Learning to Sing “Oily Water” by Blur
Blur’s “Oily Water” features a unique vocal technique known as vocal distortion. Vocal distortion is a technique used in many other popular songs like “Given Up” by Linkin Park and “Show Me How to Live” by Audioslave. It gives the voice a gritty, raw, and powerful feel.
To sing “Oily Water” effectively, it’s essential to understand vocal distortion. It’s all about manipulating different parts of your vocal apparatus – mainly the larynx, false vocal folds and arytenoid cartilage. Start by warming up with a vocal range test to ensure you’re working within your comfortable limits.
To practice vocal distortion, prioritize proper breath support and an open mouth and throat. It can be a demanding technique, so protecting your vocal health is crucial – consider using the tips found here. Follow the techniques in this guide to help you master vocal distortion.
Once you are comfortable with using vocal distortion, use Singing Carrots’ song search tool to find other songs that also employ this technique, and expand your repertoire. Remember, singing should always feel comfortable. If it feels tight or painful, stop and reassess your technique.
“Oily Water” also demands a solid understanding of your vocal range. The song fluctuates between different pitches quickly, making it important to master the transitions. The song resides mostly in lower vocal register, so practicing transitions from chest to head voice may be beneficial. Check out this guide to hone your technique.
The technique of changing quickly between vocal registers is used in numerous songs, including “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen and “Somebody Told Me” by The Killers. Exploring such songs can also help you improve your vocal agility.
Lastly, bear in mind that each singer’s voice is distinctive. It’s essential to find your own unique voice while trying to learn a song. Be patient with the learning process and most importantly, enjoy the journey!