Name: Tim Lacy
Location: Springfield, IL
Band: The Shunpikers

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

Typically, I pick the lowest note I can reach comfortably, and with the largest breath I can take, hum it for as long as I can hold it and repeat for around 20 minutes.(This warms up the muscles in the neck and throat, and expands the lungs, without taxing the vocal chords, much like an athlete stretches before a game.) On the day of the show, first thing in the morning, I will test my falsetto range, and if I can, I will get in a 2-3 mile run to open and expand my lungs. I always rely on proper singing technique, so I check all the my tools, chest falsetto, full voice, head voice and falsetto to see how limber I am.

What is your drink of choice on a show night?

Lots and lots of purified water, room temperature. Spring water still has mineral content, and will dry out the throat. I always carry my own water and never rely on what the venue provides. I will drink cocktails, mainly whiskey or vodka (no beer bloat and the alcohol will decrease excess phlegm), but water in huge amounts comparatively.

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

They are no special remedies for me aside from knowing what I can, and can’t do. If I am having trouble, or am sick, the technique of having multiple singing zones will save me. If one part of my voice is weak, then I use the other areas to get by. Learning to strengthen my falsetto, both chest and head, so there isn’t a huge difference in power and timbre, allows me to sound normal, even on a rough night. I often comment that “It took every trick I know…” to get through a rough night. Working out the passaggio is also vital to this technique, so you don’t have missing notes between full voice and falsetto.

What singers inspire you?

I am inspired by many singers. All of them have something to teach us. Jeff Buckley, Bono, Pat Monahan (Train), Mathew Bellamy (Muse), Freddie Mercury, Brad Delp, Steve Perry….the list would go on forever. I am a particular fan of singers that use all of their range, like Geoff Tate (Queensryche). Bono and Bowie are also great examples of rock singers who use their low register to great effect. Eddie Vedder, also.

What song has challenged you the most?

Hard question for me. I generally don’t ever give up on a song. I pride myself in accepting any challenge, given I have time to work it out. “Kiss”, by Prince was one that took time, any Aerosmith song due to Steven Tyler’s unique sound. AC/DC, with Brian Johnson, again because he sounds a certain way, that you have to mimic if you want the song to sound right. “Crazy on You”, by Heart was another rough one. “Pretender”, by Foo Fighters because it was a lot of screaming and was right in the middle of my passaggio. Couldn’t full throat it all, and couldn’t just use a scratched falsetto…had to jump back and forth between the two. But, part of the fun of singing, to me, is just that sort of challenge.