Singing Guide: Liam Payne & J Balvin
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Liam Payne and Colombian superstar J Balvin recently collaborated on the hit single "Familiar," incorporating both of their unique styles into one energetic track. Balvin is known for his use of reggaeton, a mix of Latin American rhythms and hip hop beats that became popular in the early 2000s. Liam Payne is best known for his work in the boy band One Direction as well as his solo efforts, which often showcase his impressive range and vocal control.
To learn to sing like Liam Payne and J Balvin, it's important to understand the basics of both R&B and reggaeton music. For Liam Payne's style, it's important to focus on maintaining a smooth, consistent flow throughout your singing. This can be achieved through practicing breath control and enunciation, as well as working on hitting high notes with ease. One of Liam Payne's signature techniques is adding a slight vibrato to long notes, which can add extra depth and emotion to a performance.
J Balvin's style, on the other hand, often relies on a more staccato vocal approach, utilizing short bursts of sound to create a unique rhythm. This requires a different type of breath control, one that emphasizes very short bursts of air instead of long, sustained notes. Another key technique in reggaeton is the use of a raspy, almost growling vocal quality that adds a rough edge to the lyrics. Practicing this type of vocalization can help you achieve J Balvin's unique musical style.
To improve your singing skills like Payne and Balvin, you can take advantage of Singing Carrots' resources. For example, the vocal range test can help you identify your natural range and find ways to practice within it, while the pitch accuracy test provides instant feedback on your ability to stay on key. The Pitch Training module can help you train your pitch accuracy, and the Vocal Pitch Monitor can help you visualize and monitor your progress.
To get started, try practicing cover versions of songs by J Balvin and Liam Payne, focusing on their unique techniques and styles. You can use Singing Carrots' song search feature to find songs that fit your vocal range and style preferences. Then, incorporate warm-ups and vocal exercises, such as those found in the Farinelli Breathing exercise and the humming exercise, to help you build up your breath control and vocal strength. As you practice, continue to explore Singing Carrots' articles, videos, and other tools to help you perfect your technique and improve your singing skills.