Singing Guide: Blonde
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Blonde, aka Frank Ocean, is one of the most innovative and refreshing voices in contemporary R&B. He rose to prominence with his unique sound, a blend of soul, hip-hop, and pop elements, and a voice that is both ethereal and raw. In this article, we will explore how to learn singing like Frank Ocean, his unique vocal technique, and songs that showcase it.
One of the most striking aspects of Frank Ocean's voice is his use of falsetto. His well-controlled falsetto can be heard in songs like "Thinkin Bout You," "Ivy," and "Self Control." Falsetto requires a lot of practice to master the proper technique, and Singing Carrots provides several tools to help you achieve this. The vocal range test can help you determine the range of your falsetto, and the pitch accuracy test can help you improve your intonation. You can also use the pitch training game to develop your falsetto range and agility.
Another notable feature of Frank Ocean's vocals is his use of vocal runs and riffs. Whether it's the cascading runs in "Pink + White" or the melismatic flourishes in "Provider," Frank's vocal runs add a layer of complexity and emotional depth to his songs. Singing Carrots' pitch training game can also assist with this. Practicing and developing your pitch accuracy and agility will help you to create similar vocal stylings.
Frank Ocean is also known for his emotive and highly expressive vocal style. He often uses a breathy, intimate tone in his singing that conveys vulnerability and raw emotion. To achieve this sound, it is essential to focus on breath support and control. Singing Carrots' articles on breathing basics and breath support can provide proper guidance.
Furthermore, articulation is an essential aspect of Frank Ocean's singing style. His use of articulation techniques like legato and staccato can be heard on tracks like "Super Rich Kids" and "Novacane." You can develop your articulation skills with Singing Carrots' article on articulation and "finger bite" exercise.
Finally, one of the critical elements of learning to sing like Frank Ocean is just being able to understand what is unique about his musical style. As you progress in your practicing, listen carefully to Frank Ocean's vocal tracks, and try to emulate his style. By using the Singing Carrots tools in combination with this more intuitive approach, you will eventually be able to develop a vocal style all your own, that captures some of the magic of Frank Ocean's unique sound.