing and talk little to none.

Anyway, thanks again for the advice Kristina. Any other advice is much appreciated. --Casey[/QUOTE]

Dude youve got a nice tenor voice, dont screw it up! Kill the ego and look into a vocal rehab coach or find a teacher that know about rehab and prepare to take a week or two off. It happens sometimes but you dont want to get in a situation where your voice is worse or compromised. I agree with Kristina, but I always do because she knows her stuff. I say you should be able to sing three hours whenever you like if your technique is good. With that being said though, some of that technique could be things like tense larynx and overblowing notes both of which will bring you down but both of which are easier to understand and reduce. Use the mic and turn it up if you need to so you can sing a little easier and longer. But I say you need to take some non singing time off and try another doctor's opinion. And yea, no drink will help your cords. Remember they are in the larynx, if any liquid touches them it's called choking! Pure water and a good diet is all you can do really, as far as ingesting go.

Plus a collapsed lung? Bad luck man. I like your music and I sent you an add request, so add me! Read my hotline when you can...Best wishes [url]http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219911[/url]
Merkabas Voice-Help Hotline - Music & Musician Forums

Thanks Merkaba! Glad you like the tunes and your request for friendship hath been approved.

Heh, I don't think I have an ego. I know I don't sing as best I could to help my voice. I would say time and money play more a part in it than ego. I do plan to look into a voice coach soon though. Our show on the 1st was canceled due to a venue shutting down (I'm kinda happy about that). So other than the show on the 8th I have no intention of singing until the new year. I haven't done any real singing since our show on Nov 10th either. So I've been taking it pretty easy.

I know that liquids and such don't touch the vocal chords, but if my throats feeling kinda sore the tea and ricolas sure do seem to help. Maybe its all mental. Thanks again Merkaba. If we ever come to your town let me know and you're on the guest list ;) (assuming you like free shows).

[QUOTE=slazareth;13742134]Thanks Merkaba! Glad you like the tunes and your request for friendship hath been approved.

Heh, I don't think I have an ego. I know I don't sing as best I could to help my voice. I would say time and money play more a part in it than ego. I do plan to look into a voice coach soon though. Our show on the 1st was canceled due to a venue shutting down (I'm kinda happy about that). So other than the show on the 8th I have no intention of singing until the new year. I haven't done any real singing since our show on Nov 10th either. So I've been taking it pretty easy.

I know that liquids and such don't touch the vocal chords, but if my throats feeling kinda sore the tea and ricolas sure do seem to help. Maybe its all mental. Thanks again Merkaba. If we ever come to your town let me know and you're on the guest list ;) (assuming you like free shows).[/QUOTE]

Oh yea, I didnt mean the ego statement in the usual sense. Its habit for me due to my "spiritual" background. I just mean that you have to balance that "drive" out sometimes with the opposite. Thats why I push normal speech level singing and warming down and rudiments, exercises, etc., because It keeps you balanced, just like stretching does for the working contracting muscles of any other athlete, not just us vocal athletes.

When singing there is an increaed amount of air that shoots through to the back parts of the throat, the soft pallet, etc. Many times this will get dried and irritated due to this, especially in singers that sing alot at high levels like opera, and even moreso, of course, with "rock" and heavier or more pushed types of vocals. So many people lump this all together when describing vocal irritation. This area can be soothed and moistened with the tea and honey and etc. and it does make things feel better, in your mouth and throat, just not the actual cords themselves. I think many times the cords are less affected than many people think, and the sore throat is only due to this type of irritation, and if they warmed up and warmed down more and had a bit better technique they wouldnt be affected at all vocally. Vocal cord pain is right behind the adams apple and usually not something that the average person would want to fool with or push through.

I think youll be alright. I'm in SC. If you end up in Atlanta or Charlotte(myrtle beach SC is way farther) then let me know!

Edit: I see youre in ATL....good one we'll be in touch!

Your throat is sore because it's injured. And when you're singing, sometimes it's best NOT to cover up pain, or you'll just hurt your voice worse. The pain is there are a warning.

Water is important, though, to keep your "parts" hydrated :)

Kristina
[url]http://voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com[/url]

P.S. "I agree with Kristina, but I always do because she knows her stuff." Thanks, Merkaba!

hey anyone, I'm really worried. I had a bit of a chest cold about 2 weeks ago, it wasnt bad it only took me about 3 or 4 days to beat it, but now about a week later, I still can't do my mid voice screams. My growls and falsetto screams are better than ever, but i can't get my voice behind the mid voice screams (slipknot-ish if you don't know what I mean). I can get the rasp and a lot of air, and I can sing the notes easily and powerfully, but as soon as i go to scream, its like there is a very quiet note, if any at all behind it...

