Singing Guide: Debbie Gibson
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Debbie Gibson is a beloved American singer, songwriter, and actress who first rose to prominence in the late 1980s. Known for her catchy pop hits and impressive vocal range, Gibson has remained a major player in the music industry for over three decades. If you're hoping to learn how to sing like Debbie Gibson, there are several key techniques and tips that you'll want to keep in mind. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at Gibson's unique vocal style and explore some of the most effective ways to emulate her singing.
Gibson's Vocal Technique
One of the first things to note about Gibson's singing is her impressive vocal range. With incredible control and power, Gibson is able to hit high notes effortlessly, and has a smooth tone throughout her range. This is due in part to her use of breath support, which is essential for achieving a strong, clear sound. In order to build breath support, it's important to practice regularly with exercises like the Farinelli breathing exercise.
Another key component of Gibson's singing style is her use of vibrato, a technique that involves fluctuating pitch to add depth and richness to each note. Gibson's vibrato is particularly strong, adding texture to her vocals and showcasing her impressive control. If you're hoping to master vibrato like Gibson, the Beggars Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce exercises are excellent starting points.
Gibson is also known for her masterful use of twang, a technique that creates a nasally, bright sound. While twang often gets a bad rap, it can actually be an incredibly versatile tool for singers - especially in pop music. The How to Twang exercise is a great way to get started with this technique.
Songs Showcasing Gibson's Style
In order to master the techniques that make Debbie Gibson's singing so unique, it's important to study her songs closely. Some of Gibson's most famous hits include "Foolish Beat," "Only in My Dreams," and "Shake Your Love." Each of these songs showcases different elements of Gibson's vocal style, from the soaring highs of "Foolish Beat" to the bouncy rhythms of "Shake Your Love."
As you practice singing Gibson's songs, pay close attention to the ways that she uses breath support, vibrato, and twang to create her signature style. Record yourself singing along to her tracks, and listen back to identify areas where you can improve.
Singing Carrots Resources
Singing Carrots is proud to offer a wide range of resources for singers looking to emulate Debbie Gibson's unique style. In addition to the Farinelli Breathing exercise and Beggars Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce exercises mentioned above, our platform also offers the How to Twang exercise, which is ideal for mastering Gibson's twang techniques.
Our vocal range test is an excellent starting point for those hoping to identify their personal range and compare it to Gibson's. For those looking to master Gibson's vibrato, the Singing with Vibrato article is a must-read, while the Pop/Jazz vs Classical Singing article offers valuable insights into the difference between singing styles.
Finally, the Performing article offers tips and tricks for those looking to perfect their live shows - something that Gibson has done masterfully throughout her decades-long career.
By combining Singing Carrots resources with close study of Gibson's unique vocal techniques and signature songs, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of singing like Debbie Gibson.