This past weekend I had the pleasure of performing with an internationally known singer while coming down with one of the worst sinus infections I've had since high school (it's been almost ten years since I graduated), and this happened the day before the gig. I could say it was rotten timing, but I choose to look at it as a learning experience and as an opportunity to share some helpful tips on how to get through a gig when you are sick.
Let me just say, that although these are helpful tips, the most beneficial advice you can take is to cancel your show or gig, if you can. If you feel at any time, any pain or strain in your vocal chords, stop immediately. Singing when you are sick can potentially strain or damage your vocal chords even more than you would by just being sick.
That being said, if you absolutely have to take the gig, then here are some tips to help you get through:
1. Get plenty of sleep before and after the performance.
The quickest way for you to recover from sickness and stay healthy is to get a lot of sleep. People call it beauty sleep for a reason--sleep is your body's chance to heal.
2. Drink plenty of water and clear liquids.
Water flushes out all of the toxins in your body, lubricates your mouth and your throat, thins out mucus and gives you more energy. Herbal teas with lemon, honey, and ginger work really well too because they soothe and coat your throat.
3. Don't over-exert yourself during your gig.
This may seem obvious, but sometimes we get caught up in the moment, forgetting ourselves, forgetting all our preparation, and even the fact that we're feeling under the weather. Try to focus on other aspects of your performance--facial expressions, communication with the audience, and lyrical interpretation.
4. Try to rearrange your set list.
This tip is in conjunction with Tip#4. Try to rearrange and/or shorten your set or song list to make it easier on your voice and the rest of your body. The longer the set, the more time you will have to be standing, trying to focus on lyrics and music. Without making it more difficult on the other musicians in the band, try to change the keys of songs so they fit within your new (temporary) range so you don't have to work your voice as hard.
5. Take a hot, steamy shower before and after the gig.
The steam from a hot shower will clear out your sinuses, relieve sinus pressure and the cough, and most importantly, relax you. You should be free of all tension when you sing for your performance or gig, otherwise you will cause additional stress (on top of the stress you already have from being sick) from a closed throat.
You should become very familiar with your voice because not only is it your instrument, it is a part of your body. Only you know how well you can handle performing in not the best of conditions (cold weather or sickness). You may not feel like you need these tips. However, when I'm feeling under the weather, I take all the help I can get. I know how overwhelming it can feel to perform, let alone perform and be sick at the same time. The most important thing is to remember to have fun--you're singing after all.
Have any fun or interesting stories about times you have performed while being under the weather? How did that experience turn out?
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