Do you have any idea of what is going on? If I lost my scream for good I am SCREWED... My grandpa, a real powerful singer, had something similar a couple years ago and he still cant sing much anymore, hence the worry...

PS I warm up for about 15 min with scales and stuff

Your vocal cords are still a bit swollen from the cold and coughing that came with it. Don't do any screams for a day or two, instead just drill your warm up exercises, sing cleanly, and drink about a gallon of water a day. You just need to thin the cords back out to their normal size since they are swollen now, so do lots of scales on EE as in SEE because that helps to align them properly.

[QUOTE=panthersfan16;13764782]hey anyone, I'm really worried. I had a bit of a chest cold about 2 weeks ago, it wasnt bad it only took me about 3 or 4 days to beat it, but now about a week later, I still can't do my mid voice screams. My growls and falsetto screams are better than ever, but i can't get my voice behind the mid voice screams (slipknot-ish if you don't know what I mean). I can get the rasp and a lot of air, and I can sing the notes easily and powerfully, but as soon as i go to scream, its like there is a very quiet note, if any at all behind it...

Do you have any idea of what is going on? If I lost my scream for good I am SCREWED... My grandpa, a real powerful singer, had something similar a couple years ago and he still cant sing much anymore, hence the worry...

PS I warm up for about 15 min with scales and stuff[/QUOTE]Was your throat sore with this cold? And how's your diet been...caffeine, dairy, pseudoephedrine,weed?

Thx Auz I will try that

merk, my throat wasnt sore, but i was pretty congested to the point where I couldnt get enough air to sing much higher than my speaking voice, and i drink a decent amount of caffeine but i havent smoked since I got sick and the other stuff, havent touched it...

[QUOTE=panthersfan16;13766866]Thx Auz I will try that

merk, my throat wasnt sore, but i was pretty congested to the point where I couldnt get enough air to sing much higher than my speaking voice, and i drink a decent amount of caffeine but i havent smoked since I got sick and the other stuff, havent touched it...[/QUOTE]

I would go with what auz was saying and just rudiment stuff in general. Do scales and exercizes and glisses. If you didnt have any pain I dont think it would be anything more than mucus affecting you. I've had to sing "conservatively" many times for an hour only to suddenly have a glob pop up, or a sneeze, then having a completely different vocal ability afterwards. We cant be sure but if there is no pain or discomfort or hoarseness then I would at least do some regular singing.

I've been doing screaming/growls whatever for maybe a month, i'm still getting confortable, but I realized i can't go very high. The style is using is probably different than that of you guys, i do it the same way as Toaster. I just can't go very high. I tried pushing harder but it doesn't do anything except make the note i am screaming fade out with a bunch of rasp.

[QUOTE=King_Of_Terrors;13774528]I've been doing screaming/growls whatever for maybe a month, i'm still getting confortable, but I realized i can't go very high. The style is using is probably different than that of you guys, i do it the same way as Toaster. I just can't go very high. I tried pushing harder but it doesn't do anything except make the note i am screaming fade out with a bunch of rasp.[/QUOTE]

sing first, add the rasp later. Notes, i.e. tone, comes from the cords producing a wave like you would if you were singing opera. Any "effects" should occur after this has happened, by using the soft pallet, lips, tongue, cheeks, etc.
Basically anything above the cords. All in the hotline..

[url]http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219911[/url]
Merkabas Voice-Help Hotline - Music & Musician Forums

An update from little ol' me. So tonight was the show in question. I had my first vocal therapy session on the Tuesday. My therapist ran through some exercises with me and told me to practice them twice a day for the next two weeks (which is when we meet again). I asked her if I could sing and she said that'd be fine. So I sang tonight and everything went well. I can still sing right now, but I'm a bit afraid to as my throat is very tired. If I stretch my throat and mouth as if to yawn, I actually have a very small pain in my throat. Like when you have a slightly sore muscle. Since I got off stage I have only spoken 4-5 words. I plan to go speechless tomorrow and mostly speechless throughout this week. Only speaking if necessary.

