Singing Guide: Fine Young Cannibals
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Fine Young Cannibals was an English band of the late 1980s and early 90s, featuring lead singer Roland Gift, bassist David Steele, and guitarist Andy Cox. They blended elements of Motown, soul, and rock to create a unique sound that garnered them significant commercial success.
Roland Gift's smooth, bold voice is the hallmark of the Fine Young Cannibals sound. He possesses a wide vocal range and has a knack for infusing emotion into his performances. If you're interested in learning to sing like Gift, there are a few techniques to keep in mind.
- Work on your falsetto. Gift often employs his falsetto to reach high notes in his songs. Practice hitting and holding high notes in your falsetto, starting with more simple melodies and working up to more complex runs.
- Develop your vibrato. Vibrato refers to the slight, rhythmic variation in pitch that gives a voice character and emotion. Gift's vibrato is a signature part of his sound, so it's worth practicing to emulate it.
- Work on your breath support. Gift has strong breath control, which allows him to create powerful notes and runs. Focus on breathing from your diaphragm and keeping a constant stream of air flowing while you sing.
To practice these techniques, Singing Carrots offers a wide range of resources. The vocal range test can help you determine what range you're most comfortable in. The pitch accuracy test is great for refining your pitch and vibrato, while the vocal pitch monitor and pitch training app can help you practice hitting and holding high notes.
When it comes to singing like Roland Gift, there are a few key songs to focus on. Try "She Drives Me Crazy", which features Gift's iconic high notes, or "Good Thing", which showcases his emotive vocal style. Additionally, "Ever Fallen in Love" is a great showcase of his falsetto.
Finally, Singing Carrots' educational singing course can provide you with a solid foundation in the techniques of singing. Start with the breathing basics article and work through the course step by step. By focusing on falsetto, vibrato, and breath control, you'll be well on your way to singing like Roland Gift in no time.