Singing Guide: Kirsty MacColl
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Kirsty MacColl was a British singer and songwriter with a unique sound that combined pop, folk, and world music. She was known for her emotive voice and her ability to tell stories through her music. To learn to sing like Kirsty MacColl, you need to focus on a few key things.
Breath Control and Support Tips
Kirsty MacColl had a unique voice that was filled with emotion and nuance. To develop a similar technique, it's important to work on your breath control and support. Try practicing the following exercises to strengthen your breath support:
- Use the Farinelli Breath exercise video found in the Skill-related Videos section provided above.
- Work on your breathing technique regularly using the Breath support article and the Active and Passive Breathing article from Singing Carrots.
Unique Singing Style
Kirsty MacColl's singing style was influenced by her background in folk, pop, and world music. She often incorporated different vocal techniques, including yodeling, into her music. To learn how to sing like Kirsty MacColl, you can try incorporating these techniques into your own singing. Try the following exercises from the Skill-related Videos provided above:
- Learn the chest voice and the mixed voice technique using the Singing Comfort Zone video.
- Build voice range and agility with the Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game provided by Singing Carrots.
- Explore singing with Belting and Heavy Modal techniques in the Contemporary Vocal Techniques article from Singing Carrots.
Singing with Emotion
Kirsty MacColl was known for her ability to convey deep emotion through her music. To learn to sing like Kirsty MacColl, work on expressing the emotion behind the lyrics. Practice the songs that showcase her unique vocal style. These include "He's on the Beach" and "Days". Use the Vibrato, Articulation, and Sing with Intuition articles provided in the resources section to help you convey the needed emotion.
Singing with Authenticity
Kirsty MacColl was known for her authenticity, and she encouraged others to find their own unique voice. To learn to sing like her, find your own unique singing style. Use the Search songs by vocal range tool from Singing Carrots to find songs that match your vocal range and genre preference. Study your favorite singers and try to incorporate their techniques into your own singing style. Learn more tips on how to find your own voice in the How to Find Your Authentic Voice article from Singing Carrots.
Summary
Kirsty MacColl's unique sound was shaped by a range of musical and cultural influences. To learn how to sing like her, you should focus on breath control and support, her unique vocal style, singing with emotion, and singing with authenticity. Practice regularly using the exercises and resources provided above and you'll be well on your way to developing a similar sound.