Name: Kevin Wasmer
Location: Springfield, IL
Band: Enamel

How do you prepare/warmup to sing for a whole show?

I found a vocal warm-up routine by a Seattle vocal coach named Susan Carr who made a great DVD called “The Art of Screaming”. She taught Brent Hinds from Mastodon how to sing like that without losing his voice. Her routine lasts about 20-30 minutes which is great because that’s just how long my ride to Enamel’s rehearsal studio takes.

What is your drink of choice on a show night?

Water and more water. Sometimes I’ll get a 32oz Coke Zero from the Circle K, but then I’ll need to take a potty break halfway through the set so maybe that’s bad advice.

What’s your remedy when your voice is gone and the show is about to start?

Oh crap, I have a bunch of stuff I try. I’ll chew up a Tylenol gargle and swallow it. Tastes like an exhaust pipe but it goes right to work on the cords. Chug some (PURE) maple syrup or honey straight from the bottle. And never underestimate the coating effects of good old fashioned greasy food. I’m weird.

What singers inspire you?

Chris Cornell, Maynard Keenan and Serj Tankian will always blow me away with their power tempered by delicate dynamics. Lately, Tyler Joseph from Twenty One Pilots and Mike Kerr of Royal Blood are lighting a fire under my ass. But in my book, the world’s best vocalist is Bobby McFerrin. Hands down. Seriously. Go out and listen to his CD “Hush” with Yo-Yo Ma. It changed how I approach singing as an instrument.

What song has challenged you the most?

ANY cover song is a big challenge for me. I’m spoiled by getting to write my own parts in Enamel, but my memory is the worst (as my wife and my band mates), so to me learning another singer’s lines is like an obstacle course. I feel like a complete hack! If I had to pick one, it would have to be “Ave Maria”. Over the last 3 years, it’s been requested at the funerals for my mother, father-in-law and mother-in-law. Choking down tears and remembering Latin was rough, but I love my family. Nice way to end a questionnaire, huh? NIPPLES AND BEER EVERYONE!!! GO SEE FUN DMC!!