Singing Guide: Kercia Lewis Evans
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you want to learn how to sing like Kercia Lewis Evans, get ready to tap into the unique soulful raspiness of one of the most sought-after session singers around. With a deep foundation in gospel and a soulful approach to phrasing, Kercia's voice is one-of-a-kind. Here are a few tips and resources to help you develop and refine your own voice, incorporating some of Kercia's distinct traits.
Unique Vocal Technique
Kercia’s unique vocal technique is achieved through a combination of gospel-inspired folds, warm-up drills that focus on breath support, and a solid foundation in chest voice. Her rich, husky tone is also achieved through intentional changes in pitch, called vocal fry. It's what creates her signature raspiness and helps connect her to the "cry" in her songs.
Songs that Showcase It
To catch Kercia in her prime, you’re going to need to focus on her sessions. Check out recordings by Kirk Franklin and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, where she has contributed breathy ad-libs, swells, and blips that add depth to song sections. She has sung on the likes of David and Tamela Mann's 2008 release "The Master Plan" and has been highly sought after for other gospel solo albums or videos.
Practical Advice
While your voice might not immediately sound anything like Kercia's, here are some tips to help you get closer to her sound:
- Experiment with vocal fry to add texture and character to your voice while avoiding straining the folds.
- Develop your chest voice by practicing scales and articulation exercises in different keys and incorporating more range in your practice sessions to better support your voice.
- Try singing over a backing track on a karaoke recording to boost confidence.
Singing Carrots Resources
Take advantage of these Singing Carrots resources to help you further develop your voice to sound like Kercia:
- Vocal range test: Determine your vocal range so that you can get an idea of which keys and notes work best for you.
- Pitch accuracy test: Use this exercise to improve your pitch accuracy and increase your ability to sing in tune with the song.
- Vocal Pitch Monitor: Use this tool to visualize the notes you are singing, allowing you to make adjustments in real-time.
- Pitch Training: Improve your vocal performance with fun games that make you pitch-savvy.
- Search songs: Find songs matching your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference, including gospel and soul.
- Artist vocal ranges: Discover vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers, including Kercia Lewis Evans.
- Singing course: Follow a 21-lesson program that covers singing theory and practical tips for developing your voice.
Conclusion
Singing like Kercia Lewis Evans is about tapping into her unique vocal technique, practicing frequently, and utilizing the vast resources available to make your voice the best it can be. Mix practice with experimentation, and use Singing Carrots to assess your progress. Remember to keep it fun, too, so that you maintain your passion for singing and your joy for the artform.