If you’re a fan of Labi Siffre, you are likely attracted to the unique combination of deep soulful singing, contemporary arrangements colored by string and horn sections that blend together in a unique way. It can be challenging to emulate the style of such a distinctive artist.

There are, however, techniques and tips singers can adopt to get closer to his sound. Firstly, Labi has a distinctive voice with a clear timbre, and he often alternates between falsetto and chest voice. He employs what is called a ‘straight tone’ timbre or vibrato control, which can make his notes sound like a prolonged hum and lend a purity of tone to his singing. A good way to practice this is to focus on singing with minimal vibrato and with a straight tone. Pay attention to how Labi uses different intonations to convey moods and emotions, and try to incorporate this into your own singing.

Breath control is also crucial to achieving Siffre’s level of artistry. Labi often takes improvisational liberties, holding onto notes for much longer than expected or even pausing where other singers might have continued. This freedom of expression is made possible by his Breathing technique. Singers can improve their breathing abilities through exercises such as Farinelli breathing, which is designed to encourage deep breathing.

Another notable aspect of Labi's musical approach is his songwriting. Labi’s music often blends elements of folk, soul, and pop while exploring themes such as societal hardships, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Some standout songs and notable examples of Siffre's style include "It Must Be Love," "Watch Me," and "(Something Inside) So Strong."

At Singing Carrots, we have tools that can help you achieve proficiency in specific aspects of your singing technique like pitch accuracy with Pitch Accuracy Test, and Pitch Training while our Vocal Range Test can help you determine your general range and provide you with an array of options from a list of songs sorted by level of difficulty and style.