Songs are stories put to music. When we learn a new song it is important to learn it technically, note for note, and how to navigate it properly. But, it is equally important to think about the story within the song. Doing so will breathe life, confidence and emotion into them. Even if you are the songwriter, experimenting with the following suggestions can help make your songs really sing. To make the most of these exercises record yourself so you can note the differences and incorporate any worthy discoveries.
1. Speak Your Songs
Take your songs and read the lyrics aloud, out of tempo, as you would a story or letter. Remember how it feels and sounds as you speak each sentence. Now “speak” your song on pitch. This exercise will help the muscles around the larynx relax as we encourage the brain to focus on speaking, not “singing”. This helps the vocal cords maintain their connection and manages your airflow. Both effects lead to a stronger more confident sound.
2. Emotional Intention
Listen to the lyrics of your songs. What is the song about? Who is the song directed at? What is the songwriter trying to get across to the listener? Where do the emotions change? Knowing the answers to these questions is important in order to convey the story. Unlike the written word, a song has music to support the lyrics so take your cues from the instrumentation as well. Take a song and type out a lyric sheet. Read through it and write out the answers to the above questions on it. Then sing through the song incorporating all this emotional information. Does the song resonate with you more? If so, that will be felt by your listeners.
Exercise: Playing with Your Emotions
Now for fun, change it up. If it is a sad song, try singing it happy. And vice versa for a happy song, try singing through it as if you were sad. Try singing your songs with these intentions: sad, happy, angry, flirtatious, commanding, excited, etc… How does playing with the emotions change the songs impact? You may discover a new energy to the song you never realized was there. Watch yourself in the mirror and record yourself.
3. Phrasing
Sometimes a singer can get caught up in the structure of the notes. It is important to follow the basic melody line, but don’t be afraid to play within it. Take your song and read the lyrics aloud again. Where are the natural inflections? What words did you emphasize? The English language has its own rhythms, so note them by recording yourself. Speak each phrase and then try to incorporate the pattern into the sung line. Experiment in your practice sessions with changing it up.
4. Word Modifications
The phonetics of any given word is not always the same from the written to the spoken in the English language. Often, when we sing songs, we sing the words the way they are written, not the way we would actually speak them. Go through the lyrics in your songs, phrase by phrase, and be sure you are singing the words as you would speak them. This can make a huge impact on the emotional connection of a song. For example: we would say the word “to-day” as “t’day” or the word “hea-ven” as “hea-vin”. In general, pronounce “ion” endings as in the word “solution”, as “shin” instead of “shun”.
5. Articulation
I know some artists have had no problem making it big as mumblers, but generally speaking your listener will tune-in emotionally if s/he can understand what you are saying. By articulation I do not mean you have to sound prim-and-proper, but rather just bring attention to the consonants in the words you are singing. Start by speaking through the lyrics of your song, exaggerating each consonant. Imagine you are instructing a young child on how to say each word properly. Then sing through your song maintaining the same exaggeration. Finally, sing through the song again “normally”. This exercise will help bring more structure to the words, making the lyrics more understandable. When the listener can understand the lyrics the emotional story of the song begins to unfold. Record yourself, before and after.
Take the time to dissect your songs and get to know them better. Doing so will open the door to creating a stronger connection with your listeners and will help rejuvenate stale material you have tired of. The discoveries you will make doing these suggestions will go a long way in making your songs sing!
By Tammy Frederick
Vocal Teacher | Coach | Author
Tammy Frederick is a passionate vocal teacher and coach with 23+ years of experience helping singers of all levels strengthen their voices and maintain vocal health. With a deep understanding of vocal anatomy and a holistic approach to voice training, Tammy is committed to helping you achieve your fullest vocal potential.
Comments ()