Singing journey: Was (Not Was)
Singing lessons, teachers, coaches & vocal technique uncovered
Emerging from the eclectic Detroit music scene in the late 1970s, Was (Not Was) stands as a unique blend of funk, jazz, pop, and rock music, marked by their experimental approach and ironic lyrics. While there's limited public information on whether the core members, David Weiss (David Was) and Don Fagenson (Don Was), received formal singing lessons or who their singing coaches might have been, their success story provides several insights into how creativity, experimentation, and collaboration can significantly shape one's singing and musical journey.
To achieve a vocal style as distinctive as Was (Not Was)'s, it's crucial to understand your voice type and work on your voice registers. These foundational steps ensure you're using your voice efficiently, whether you're navigating the smooth grooves of funk or the emotive expressions in jazz vocals.
For singers aspiring to mirror the versatility found in Was (Not Was)'s music, exploring different vocal techniques used across genres is key. Incorporating exercises for Twang, Growling, and Vibrato into your training can add unique textures to your singing, akin to the varied soundscapes Was (Not Was) created.
Developing pitch accuracy, a must-have for any singer, can be honed with tools like the Pitch accuracy test. Moreover, analyzing and matching the vocal ranges of famous singers through the Vocal ranges of famous singers resource can provide a benchmark for aspiring artists.
Was (Not Was)'s ability to blend talking and singing, as well as their use of satire and storytelling, highlights the importance of articulation and lyrical interpretation. Engaging with resources that focus on learning songs effectively can improve your skills in these areas.
Finally, since collaboration played a significant role in Was (Not Was)'s music, working with others can provide fresh insights and growth opportunities. While the band may not have followed traditional routes in developing their singing technique, today's singers have a plethora of resources at their fingertips, such as educational singing courses and pitch training tools, to cultivate their skills.
Embracing the spirit of experimentation and continuous learning that characterized Was (Not Was)'s approach to music can inspire both current and aspiring singers to find their unique voice and pursue their musical passions.