Vocal rest hasn't come up at all with my ENT or speech pathologist. I know that they are very qualified and know their stuff, but I'm taking it upon myself to rest my voice for the next 6 weeks. No singing and minimal talking. Assuming things are feeling better in 6 weeks, I'm going to start up with a Voice Teacher. I don't have a ton of money, but I know its something that I've gotta strap down and do.

Thanks for all the advice Merkaba and Kristina. It really is appreciated.

Slaz, I'm glad to hear things are going well. Sounds like you have a good plan :)

Kristina
[url]http://voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com[/url]

[quote=Merkaba;13777841]sing first, add the rasp later. Notes, i.e. tone, comes from the cords producing a wave like you would if you were singing opera. Any "effects" should occur after this has happened, by using the soft pallet, lips, tongue, cheeks, etc.
Basically anything above the cords. All in the hotline..

[url]http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219911[/url]
Merkabas Voice-Help Hotline - Music & Musician Forums[/quote]

Well whenever i do the harsh vocals now, I don't know what the actual note is. I have an average vocal range, I can hit maybe an A above middle C, so I don't think it's my range that's the problem. So i'll try singing the highest note i can clean, then add the rasp and see if it sounds better.

[QUOTE=King_Of_Terrors;13788560]Well whenever i do the harsh vocals now, I don't know what the actual note is. I have an average vocal range, I can hit maybe an A above middle C, so I don't think it's my range that's the problem. So i'll try singing the highest note i can clean, then add the rasp and see if it sounds better.[/QUOTE]

I wasnt talking about your range. I was saying that you should concentrate more on making the pitch at hand.

[QUOTE=slazareth;13783178]An update from little ol' me. So tonight was the show in question. I had my first vocal therapy session on the Tuesday. My therapist ran through some exercises with me and told me to practice them twice a day for the next two weeks (which is when we meet again). I asked her if I could sing and she said that'd be fine. So I sang tonight and everything went well. I can still sing right now, but I'm a bit afraid to as my throat is very tired. If I stretch my throat and mouth as if to yawn, I actually have a very small pain in my throat. Like when you have a slightly sore muscle. Since I got off stage I have only spoken 4-5 words. I plan to go speechless tomorrow and mostly speechless throughout this week. Only speaking if necessary.

Vocal rest hasn't come up at all with my ENT or speech pathologist. I know that they are very qualified and know their stuff, but I'm taking it upon myself to rest my voice for the next 6 weeks. No singing and minimal talking. Assuming things are feeling better in 6 weeks, I'm going to start up with a Voice Teacher. I don't have a ton of money, but I know its something that I've gotta strap down and do.

Thanks for all the advice Merkaba and Kristina. It really is appreciated.[/QUOTE]
Good call I say. Nice to hear youre doing ok.

Yo, kind of new to these forums...as in just registered today :D

I went through your vocal threads already but just have a quick question. I'm pretty confident in my ability to have low to mid-high range while singing smooth...but once I try to rasp it all goes down the toilet and sounds like crap.

I'm trying to end up with a rasp similar to:

[url]http://www.missvanessa.com/seether.mp3[/url]


I'm currently working on learning guitar, and many of my friends have been playing for 5+ years. So maybe If I learn to sing...was thinking we could start a band, I don't know this early :)

But, the way he sings just doesn't sound like it's coming from the back of his throat as you [Merkaba] describe.

Just maybe you could help me out with this issue :D

If I get a chance I'll try to record me singing normall, but finding a time where I would be able to sing at full range and volume might be tough ;)

THanks!
Taco

This is the typical example. Can you make the ANNK sound as in a wrong answer buzzer? This is the same area. actually the false cord area, but who knows where that is if you havent studied it?So we usually k=just say "back of the throat" The typical wrong answer buzzer is done with a higher tense larynx. So once you realize whats going on, practice it with a mid low note so you can make sure you know the feeling of keepin the larynx open.

Merk, I've been practicing my harsh vocals a ton over the holiday break and a few weeks ago I got it down perfect tech wise.

Another way for someone to easily learn the false chords is to sigh, then sigh heavily and then ultimately apply that into a vocal. After that, just forcing the access air up. It's almost impossible to close your throat.

I still use my "true chords" for the banshee wails, haha. But that's about as open as my throat can be and I don't do those much so my chords will never get hurt obviously.

I can do vox for like a couple hours a day! taking a day or two off when needed and it's effortless. I just had to control the push better.

