What is meant exactly, by having a 'raw' singing voice?

Question

I have recently undergone my first singing lesson. I was petrified, but came out of it very happy indeed. It was an odd experience; couldn't help but feel like I had accomplished something great. Almost the same feeling as coming off stage, never mind...

Anyway:

On the way out of the door, my teacher commented:

"I like how roar you voice is, we can use that", only I never asked her what she meant by that. Me personally, I have never heard that in that extent.

What does having a 'raw' voice mean?

Answer 1

A 'raw' voice is basically an unrefined voice, though I don't mean 'unrefined' in a pejorative sense. Rather it sounds like your voice isn't smooth, but has a sort of inherent grit to the tonality. I'm thinking of Joe Cocker's singing voice, with an inherent barky delivery that translates into power, pathos, aggression (etc) when singing.

Answer 2

It means whatever the teacher intended it to mean.

In some contexts a 'raw' voice might mean a strained one, even so far as indicating injury to the throat etc.

But in this context, that of a teacher giving encouragement, it might mean you possess the 'raw materials' of a voice. Un-refined, but a workable basis. That's good!

I suggest you don't over-analyse it!