Learning to Sing “Cold Gin” by KISS
“Cold Gin” is an iconic song by KISS, featuring a gritty mix of power and control. The lead vocalist, Paul Stanley, implements a unique technique called “Growling” in his performance.
Understanding “Growling”
Growling is a vocal technique often used in rock and metal genres to give a ‘gritty’ or ‘raspy’ sound to the voice. It involves a certain level of vocal cord compression and distortion. To learn more about it, read our article about growling and vocal distortion. You can also practice with this Growling Exercise.
Before you dive into growling, make sure you’ve mastered the basics of good vocal health, as this technique can be hard on your vocal cords. Check out our article on vocal health for healthy singing habits.
Getting Your Voice Ready
Before singing “Cold Gin”, you need to get your voice warmed up. The song demands high-energy belting and growling, both of which require a well-prepared voice. Check out this warm-up exercise before you begin.
Pitch and Tone
“Cold Gin” requires strength and control of pitches. Use our Pitch Accuracy Test to understand where your natural pitch lies and how it compares to the pitches in the song. For better control of sung notes, use our Vocal Pitch Monitor.
Understanding the Song
“Cold Gin” isn’t only about powerful vocals – understanding the emotion and story behind the song is crucial. Remember, great artists sing with intuition, skills, emotion, and intellect. Our article on these four elements of singing can guide you on expressing the song authentically.
Other Songs with Growling
Many rock and metal songs utilize growling. AC/DC’s “Back in Black” and Guns N’ Roses’s “Welcome to the Jungle” are popular examples. Search for songs that match your vocal range, difficulty, genre preference, and include growling on our Song Search tool.
Final Advice
Start slowly and always warm up your voice before attempting to sing or growl. Understanding your voice, your breath, your registers, and your own authenticity as a singer are all key aspects of learning any song effectively, “Cold Gin” included