Learning to Sing Sublime’s “Doin’ Time”
In this article, we will explore how to learn and sing Sublime’s popular song “Doin’ Time.” This song, known for its unique blend of reggae, hip-hop, and alternative rock, presents a great opportunity to showcase your vocal skills and explore different vocal techniques.
Vocal Technique: Mixing Genres
Doin’ Time incorporates elements from various genres, making it an interesting vocal challenge. The song requires a versatile approach to capture the different styles. To master this song, it’s essential to understand and practice the following techniques:
- Reggae style: Sublime’s music is strongly influenced by reggae, so it’s important to capture the laid-back, rhythmic feel of the genre. Focus on achieving a smooth and relaxed vocal delivery, emphasizing the off-beats and adding subtle vocal embellishments.
- Hip-Hop style: Certain parts of the song have a hip-hop vibe with fast-paced lyrics and intricate rhythms. Practice your diction and rhythmic accuracy to bring out the rap-like elements of the song.
- Alternative rock style: Sublime’s unique sound also includes elements of alternative rock. Pay attention to the high-energy moments in the song and explore your vocal power and intensity.
By mastering these vocal techniques, you’ll be able to capture the essence of “Doin’ Time” and showcase your versatility as a singer.
Practical Tips to Learn the Song
Here are some practical tips and resources to help you learn and excel at singing “Doin’ Time”:
- Start with Vocal Analysis: Before diving into the song, it’s crucial to analyze your voice and determine your vocal range. Use Singing Carrots’ Vocal Range Test to understand your voice better.
- Listen and Observe: Spend some time listening to the song and paying attention to Sublime’s vocal style and delivery. Notice the nuances in their performance, including their unique phrasing, timing, and use of vocal technique.
- Warm up Your Voice: Start your practice session with a vocal warm-up routine to prepare your voice. Singing Carrots’ Pitch Training exercises can help you warm up and improve your pitch accuracy.
- Break Down the Song: Divide the song into smaller sections and work on them individually. This approach will help you tackle challenging sections and gradually piece the song together.
- Focus on Technique: Pay attention to the specific vocal techniques required for different sections of the song. Use Singing Carrots’ relevant articles to improve your understanding of techniques such as belting, vocal distortion, and vibrato.
- Use Vocal Exercises: Singing Carrots offers a range of vocal exercises that can help you develop your vocal skills, including specific exercises for Twang, Growling, Vibrato, and more. Incorporate these exercises into your practice routine.
Other Songs with Similar Techniques
Learning “Doin’ Time” can also expand your repertoire and enable you to apply similar vocal techniques to other popular songs. Here are a few examples:
- Sublime – Santeria
- Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved
- Beck – Loser
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under The Bridge