Singing Guide: Cry Baby: The Musical
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you're a fan of the musical "Cry Baby," you're probably familiar with the show's unique rockabilly soundtrack, which draws heavily from the rock-and-roll of the 1950s.
One of the most iconic aspects of the show, however, is the way its performers make use of their voices. Whether you're hoping to emulate the powerful, belting style of Lydia or the sweet, crooning sounds of Allison, there are a number of key elements to consider.
First and foremost, it's important to identify whether your voice is most comfortable in the lower, middle, or higher registers. If you're not sure where you fall on this spectrum, try taking Singing Carrots' vocal range test to get a better sense of your range.
Once you've identified your range, you'll want to work on developing your breath support so you can sing with greater power and control. Singing Carrots offers a number of great resources on this subject, including articles on basic breathing techniques and the difference between active and passive breathing.
From there, it's just a matter of practicing the specific vocal techniques used in Cry Baby. For example, a number of the show's female characters make use of a "heavy modal" vocal technique, which involves singing from the diaphragm and projecting with a lot of power. Many of the male characters, on the other hand, make use of a technique called "twang," which allows them to sing with a nasal, "country" sound.
Singing Carrots has a few exercises that can help you develop these techniques. For example, if you're interested in learning how to twang like Baldwin, the site offers a helpful video that walks you through the basics of this technique. There are also exercises available for growing and sustaining vibrato, for chest voice and voice register explains and developing a mixed voice, and for sustaining a vocal.
It's also important to consider the emotional aspects of Cry Baby's vocal performances. Because the show tells a story of young love and rebellion, the performers often need to convey a sense of intensity and passion in their singing. Singing Carrots offers teaching on how to perform with emotion, stage-fright management and performance tips that you may find useful.
Finally, practice makes perfect! One of the best ways to develop your singing skills is to practice regularly, so be sure to set aside time each day to work on your technique and learn new songs. Singing Carrots has a songbook feature where you can create a performance set by searching preferred songs that match your vocal range and skill level.
By following these tips and using Singing Carrots as a resource, you'll be well on your way to singing like the actors in Cry Baby: The Musical in no time!