Anyways, thanks for your guides. I used them quite a bit in my learning vocals.


btw, word of advice for kids begging to learn screaming or growling. You'll know when you do it right, believe me. When you do it right, it's effortless, painless and you can do it all night long! Instead of soreness, pain or stratchy voice and such.

I could get sometype of rasp, that I used and didnt hurt so first thing I do is record it to see how it sounded. It sounded awful! I dont know if I was doing the wrong thing for rasp but it didnt hurt at all and it got a rasp, it just sounded bad. wtf is up?

Do you think my screaming technique is good? It doesn't hurt, I get tired after awhile and can't do it as good as when I started. Suggestions please...

Check out the Inhaling Screams. I've have only been doing it for 2 weeks

[url]http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=638405[/url]

[QUOTE=hxcturtle369;13851878]Do you think my screaming technique is good? It doesn't hurt, I get tired after awhile and can't do it as good as when I started. Suggestions please...

Check out the Inhaling Screams. I've have only been doing it for 2 weeks

[url]http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=638405[/url][/QUOTE]

Ummmmmmm...... IMO, that you plenty of work ahead of you.

I don't mean to knock your tastes in music, because that's irrelevant, but maybe idolize a superior (in skill) vocalist than that clown in Waking The Cadaver.

Quite a bit of that sounded like it had some effect on it or something. Record a couple of glisses (start low end of your range scale up to high and then same but starting at the high going to low) [follow merks guide if you need it]

plus, without music in the background or effects, record a few growls and screams.

If you're getting tired, learn to warm up properly.

sorry if im wrong about an effect being used, but my advice remains the same

This thread is really helpful.

I'm just curious, I know who Kristina is from her website, but who is Merkaba? He's extremely knowledgeable about vocals and I'm just curious how he learned to sing.

Anyway, I'm not too sure if this topic was discussed before but, how does someone learn to sing like Anthony Green from Saosin (now in Circa Survive)? Can a person train themselves to have such a high range or is it hereditary? He has a really nice scream, and his ability to interchange between explosive screaming and beautiful alto vocals is amazing. Something seen in very few bands these days.

Just curious, from a professional vocalists view, would Green's vocals be considered extremely good, average, or mediocre??

Thanks.

Those other recording with Waking The Cadaver are just messin around lol. Listen to the Inhaling Screams. I need suggestions on those. I will do more

[QUOTE=The_One;13853477]This thread is really helpful.

I'm just curious, I know who Kristina is from her website, but who is Merkaba? He's extremely knowledgeable about vocals and I'm just curious how he learned to sing.

Anyway, I'm not too sure if this topic was discussed before but, how does someone learn to sing like Anthony Green from Saosin (now in Circa Survive)? Can a person train themselves to have such a high range or is it hereditary? He has a really nice scream, and his ability to interchange between explosive screaming and beautiful alto vocals is amazing. Something seen in very few bands these days.

Just curious, from a professional vocalists view, would Green's vocals be considered extremely good, average, or mediocre??

Thanks.[/QUOTE]
This thread, [url]http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=506241[/url] was just started about ant, one of my faves. You can't "learn" to sing like him for forget that notion. But you can learn to acess all of your range, whatever that is. With that being said, perhaps yours is close to or more than his. Who knows.


Me? I'm just a nobody with no band and very limited guitar skills. I've taken a few lessons, notably from the great mark baxter, who was stven tyler's vocal coach among others....[url]http://www.voicelesson.com/[/url] And more importantly I just studied the stuff and have always had a knack for effective communication, which I learned in college. About the only thing I did learn. I did get a business degree though, and minored in sports physiology. I meditate (merkaba) and do taichi and or yoga everyday. I do personal training as well. I know a ton about fitness/health etc. Other than vocals, fitness, and meditation/psi/spiritual concepts/etc I dont claim to be too knowledgeable of much. Most vocal stuff is uncomplicated once you learn a few basics of the anatomy and whats going on. Conveying it with words is a bltch.

[QUOTE=Merkaba;13859334]This thread, [url]http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=506241[/url] was just started about ant, one of my faves. You can't "learn" to sing like him for forget that notion. But you can learn to acess all of your range, whatever that is. With that being said, perhaps yours is close to or more than his. Who knows.


