Sing kareoke. I don't know if it will improve your singing but it will certainly remove any shame you might have about your voice. Trust me, I'm in NZ's premiere kareoke group!

It'd probably be wise to get some lessons if you or your folks can afford it. Doesn't have to be long term - I only did it for 6 months or so - but they give you heaps of basic tips and get you comfortable with your voice (especially in a group lesson, which are, incidentally, cheaper).

Once you know a bit more, sing as much as you can. Lots of different genres of music too. Make sure you're actually in tune - start out by cranking the stereo and progressively turn it down so you are the dominant voice.

I think you'll find that no matter what kind of music you're singing, the warmup techniques will be very similar. Odds are that Damian uses voice warmups that Bic Runga uses. Don't reject anything just cos it doesn't seem like your style - it's far better to get up there and be fully warmed up.

your voice definately gets stronger the more you use it, I think recording yourself is really good to give you an idea of where your weak points are,

warm up with songs that are easy to sing and then extend yourself with something a bit harder. Vocal coaches will teach you scales, breathing techniques and all that sort of stuff, but there are things you can practise on your own,

its weird how different it is to sing without music, sing at practise and then sing at a live show, all really different I think, I guess thats all the variables of the equipment, room, sound guy, state of mind etc etc

.. gee I should take my own advice!

you do less damage the better warmed up you are and the more you use your diaphram, taking the pressure off your throat/vocal chords.

heh heh heh. i talked to a sound dude who did a blindspott gig once. ive heard all damien's growls and screams are pre-recorded! ;-)

Thanks for the tips guys and gals. Sorry i havent been on here in a while i've bin bloody busy.
Ha ha that cracks me up that damiens growls and screams are pre recorded, but when u listen to the album you can kinda tell it'd b hard to sing and do the screaming he does...?
Is it true that your voice sounds different to yourself than it does to others??
Also whats some things NOT to do before singing, like wot foods and drinks not to have etc
And some more tips and stuff are very welcome too..
Thanks for ure help so far its been good.

P.S. [Freak] - you've never heard your voice recorded and played back? Everyone tells you that's how you actually sound, but damned if it makes you sound anything like you think you do - it's a very weird experience the first time....try it!