Singing Guide: Jay and the Techniques
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Jay and the Techniques were a popular soul-pop group in the mid-’60s, known for their upbeat and danceable sound. Jay and the Techniques' lead vocalist, Jay Proctor, was known for his smooth, soulful crooning. If you want to learn how to sing like Jay Proctor, there are a few techniques you can focus on.
One of the most distinctive elements of Jay Proctor's vocal style is his use of falsetto. He often employs falsetto to sing high, bright notes that contrast with the deeper tones of his lower register. To develop your falsetto voice, you can try practicing exercises that focus on breath control, such as the Farinelli Breathing exercise from Singing Carrots' skill-related videos resources. Also, Singing Carrots' pitch monitor and pitch training tools can help you hone your ability to hit high notes crisply and confidently.
Another element of Jay Proctor's style is his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his voice. Whether he's exuberantly belting out an upbeat tune or crooning a soulful ballad, Jay Proctor's vocals always communicate the mood of the song. To practice singing with emotion, try recording yourself singing a song and then listen back to it without looking at the lyrics. Focus on how the song makes you feel, and use your voice to convey those emotions.
Some of Jay and the Techniques' most beloved hits include "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" and "Keep the Ball Rollin'." You can use Singing Carrots' search tool to find songs by vocal range that showcase a similar sound to Jay and the Techniques. And if you want to learn more about popular singing techniques from Jay's era, Singing Carrots has plenty of resources to help you explore the soul, pop, and doo-wop genres. Articles on open mouth and throat and resonance in singing can help you understand how to properly project your voice and create a fuller, richer sound.
Overall, if you want to learn how to sing like Jay Proctor, focus on developing your falsetto voice and learning to sing with emotion. Then, use Singing Carrots' resources to find songs that highlight your skills and expand your repertoire.