Singing Guide: Cookie & The Cupcakes
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Cookie & The Cupcakes were a popular R&B group in the 1950s and 60s, known for their high-energy performances and signature sound that blended Cajun and New Orleans influenced music with rhythm and blues. Led by lead singer, Huey "Cookie" Thierry, the band had a unique vocal technique that distinguished them from their contemporaries.
To learn how to sing like Cookie & The Cupcakes, it's essential to study the group's music, particularly their hit songs, "Mathilda" and "Got You On My Mind." These songs have upbeat melodies, catchy lyrics, and showcase the band's signature vocal harmonies.
To master Cookie's vocal technique, it's essential to identify and understand the different registers of your voice, including the chest voice, mixed voice, and head voice. Vocal warm-ups are integral to conditioning and developing your voice, and Singing Carrots' Farinelli Breathing exercise is an excellent place to start. This exercise improves breath control while encouraging deeper breaths for improved singing.
One of Cookie's signature techniques was heavy modal singing, which emphasized a more full-throated and intense tonality. The Singing Carrots resource, Contemporary Vocal Techniques, provides further information on other vocal techniques like Twang, Belting, and vocal distortion. Combine your new knowledge with the practice and the breathing exercises, and you will start to get a sense of what it feels like to sing like Cookie.
Remember: a great singer connects with emotion and performs from a place of authenticity, not just technical skill. Cookie & The Cupcakes often conveyed pure emotion through their powerful vocal performance. Therefore, it's crucial to find your authentic voice and develop a mindset that sets you at ease before stepping on stage.
In conclusion, to learn to sing like Cookie & The Cupcakes, start by practicing vocal techniques, studying their signature sound, and performing with an authentic emotional connection. Use Singing Carrots' pitch training tools to monitor your progress and keep improving. Good luck!