Singing Guide: Allison Moorer
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Allison Moorer is a singer-songwriter known for her roots in country music. She has a distinctive, emotive voice that conveys the pain and heartache of her lyrics with a raw power. In this article, we will explore some of the unique techniques that set her voice apart from others, along with some practical tips and Singing Carrots resources to help you learn to sing like her.
Voice Technique
Moorer's voice is characterized by a rich, resonant tone that exudes a sense of grit and gravitas. One of the keys to her sound is her approach to breath control. Moorer uses a technique called "supportive breathing," which involves using the diaphragm and other muscles to control the flow of air through the vocal cords. This allows her to sustain notes for longer periods, add more texture to her sound, and produce a richer, fuller tone.
Another important aspect of Moorer's technique is her use of vibrato. Vibrato refers to the rapid, slight fluctuations in pitch that singers use to add warmth and depth to their voice. Moorer's vibrato is distinctive in that it is not overly pronounced - instead, it provides just enough nuance to give her voice a sense of emotional depth and vulnerability.
Songs to showcase her techniques
Moorer's discography is full of songs that showcase her unique voice and delivery. Here are a few examples to help you get a sense of her style:
- "A Soft Place to Fall" - This haunting ballad features Moorer's voice at its most plaintive and vulnerable. The slow tempo allows her to stretch out notes and add extra emphasis to the lyrics, all while using her breath control to maintain a steady, measured pace.
- "Send Down an Angel" - In contrast to the introspective "A Soft Place to Fall," this track features Moorer's voice soaring over a rollicking country-rock arrangement. Her vibrato adds extra texture to the song's catchy melodies, and her enunciation gives each word a sense of clarity and purpose.
- "The One He Loves the Most" - The mournful guitar and slow pacing of this song provide the perfect backdrop for Moorer's soulful voice. Once again, her breath control is on full display as she stretches out notes and adds subtle flourishes to the delivery.
Tips and Tricks
If you want to learn to sing like Allison Moorer, here are a few tips and Singing Carrots resources to help you along the way:
- Start by working on your breath control. Take deep breaths and practice exhaling slowly and steadily. You can use Singing Carrots' breath support article to guide you through the process.
- Experiment with vibrato by practicing sustained notes and adding in subtle variations in pitch. The "Singing with Vibrato" article provides more guidance and exercises.
- Listen closely to Allison Moorer's songs to get a sense of her unique phrasing and delivery. Try singing along to her tracks to practice your own interpretation.
- Use Singing Carrots' song search tool to find songs that match your vocal range and genre preference. This will help you find songs that are suitable for your voice and allow you to focus on learning the specific techniques that Moorer uses.
By focusing on these techniques, singing Moorer's songs, and utilizing the Singing Carrots resources highlighted in this article, you'll be well on your way to developing a voice that captures the essence of Allison Moorer's unique and emotive performances.