Singing journey: Big Red Machine

How Big Red Machine's Unique Sound Can Inspire Your Singing Journey

Big Red Machine, a collaboration between Aaron Dessner, known for his role in The National, and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver fame, has captured the hearts of indie and folk fans alike. Their sound, a blend of electronic, folk, and experimental elements, raises curiosity about their musical journey and vocal training.

Justin Vernon, with his iconic falsetto and raw vocal emotion, did not follow a traditional musical training path. Much of his signature sound developed through self-exploration and experimentation. Similarly, Aaron Dessner's background, though classically trained in guitar, found his voice in the indie scene primarily through trial and error alongside bandmates.

Singing Lessons and Coaches

While there’s no public record of specific singing lessons or coaches for Vernon and Dessner, their trajectory demonstrates the power of self-teaching coupled with passion. For aspiring singers, this highlights an essential truth: the path to finding one’s voice can be unconventional.

Achieving A Similar Sound

To mimic the ethereal quality of Big Red Machine's vocals, focusing on emotion and experimentation is key. Here are some steps and resources from Singing Carrots to help you on your journey:

• Master your falsetto. Understand the mechanics of your voice registers and experiment with the upper limits of your range.
• Embrace vocal effects. Both Vernon and Dessner use technology to enhance their sound. Experiment with software that can modulate and layer your vocals for a richer sound.
• Utilize the Vocal range test to discover songs that fit your voice, and use the Pitch Training tool to refine your pitch accuracy.
• Authenticity is key. Read on how to find your own authentic voice, and remember that emotion and personal expression should drive your singing.

Final Thoughts

While Big Red Machine’s members may not have followed traditional routes in terms of singing lessons or coaches, their music serves as a testament to the fact that innovative sounds can come from anywhere. With dedication, experimentation, and the right resources, you can embark on a similar journey to discover and refine your unique voice.

Explore more tips and tools on Singing Carrots to guide your singing practice and keep pushing the boundaries of your vocal abilities.