Richard Hawley

I'm trying everything at the moment because every time I sing I end up coughing. It's a real drag after getting back into singing in the last 5 years, having gigs lined up and recording tracks everything has ground to a halt. The Doctors are throwing everything at it, antibiotics,anti histamines,steroids but none of it has sorted this problem. So I just wondered if you've had any such problems. I've tried a few herbal things and the much lauded Vocalzone pastilles they help but I still get coughing. I just hope something can sort it......oh and I tried some of this vocal training so I wasn't straining my voice, still no solution.

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http://www.myspace.com/shambolic-charm

Do you smoke?sorry to ask such a personal question,I had a mate who sang like an angel but every time she sang in public she developed a cough,her larynx would tighten up so she couldn't sing very well,it was nerves,I never drink alcohol before I play for two reasons......the combination of nerves and ale makes me dehydrated and secondly the audience deserves the respect of me giving 100% I hate to see musicians pissed on stage BUT.....it took a long time to realise nerves can help you if you learn to channel them,it's the old fight or flight syndrome,fear and excitement are so close to each other.hope this helps mate

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now,then!

Thanks for the info, I don't smoke by the way. Thing is my singing voice is breaking down even at home. guess I'll have to harass my Doc until they send me to a specialist.

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http://www.myspace.com/shambolic-charm

Have you tried gargling with port? And spitting it out, not swallowing it! I had an actor friend that used to do that if his throat was sore or if he had a cough. I think perhaps that was just for colds and sore throats though. Perhaps it's time to see a specialist. Ask if your Dr will refer you.

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up the Owls

My voice went at the start of a 5 gigs in three days stint in Kilkenny a couple of years ago and I gargled brandy - didn't drink it - but it helped by warming up the vocal chords and got me through, apart from the higher notes...but they're always a bit dodgy anyway, so probably no-one noticed...

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http://www.nickbarberphotography.co.uk

I saw PIL a while back and John Lydon seemed to be gargling Brandy and spitting it out. That explains it!

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