Singing Guide: Ian Dury

Singing Guide: Ian Dury

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

When it comes to learning how to sing like Ian Dury, it's important to understand his unique vocal style and the musical context in which he performed. Ian Dury was an English musician and lyricist, best known as the frontman of the band Ian Dury and the Blockheads. His music was a mix of punk rock, new wave, and funk, and he was known for his clever and witty lyrics and distinct vocal style.

One of the most unique aspects of Ian Dury's singing is his use of sprechgesang, or spoken singing. He would often talk-sing his way through verses, emphasizing the rhythm and melody of the music without necessarily carrying a full melody with his voice. This style can be heard on songs like "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick" and "Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3". To emulate this style, try practicing singing the verses of a song in a spoken style, focusing on staying on beat and keeping the rhythm flowing.

Another hallmark of Ian Dury's vocal style is his use of a Cockney accent. This accent is a major part of his unique sound, and it helps to give his music a distinctly British feel. To work on your Cockney accent, try practicing speaking with a Cockney lilt or studying other British artists who use similar accents in their music.

In addition to his unique vocal style, Ian Dury was also known for his clever and witty lyrics. To capture his lyrical style, try writing your own clever and funny lyrics that incorporate wordplay and puns. This can help you develop your own creative writing skills and give you a sense of the work that went into crafting Ian Dury's memorable songs.

To aid in your quest to sing like Ian Dury, there are a number of Singing Carrots resources that can be of help. The vocal range test can help you determine what range of notes you are most comfortable singing in, which can be important when trying to replicate Ian Dury's unique sound. Meanwhile, the pitch accuracy test can help you work on your melody skills, which are essential for capturing the rhythm of his songs. The pitch monitor is another useful tool for getting feedback on your pitch and seeing how your voice lines up with a virtual piano.

Finally, the singing course can be an incredibly valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their vocals. The course covers the basics of singing, from breathing techniques to warm-ups and exercises, and can be a great way to take your singing skills to the next level. With these tools and techniques at your disposal, you can start working on your Ian Dury impression and get one step closer to sounding like this iconic performer.

Learn more about this artist vocal range, voice type and repertoire.