Singing Guide: American Psycho: The Musical
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
American Psycho, originally a novel by Bret Easton Ellis, was adapted for the screen in 2000, followed by an off-Broadway musical in 2013 directed by Rupert Goold. The musical adaptation, composed by Duncan Sheik, expands the story of Patrick Bateman, the disturbed protagonist who kills without reason.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the musical is its music, a blend of 80s synth-pop and rock that captures the dark and nihilistic essence of the story. To learn how to sing like Patrick Bateman, start by listening to the original Broadway cast recording on Spotify, YouTube, or another streaming service. Pay particular attention to the songs where the character's psyche is most revealed, like "Selling Out" and "Killing Time."
Bateman's voice is notably clean and sharp, reflecting his superficial nature. Practice keeping your vocal placement forward and engaging your core muscles to achieve a more precise and focused sound. You can also use Singing Carrots' vocal range test to determine if you have a similar range to the actor who played Bateman on Broadway, Benjamin Walker.
In terms of technique, Bateman's singing style is quite straightforward and easy to master with the right training. Use Singing Carrots' pitch accuracy test to improve your intonation, and the vocal pitch monitor to track your progress. For warm-up exercises, try the "Farinelli Breathing" video and the "3 Minute Warm Up" video provided in the resources.
Overall, American Psycho: The Musical is a challenging and rewarding show to sing along to. By studying Bateman's character and style, and using the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you can hone your vocal skills and discover new range in your voice.