How can the voice best be kept in shape, especially in the sense of not having to "clear the throat" mornings?

Question

I'm recording now, and putting together a demo CD with which I hope to get bar gigs. Keeping the voice clear is one problem. Developing good strong head register -- strong enough to yodel -- is another. Developing good low voice is a third.
Also, can anyone tell me the number of songs/sets you would do in an average bar gig?

Answer 1

I'm not a vocalist but I can offer some insight into the last question:

When my band plays bars we usually play 5 of our songs if there are bands playing after us.... if it is a one band deal or you are the headlining band, you would usually be expected to play somewhere between 5-10 songs... but it varies and you would want to check with the booking company in all cases.

Answer 2

you're going to run into trouble if you get your bar gigs: the smoke involved will get your immune system up and running to protect your vocal mechanism and you will be producing more mucous than ever. You might want to invest in a nose wash: it's like a small tea pot, and you actually flush out your nasal passages with it. ( Check with a pharmacist)
Drinking plenty of water during your sessions ( between songs) is also a good way to keep the level sown, as the water will help wash away any build-up. Please avoid fad tricks like drinking lemon juice straight or olive oil. lemon juice is an acid. It will strip away the mucous from the lining of your throat ( not your vocal cords) and leave the tissues open for damage. Olive oil will just add a slick, non-stick coating to what's already in there.
Nothing will get directly to your vocal cords- your body is built to protect this area- but water will help your body perform its own cleanup act without danger. Don't over-tank- your stomach, and later, your bladder will have something to say about it- but sips in between songs will keep you a bit freer from needing to constantly clear your throat.
Head register development depends on breath support and breath flow management. The higher you want to go the more energy and support you need from the middle of your body.
Yodeling is an actual flip-flop motion of the whole vocal apparatus, as it switches ( forcibly) from low gear to high.
It's a bit like going into third gear without going through second; it can be done, but the changeover is perceptible.
Finding strength in your low voice should actually be first on the list. Without a good solid middle voice, and then low voice, there is no basis for work on the high register.
Sounds to me like you need some singing lessons, and not just 3 or 4 but several months worth.....