I've been self-recording a new record for a few weeks now. We were going strong initially, but then I got a cold and got pretty stopped up. I've been over the cold for a solid 2 weeks but am having a hard time kicking that last 20% of congestion. I still feel a bit crowded up there, and still have a bit of a weepy nose.

Any advice, studio tricks, or witchcraft which might be helpful in eliminating this problem? A temporary fix is fine--then I can record vocals and be done. I have read that dairy creates mucous and singers should limit intake or abstain. Sounds great, but I really never eat dairy. Maybe there's a tea or a steam treatment or something... I'm all ears.

When the allergies give me woe (as they do pretty much year-round) I steam myself open in the shower for 15 minutes or so.

You gotsta eat yr boogers.

Use Mucinex + Tons of water + the hot shower scene.

I'm not a singer but perhaps this will be some use...

I sometimes have problems with blocked eustation tubes and congestion (not good for a sound engineer), and steam baths are about the only thing the doctor's recommended that's worked long term.

Showers aren't usually hot enough for the steam thing to work in my experience. Pot of boiling water + towel over head + breathe in steam: not too close it burns you. Do this every day for about 10 minutes.

Otherwise, decongestant spray works for a quick fix, but fuck's you up worse if you use it every day.

Two words: Whis Key

burun wrote:When the allergies give me woe (as they do pretty much year-round) I steam myself open in the shower for 15 minutes or so.

Yeah, I do this sometimes.

I suspect it's as about as effective as the toilet paper I had been shoving in my ears (I do not do this anymore...thanks for the heads up, burun).

This shower method just isn't that effective...I say this as a serious singing type person (who often tries this remedy [so do with this advice what you will]).


I find that ultimately, how you sing...is mostly in your mind...and whether or not you've been smoking this or that too much.

Drinking tons of water is your best bet...and the shower remedy is worth a shot.

Be kind to your voice all year 'round and it will be kind to you.

Good luck,
P.J.

Dr. Venkman wrote:Two words: Whis Key

Getting liquored up can help your mind help your throat sing at its finest.

Don't get shitfaced, though (duh).

areo wrote:Maybe there's a tea or a steam treatment or something... I'm all ears.

Tea with chamomile has really helped me in the past.

That last 20% is a bitch. I really feel for you.

Suck off a Turk, works every time

Minotaur029 wrote:This shower method just isn't that effective...I say this as a serious singing type person (who often tries this remedy [so do with this advice what you will]).

well, I'm not a singer.

but most decongestents are ineffectual on me anyhow.

Get someone to wrap their lips around your nose and suck as hard as possible before a gig.