A vocal effect is added to the voice to create an extra emotion or feeling. In Complete Vocal Technique we have 10 vocal effects, a lot of which can be mixed and matched. We have – Distortion, Rattle, Grunt, Growl, Screams, Creak and Creaking, Adding air, Vibrato, Ornamentation, Vocal Breaks (runs of notes) Vocal effects are usually an important part of a singing career.
Here are some examples –
* Distortion
Janis Joplin – Piece of My Heart
* Creak
Britney Spears – Baby One More Time
* Growl
Louis Armstrong – Fly Me To The Moon
* Rattle
Etta James – Somethings Got a Hold On Me (010 seconds)
* Vibrato (Laryngeal Vibrato)
Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You
* Ornamentation/Rapid Runs
Chris Stapleton – Tennesee Whiskey (1.14)
* Screams
James Brown – I Feel Good
* Added Air
Billie Eillish – Bad Guy
* Intentional Vocal Breaks (1.44 seconds)
Cranberries – Zombie
* Grunt
Arch Enemy – Reason To Believe (1.10 seconds)
These effects must sound spontaneous as if the singer is making an emotional outcry.
All effects must be based on the overall principles of singing to ensure a healthy technique. Many singers have strained their voices using these effects incorrectly.
As a Complete Vocal Technique teacher it’s my job to know the anatomy of these effects and to teach the dos and don’ts. A professional singer should be able to repeat these effects night after night.
How are the vocal effects made?
The vocal effects are made in the vocal tract and we can split the vocal tract into areas to see where each effect is made. I’ll be guiding you through the anatomy at my Vocal Workshops and pin pointing where each effect is made and how (See workshops for availability)
How do you learn vocal effects?
The training of these effects must mean that as the singer you can choose exactly where to place the effect and for how long. You should learn to switch them on and off with control.
Vocal effects are advanced technique so the singing technique underneath must be healthy. Effects take 30% more energy to make so it’s also important to connect with the correct energy – like an athlete 💪🏻
Adding a vocal effect must have purpose and must be relevant to the song and expression. And it must sound authentic.
Vocal effects are used across genres. The rough effects maybe found more in rock, pop, blues and metal etc. And the soft effects in Jazz, r&b, pop, and classical etc.
For more information on Vocal Effects join me on one of my workshops, or book a one to one with me – https://www.freeyourvoicehub.com/workshops/