Singing Guide: James McMorrow
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
James McMorrow is an Irish singer-songwriter, known for his unique falsetto vocals, emotive lyrics, and fusion of folk, electronica, and R&B. If you want to achieve his vocal style, here are some tips and exercises, along with some of his best-known songs and Singing Carrots resources to help you along the way.
Voice Type: McMorrow's voice is often categorized as a countertenor, a vocal range typically found in male classical singers. If you are unsure about your voice type, you can take Singing Carrots' vocal range test.
Breathing: Proper breathing is essential for any singer, and McMorrow is no exception. The singing blog offers excellent basic breath management and breath support tips.
Vocal Techniques: McMorrow is known for his unique falsetto, which makes his voice stand out. The vocal register is often associated with a lighter sound and higher pitch, but it requires proper breath support and control. Voice registers and vocal breaks, Singing Carrots explains the technique and how to avoid voice damage.
Sustaining: To sustain a note, Singing Carrots suggests building up breathing control by singing arpeggios with a consistent vowel sound, starting from the middle of the voice range and moving higher or lower.
Resonance and Articulation: McMorrow's sings with great resonance and excellent diction, enabling his lyrics to be well understood. Check out the singing blog's helpful explanations on mouth and tongue placement.
Mimicry: Another method of developing your singing is to practice singing along with McMorrow's songs. Examples are "Wicked Game," "Higher Love," and "Cavalier." Analyzing your voice as you try to sing along, any discrepancies can then be addressed.
Don't forget to check out Singing Carrots' tools, especially the Vocal Pitch Monitor, which can help you track your progress. Best of luck in your musical endeavors!