Jim James, also known as the lead vocalist, guitarist and main songwriter of My Morning Jacket, is a unique musician that has cemented himself as a prominent figure in the indie rock scene, alongside bands such as Wilco and Radiohead. He has a very distinct singing style that is characterized by a deep, emotional, and soulful voice with a tinge of southern twang. In this article, we'll explore how to learn singing like Jim James through his vocal technique and songs.

Vocal Technique

Jim James uses a mix of chest and head voice to create a unique timbre. This mixed voice is prevalent in songs such as "I Will Sing You Songs" and "What a Wonderful Man." To replicate this technique, start with vocal exercises like chest voice and head voice scales to get a sense of the different tones and ranges of each register. The Singing Carrots range test and pitch accuracy test are both useful tools to assess your vocal range and accuracy. Once you are comfortable with the two separate ranges, try blending them together to create a mix or "mask" voice. This is where the resonance of the head voice meets the power of the chest voice, creating a unique sound.

Breath control is also crucial in replicating Jim James' style. Singing Carrots' breathing basics article explains the importance of active and passive breathing, and its impact on the voice. Consider using Farinelli breathing as a warm-up exercise to increase breath control.

Jim James employs vibrato in his singing, which is created by relaxing the diaphragm for a natural oscillation of the pitch. The Singing Carrots' article on vibrato and the Twang video exercise provide a good introduction to this technique.

Repertoire

Jim James has an extensive discography, and his band's music embodies a range of styles and genres beyond indie and rock. With that said, a few songs that showcase Jim James' unique vocal technique include "I Will Sing You Songs," "Bermuda Highway," and "Tropics (Erase Traces)".

Practical Advice

To learn Jim James' style, Singing Carrots offers several relevant resources. The singing course is particularly beneficial for beginners, with 21 lessons covering singing theory and practical tips. Vocal range and pitch accuracy tests are also available to assess and monitor your progress. The pitch training game includes interactive exercises to improve pitch accuracy, agility, and range. The Open Mouth and Throat article provides valuable advice on opening the mouth and throat, key features of Jim James' singing style.

Conclusion

Jim James' unique voice and style are a combination of chest and head voice control, vibrato, and breath control. Replicating his style takes practice, time, and a mixture of techniques used in balance. Using Singing Carrots' resources such as the breathing basics, breathing exercises, pitch tests, pitch training game, and 21-lesson course can help you improve your singing, build confidence and develop your own style.