.........EAT!!! And, not until I EAT!!!

So here's how it goes. If I don't eat before singing, my voice is weak, no body to it, no command, etc. I've been this way for many years. The quality of my singing is dependent on what I eat and at what point before the performance. I've lived with that for the longest time, working around it.

These past 2 jobs, it hit me like a ton of bricks.

First job, I got there an hour early. I very rarely ever eat before a job...this time I went for a McDonald's hamburger to fill the time. When I started the performance (an hour later), I noticed my voice was already affected....big, boomy, resonant baritone. I had total command of my voice.

Second job I experimented a bit. I had a single hamburger exactly one hour before I was to perform...just like the other job. I started playing, and my first vocal was a (relative) disaster, and I thought 'uh-oh, I think I'm in trouble"......weak and limp and no projection. Well, five minutes go by, and suddenly I felt it "kick in".....the food effect. I felt almost like a switch in my throat get turned on. Suddenly I'm a fine baritone again and that mode will last 1-2 hours (once it kicks in).

i.e. I'm a good vocalist as long as I remember to pay my dues (EAT at the right time).

I went to see an ENT specialist a while back about another matter. At the same time, I explained the above to him, expecting him not to understand it. Well, he did, but I don't remember what he said about the condition. He DID say there are tests available that will determine what's going on in the throat.

For now I'm going to time my food intake before the job whenever I play.

Anyone else familiar with what I said here?

How does work healthy food for you?

Try a salad before singing?
Or some Yoghurt with fruits?

It definately would make my doctor happy ....

I'm the opposite. I eat say 6 hours before a performance and maybe a super light snack like 2-3 hours before. Just for energy. This ensures there are no burps or any acids affecting my vocal cords. I also have diaphragm control without feeling bloated .

When I sing at an event with food I will not eat unless I am certain I will not be returning to the stage.

Missed a lot of expensive meals but wasn't regretting my choice while performing

I always eat when it's free. I've been known to share birthday cake between songs.
BUUURP!

I’d rather eat after a performance. A time, then, for relaxation and reflection. I can’t think about eating before, or during, a gig. Even tho’ people all around are dining and the food odors are noticeable. At up-scale receptions, my band buddies can’t wait to hit the shrimp and other stuff. I generally pass on all of that.

no effect whatsoever on singing.... I eat before during and after as Don said FREE is always better.....

I'm playing for a 4th of July party on July 1, on the lake. Plenty of barbeque, potato salad, baked beans, pies, cakes...even a frozen drink machine. AND they pay me on top of that!

I play this song at outdoor events they love it and all sing along with beers flying high!!

Since most of my work has been weddings and parties they are always catered. So I ate on the job –got energy no problem.

Normally when you have stomach problems you do not feel the effects of eating for a couple of hours. Since you relating your story to your voice my thought would be go to Reflux. Enough reflux could lead you to a bad place.

If none of the above fits I would go for the tests that are needed.

This is to motivate you: I have been with a wife, four friends, and a father who are here no longer because they did not do what was needed.

John C.

Other than a slice of cake, I never ate on the job, but when I ate within an hour of a performance, it did effect my singing and I felt bloated - Burrrrrrp, therefore I stopped eating prior to a job.

Gary