Singing Guide: Blue Oyster Cult
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Blue Oyster Cult, originating from Long Island, New York, delivered an array of impressive music contributions over the years, mastering the art of hard rock, pop, and heavy metal. Lead singer Eric Bloom and guitarist Buck Dharma are the significant driving forces behind the band's sound. In this article, we will focus on how to learn singing like Eric Bloom, one of the most distinctive voices in rock music.
Eric Bloom's unique voice frequently emerges as more of a character or actor than a traditional singer. His lower range can sound menacing, while his high notes usually open the more melodic songs. Hence, to learn singing like him, you need to decipher his enigmatic and diverse sound. But don't worry, with Singing Carrots' tools and resources, we can help you become proficient in the art of rock singing!
Step 1: Vocal range test
Start by taking our vocal range test, performed and analyzed instantaneously on Singing Carrot's website. This test will determine your vocal range, comparing it to that of famous singers. It's an essential start because it will verify if Eric Bloom's range is attainable for your voice.
Step 2: Voice analysis
Next, analyze Eric Bloom's voice by listening to songs such as "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," "Godzilla," and "Burnin' for You." His vocal style can be described as a cross between a talkbox, growling, and outright singing. He also frequently utilizes vibrato and an energetic approach to his delivery.
Step 3: Pitch training
To learn to sing like Eric Bloom, pitch accuracy is crucial. Use Singing Carrot's pitch accuracy test and pitch training tools. Pitch training contains interactive vocal warm-ups, a pitch visualizer, and exercises for range and agility. It also has a guitar tuner mode that will help you reach the correct pitch for the song you want to practice.
Step 4: Song selection
Select a song that highlights Eric Bloom's unique vocal style, and Singing Carrots' song search function is yours to help. Look for songs that have elements of talk-singing, growling, and vibrato, which can be used to develop your technique, such as "Burnin' for You." Remember, not everything Bloom sings is attainable or suitable for your range, so choose carefully.
Step 5: Breath control and Resonance
Eric Bloom's voice's timbre owes much to his breathy approach to singing combined with his dense vocal placement. Therefore, breath control and resonance are crucial to singing like him. Learn from our resources such as breathing basics, breath support, and resonance in singing to improve the delivery of your vocalization.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, to learn singing like Eric Bloom, take the vocal range test, analyze his voice, do pitch training, selection of songs and work on breath control and resonance. Additional practical advice can be found in Singing Carrot's articles on singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking, heavy modal, Twang, and belting techniques, and singing with vibrato. Use the Skill-related videos to refine and develop your delivery. Use Singing Carrots' tools and resources to enhance your skills, and who knows how successful you could be!