Me? I'm just a nobody with no band and very limited guitar skills. I've taken a few lessons, notably from the great mark baxter, who was stven tyler's vocal coach among others....[url]http://www.voicelesson.com/[/url] And more importantly I just studied the stuff and have always had a knack for effective communication, which I learned in college. About the only thing I did learn. I did get a business degree though, and minored in sports physiology. I meditate (merkaba) and do taichi and or yoga everyday. I do personal training as well. I know a ton about fitness/health etc. Other than vocals, fitness, and meditation/psi/spiritual concepts/etc I dont claim to be too knowledgeable of much. Most vocal stuff is uncomplicated once you learn a few basics of the anatomy and whats going on. Conveying it with words is a bltch.[/QUOTE]

Naw, man I didn't mean to offend you in any way; I hope you didn't take it like that. I was just curious about who you were and where you learned how to explain many different singing techniques so well.

I just wanted to let you know that the amount of time you take out of your day to help others is tremendously appreciated.

Keep up the great work!!

[QUOTE=The_One;13860029]Naw, man I didn't mean to offend you in any way; I hope you didn't take it like that. I was just curious about who you were and where you learned how to explain many different singing techniques so well.

I just wanted to let you know that the amount of time you take out of your day to help others is tremendously appreciated.

Keep up the great work!![/QUOTE]

Oh no I didnt take it that way at all. I was just being silly. I didnt think it was gonna sound that way! And uhh...its not everyday I take time out for this site. I used to do more but now I work more hours. Still try to give what I know when I can. Anyways....guess I should get to bed.

Is there such a thing as not being able to sing?

I'm sure there isn't and have been told that everyone can sing (like everyone can draw, or everyone can do whatever), but I have absolutely no confidence in my singing. I mean, I can't even articulate songs I've written to singers; I have to give them a lyric sheet and play the melody on guitar.

I'm obviously not going through the whole thread, but are there any good websites to start with?

I have a bunch of PDFs but they're all probably too advanced for me.

When I say I can't sing, I mean I don't even sing when I'm drunk anymore because its embarassing -- I'm aiming for at least being able to sing well enough to record demos of songs; I doubt I'll ever be a singer per se.

Jon, you don't say what you think is wrong with your singing, but can I assume that pitch is an issue?

If that's the case, a good place to start is with some basic ear training. Also, learning the basics of good singing (dropping your jaw, using your diaphgram properly) can cure a host of ills.

Hope that helps,
Kristina
voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com

I have a pretty good ear, around relative pitch I think.

I just...can't sing. I'll post a recording at my peril in the coming days.

[QUOTE=Jon;13861146]I have a pretty good ear, around relative pitch I think.

I just...can't sing. I'll post a recording at my peril in the coming days.[/QUOTE]

Start off just holding an "ahhhh" in a speaking pitch....mid range whatever. Like Kristina said youve got to be able to support with the diaphragm. This is an area that affects many people who say they cant sing. Either this or bad pitch selection which takes ear training. And yea, make the ahh by dropping the lower jaw like its, well, on a hinge.

is there anyway weed could affect your voice im in a metal band and i sing like tom arraya style with the super high falcetos and stuff but when i smoke just a little bit the next day my voice sucks balls at least for a week and i was wondering if there was anyway of speeding up this recovery process

Obviously it's affecting you or else you wouldn't be having any trouble. Never smoke before you sing, or better yet quit smoking. Read this article for more info on the affects of smoking;
[url]http://www.getsigned.com/rebaxt30.html[/url]

[QUOTE=venomchild;13865153]is there anyway weed could affect your voice im in a metal band and i sing like tom arraya style with the super high falcetos and stuff but when i smoke just a little bit the next day my voice sucks balls at least for a week and i was wondering if there was anyway of speeding up this recovery process[/QUOTE]

Oh no, passing hot smoke, air, and resin over your vocal cords wont ever have an affect! I cant believe people still actually ask if smoking has an effect on their cords. ....but they do....

I quit pot and my voice improved for a while, then I got sick from my one friend's cat (allergies) and lost my voice for a while, and now I have a cold... in recovery, I've noticed that I can't transition: I'll try to go from a high scream to a growl like I used to ([url]http://www.myspace.com/ofthedyingbreed[/url], listen to As Draped In Crimson at about 5 minutes for reference) I can't pull it off, like... my voice cuts out for a second and the low comes out really loudly and then I can do it fine but I need to adjust volume... is it just being out of practice you think?