Fingerpicker Yes it is fairly common to hear performers singing off key. I always assume that they either cannot hear the instruments or themselves. The worst is when the lead singer drifts, do you drift with them retaining the interval, or stay with the instruments There's some really good advice and commentary above. I find that monitors really throw me off the rails if not set up properly. I find myself flatting out , knowing I'm doing it, but unable to stop doing it. I then ask for the monitors to be taken right down and concentrate on the FOH speakers more. Usually works. Have to project more. Since I retired 3 years ago, my singing quality has also declined. I think that it is due to the fact that I no longer drive to work. While driving I used to practice my melodies/harmonies at FULL VOLUME (me, not the CD player) , That was 40 mins AM and 40 mins PM. I would sing with a static jaw when stopped at traffic lights so that I wouldn't get strange looks from people in cars, trucks and taxis next to me. I now sing much quieter (at home) so that the maid won't think I'm in some sort of distress, and don't think I use nearly as much air.
Bob-Dubery Fingerpicker wrote I now sing much quieter (at home) so that the maid won't think I'm in some sort of distress, and don't think I use nearly as much air. WHich is why bathrooms were invented.
