Singing Guide: Fifty Million Frenchmen
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
In this article, we'll explore the unique vocal style of Cole Porter, using his show "Fifty Million Frenchmen" as an example. Porter's style is characterized by the use of clever wordplay and witty lyrics, as well as a distinctive use of syncopation and complex rhythms.
To learn to sing like Cole Porter, it's important to first analyze his lyrics. As we can see in songs like "You Do Something to Me" and "I Love Paris", Porter excels at using wordplay and clever rhymes. One tip for incorporating this style into your own singing is to practice writing your own lyrics, focusing on using unexpected and clever rhymes and phrases.
Another important element of Porter's vocal style is his use of syncopation. In songs like "You've Got That Thing" and "Let's Do It", Porter uses complex rhythms and off-beats to create a unique, jazzy feel. To learn to sing like Porter, try practicing with a metronome and focusing on emphasizing off-beats and syncopated rhythms.
Finally, when practicing Porter's songs, it's important to pay attention to the overall structure and pacing of the music. In "Fifty Million Frenchmen", for example, Porter uses a combination of upbeat, fast-paced songs and slower, more romantic ballads to create a varied and exciting overall experience. When practicing, try to capture the energy and pacing of Porter's music by varying your own tempo and intensity.
To aid in your quest to learn to sing like Cole Porter, be sure to take advantage of Singing Carrots' range of resources. Use the vocal range test to determine your own range and find songs that suit your voice, and take advantage of the pitch accuracy test to work on your own pitch control. Once you've found some songs to practice, utilize the vocal training exercises and warm-ups to improve your technique, and use the vocal pitch monitor to track your progress.
With these tips and resources, you'll be well on your way to mastering the unique vocal style of Cole Porter and singing his songs with confidence and finesse.