Singing is a balancing act, a dance between the forces of nature and artistic desires. There are universal laws which govern every aspect of singing, and the same is true for surfing. The difference is that singers have to make their own waves, and what we ride is emotion. Feelings rise and fall inside us creating surges of energy to be harnessed. Like surfers heading for the ocean, we performers drive to gigs or the studio hoping the swells will be plentiful. Sometimes, the waves are too big, causing beginners to lose control and wipe out. Calling up tears in a performance is one thing, crying is another. Tapping into anger certainly creates waves. But what good are huge swells if your board gets trashed on the very first run? Too often, though, itís a singerís lack of intimacy that reduces the power of the surf, making the songs safe and uneventful. It takes skill and courage to ride a big one and stay on your feet, and an equal amount of skill and courage to stir up placid waters.

Some people are good at making waves. What the rest of us have to remember is that a wave is a wave. You do not have to specifically feel anger, happiness, loneliness or love to express them in song. Any emotion will do, just feel something. Pain is often substituted as pleasure in films. Directors have been known to dig their fingernails into the feet of actresses to evoke passionate facial expressions during love scenes when, in reality, the woman canít stomach her co-star. In the same way, it is unreasonable to expect a singer to relive the emotions which inspired a song after performing it a thousand times. Once a wave has been created the dance begins. This is the point where singer and surfer alike utilize physical skills. Subtle, reflex muscles constantly adjust to changing conditions. It is impossible to think fast enough, the technique must be unconscious. Whatís important to note is that you are not controlling the wave, merely playing off its energy. Harness the momentum of an emotion and passion will swell during the verse of a song. Then, shoot the curl throughout the chorus. If the wave gets out of hand, pull back. If it loses steam, lean forward. With an adventurous spirit and good technique, you can take a song anywhere.

Mark Baxter is a vocal therapist who offers private and video lessons. His vocal studios are located in Boston, New York and Los Angeles. Clients include: Aerosmith, the Goo Goo Dolls, Van Halen, Jonny Lang, Tonic, Aimee Mann, Journey, American Hi-Fi, cast members of Rent and thousands more. His top-selling book, The Rock-N-Roll Singer’s Survival Manual, and video, The Singer’s Toolbox, are available on line or in stores nation wide. To contact: call 1(800) 659-6002, or visit www.voicelesson.com