Sunday, December 30, 2012

Letter to Julia 20121231

In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

Happy New Year, Julia!  My love, my beauty, my flower!  How are you feeling?  God knows what kind of a looney year it will be for our love.  Please be cool, stay confident and optimistic, and know that you are my girl, you have my love, and my commitment for marriage.

Singing well is not easy.  Because the human body is the instrument, and if there's something wrong with the body, then there will be something wrong with the instrument.  When I voice train, I usually sing for 2 hours straight without break.  I might be able to go for another hour, God willing.  Then there are emotions to consider as well.  Back when I was in the band with Andre and Terry, we would never rehearse on the day we have to gig.  This was Andre's philosophy, and I agree with that today, now that I'm primarily a singer.  Since I work for stamina among other goals when I rehearse daily, then at night my singing voice doesn't function properly due to exhaustion.  I need a full night's sleep to "reset my system", in order to sing properly at the same time the next day.  For example, if I so happen to have to sing at some hotel restaurant from 8 to 11pm this coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I would not rehearse at my usual time on those days, and I would do 3 x 40 minute sets.  And I would not leave my house until after I pray the Maghrib prayer.