Singing Guide: Just So
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
"Just So" is a song by the American musician Holly Williams. Holly is a singer-songwriter and daughter of country music legend Hank Williams Jr. Holly's music strikes a balance between traditional country storytelling and contemporary production.
If you're looking to learn how to sing like Holly Williams, it's important to focus on her storytelling abilities and emotive delivery. Here are a few practical tips to help you develop your own vocal style and add some of Holly's flair:
- Work on your breath control and phrasing: Holly Williams has a gift for delivering lyrics in a way that feels effortless and natural. Part of this comes from her impeccable breath control and phrasing. To improve in these areas, try singing long phrases in one breath. You can also practice breath control by hissing on a sustained "s" sound for as long as you can manage.
- Experiment with different styles of vibrato: Vibrato is a technique used to add depth and emotion to a vocal performance. Holly Williams uses a subtle, controlled vibrato in her singing. Try experimenting with different types of vibrato to see what works best for your voice.
- Develop your storytelling skills: As a country singer/songwriter, Holly Williams excels at telling stories through her music. To develop your own storytelling abilities, try writing your own songs or interpreting classic country songs with a narrative focus. Practice conveying different emotions through your singing and pay close attention to the lyrics you're delivering.
- Get familiar with Holly's influences: Holly Williams comes from a long line of country music royalty, but she's also influenced by more contemporary artists like Ryan Adams and Wilco. Spend some time listening to Holly's favorite music and incorporating those influences into your own singing style.
Singing Carrots has a variety of tools and resources to help you develop your singing skills. Here are a few that may be especially useful when learning to sing like Holly Williams:
- Vocal range test: Before you start developing your singing style, it's important to know your vocal range. Use Singing Carrots' Vocal Range Test to determine your vocal range and compare it with Holly Williams or any other famous singer.
- Pitch training: Holly Williams has a great ear for melody and pitch. Use Singing Carrots' Pitch Training exercises to improve your own pitch accuracy and ear for harmony.
- Song search: Singing Carrots' Song Search tool allows you to find songs based on your vocal range, genre preference, and difficulty level. Use this tool to find songs that showcase your own vocal abilities while also drawing inspiration from Holly Williams' catalog.
- Singing course: Singing Carrots' educational singing course covers both singing theory and practical tips. Take this course to develop your understanding of the mechanics of singing and to learn new techniques for improving your performances.
Remember, singing is about expression and creativity. While it's great to learn from established artists like Holly Williams, it's also important to develop your own unique voice and style. Use the tools and resources available on Singing Carrots to develop your own singing skills and become the best artist you can be.