Singing Guide: Aerosmith & Run-D.M.C.
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C's groundbreaking collaboration in 1986 on “Walk This Way” is a timeless classic rock/hip-hop crossover that to this day remains an inspiration for rockers and rappers alike in their efforts to cross-pollinate sounds.
Steven Tyler’s explosive rock vocals and D.M.C and Run’s electrical MC-styles paired with the track's signature hook make "Walk This Way" a song that many singers dream of performing. To learn singing like Steven Tyler, you need to focus on employing his unique ad-libbing scat vocals combined with his high energy and vibrant personality. Learning how to hit Tyler's signature high notes, how to distort your voice while still keeping on pitch, and how to incorporate the bluesy inflections of Tyler's voice, will take you a long way towards emulating his style.
If you're looking to improve your rock and hip-hop singing techniques, Singing Carrots has some resources you can leverage on. Begin with a vocal range test to determine your vocal range. From there, you can check out the search songs by vocal range feature to find lyrics and sheet music for songs that you can perform in your range as well as check out the vocal ranges of famous singers feature so you can compare your range to that of Steven Tyler.
To perfect Tyler's voice techniques, enroll in the educational singing course that contains essential information about the basics of breathing techniques, voice registers and breaks, and articulation. Additionally, the course features lessons on pop/jazz vs classical singing as well as the contemporary vocal techniques such as heavy modal, twang, and belting. You can also find lessons on Vocal Health and how to find your own authentic voice.
Once you’ve gained some solid experience, you can move on to more challenging areas of Tyler's craft, such as how to perform with stage presence, how to overcome stage fright, and how posture affects your singing. In addition to articles about specific topics, Singing Carrots has some skill-related videos that can help to hone your technique.
To round off your learning experience, try Practical exercises that focus on onsets and offsets, as well as Sustain Vocal and Humming exercises. And, if you’re looking to have some fun with like-minded people while developing your skills, then try out the pitch training game.
With patience, you can develop a powerful voice and the ability to replicate Steven Tyler's signature style, which is a blend of rock 'n' roll and hip-hop, always energetic, expressive and fun.