Learning to Sing “Catch the Wind” by Donovan
The song “Catch the Wind” by Donovan is a folk music classic that features a unique vocal technique: the delicate balance between the chest voice and the head voice, also known as the mixed voice. This technique is used in many popular songs, but Donovan’s subtle execution in this song makes it a great practice piece.
Before attempting any song, it is always helpful to determine your vocal range to ensure the song is within your vocal abilities. Understanding and classifying your voice type can significantly aid this process.
In “Catch the Wind”, Donovan smoothly transitions from segment to segment using his chest voice (lower range) and head voice (higher range), displaying quite a bit of vocal range. This blend between chest and head voice is commonly known as the mixed voice. You can learn more about it here. To hone this technique, start with Mixed Voice exercises.
Articulation is another technique used in this song. Donovan’s words flow like fluid, improving the narrative quality of the song. A great way to develop this skill is through the Finger Bite exercise which improves the clarity of words while singing. You can learn more about articulation here.
Lastly, the emotion in Donovan’s voice is palpable – the sense of longing he conveys is what makes this song so beautiful. To tap into this aspect of singing, it can be helpful to learn more about incorporating emotion and intuition into your performance.
Taking the time to analyze the vocal techniques used in a song can deeply enhance your experience of singing it. Make use of our search tool to find other songs that match your vocal range and feature these techniques. This will help you practice and apply what you’ve learned and find your unique voice within the song.
Happy singing!