Singing Guide: HAL
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you're interested in learning how to sing like HAL from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, you'll need to focus on developing a clear, monotone speaking voice with a robotic quality.
To achieve this, you can start by analyzing your own voice, as explained in this article. Understanding your voice type, breath support, and vocal registers, as explained in the following articles, will also be helpful:
Once you have these basics down, you can work on developing the monotone quality of HAL's voice. One exercise that can help with this is the Twang exercise shown in this video. It can also be helpful to work on your articulation utilizing the Finger Bite exercise in this video.
To achieve the robotic, mechanical quality of HAL's voice, focus on using an open mouth and throat while singing, as explained in this article. You may also want to work on certain vocal techniques, such as growling and vocal distortion, as demonstrated in this video.
When practicing, try singing HAL's iconic lines from the movie, such as "I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that," with a monotone, robotic quality. Another practical resource that can help you hit the right pitches and improve your singing accuracy is the Pitch accuracy test in Singing Carrots' platform.
No matter how you approach singing like HAL, remember to practice regularly and have fun with it. With a bit of dedication and Singing Carrots' educational resources such as Vocal Pitch Monitor, Pitch Training, and Vocal range test, you can achieve an awe-inspiring, robotic singing voice like HAL's.