Singing Guide: Band Aid

Singing Guide: Band Aid

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

The 1984 charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid is one of the most significant songs in the history of UK pop music. This smash hit, for which various UK musicians came together to record, was released for humanitarian purpose to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.

This song features vocals from superstars like Bono, George Michael, Sting, and Boy George, among others, who all gave stellar performances, which contributed to the massive success of the track. The song has a unifying power, bringing emotional catharsis to the masses.

If you’re looking to emulate these famous singers, there are a few things to take into consideration. Vocal control is paramount, as well as the ability to use the entire range of your voice. In this article we will delve deeper and guide you through the process with tips on how to master the techniques of the Band Aid singers, as well as recommend the best Singing Carrots resources to help.

Vocal Range

Before you start to emulate any artist, it is essential to know your own vocal range. Take the Vocal range test on the Singing Carrots platform to determine which notes you can hit comfortably and which ones may require some work.

Articulation

In a song that is as influential as “Do They Know It’s Christmas”, clear articulation is critical so that the message of the lyrics is not lost. To fine-tune the way you articulate, check out the Singing Carrots article on Articulation.

Voice Control

The need to control your vocal power cannot be overstated while singing a song that features powerful belts and emotive passages. This Voice registers & vocal break Singing Carrots article is a great read if you're interested in mastering this technique.

Warm up Technique

Warming up your voice is necessary to prepare it for the vigorous singing involved in covering “Do They Know It’s Christmas”. To focus on your diaphragm—a crucial technique for this song that requires a lot of deep breaths—check out the Farinelli Breathing video on the Singing Carrots platform.

Breathing Basics

Breathing in and out correctly is essential, and you will need to know the difference between passive and active breathing. For more precise details on this technique see the Breathing basics Singing Carrots article.

Musical Emotion

The Band Aid singers conveyed such powerful emotions through this track. To enhance your vocal expression, especially passion, we recommend the Singing Carrots article on Singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking.

Tips for Effective Learning

To learn the lyrics and melody of this iconic song effectively, see the How to learn a song effectively Singing Carrots article.

Conclusion

When you try to emulate the Band Aid sound, remember that the most important thing is to have fun while doing it. Dedicate yourself to the practice, implement these techniques and use the Singing Carrots resources we’ve recommended, and you'll be able to capture the Band Aid vocal style in no time.

Learn more about this artist vocal range, voice type and repertoire.