Singing Guide: Fairport Convention
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you're interested in learning to sing like Fairport Convention, then there are several things to consider. The band's unique sound was characterized by the interplay of their voices, with each member bringing something different to the mix. This means that if you want to emulate their style, you need to pay attention to things like harmonizing, blending your voice with others, and creating a sense of space in your singing.
One of the keys to the Fairport Convention sound is their use of vocal harmony. In many of their songs, the different members of the band take turns singing lead, with the others providing backup vocals. If you want to learn to sing like them, you'll need to work on your ability to harmonize with others. This involves being able to hear different parts and singing along with them, either by following a particular melodic line or by adding your own harmonies on top.
Another key to the Fairport Convention sound is their ability to blend their voices together. This requires a sense of timing and rhythm, as well as an awareness of the other singers around you. You'll need to experiment with different ways of blending your voice with others, whether that means adding vibrato, modifying your tone, or adjusting your placement in the mix.
Finally, creating a sense of space in your singing is essential for capturing the Fairport Convention vibe. This means being able to control your voice and dynamics, as well as understanding how to use effects like reverb to enhance the mood of a particular song.
If you're looking for practical advice on how to develop these skills, there are a number of resources available on Singing Carrots. For example, you might want to start by taking the vocal range test to get a sense of your own vocal abilities. From there, you could explore some of the articles and exercises related to vocal harmony, blending, and creating space.
In terms of specific techniques to work on, you might start by practicing different ways of harmonizing with others. You could also experiment with different mic techniques to see how you can manipulate your voice and blend it with others in different ways. And of course, you'll want to spend plenty of time singing along to Fairport Convention songs, paying close attention to how they use their voices to create their unique sound.
Overall, if you're looking to learn to sing like Fairport Convention, it will take time and practice. But with the right mindset and resources, you can develop the skills you need to capture their unique vibe and create your own version of their sound.