Singing Guide: Michael Kiwanuka
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
How To Sing Like Michael Kiwanuka
Are you a fan of soulful melodies and powerful, yet silky vocals? If so, you might want to try singing like Michael Kiwanuka. The British singer-songwriter has captured hearts around the world with his unique voice and heartfelt lyrics. In this article, we'll explore how to learn to sing like Michael Kiwanuka, and which Singing Carrots resources can help you achieve this goal.
Michael Kiwanuka's unique vocal technique
Before we dive into the practical advice, let's take a moment to appreciate Michael Kiwanuka's vocal style. His voice is both powerful and delicate, with a distinctive quality that draws you in from the first note. One of the hallmarks of his style is his use of falsetto. This trick allows him to hit high notes with ease while retaining a warm and rich tone. If you want to sing like Michael Kiwanuka, you'll need to master this aspect of his style.
Another unique aspect of Michael Kiwanuka's singing is his use of vibrato. Vibrato is a subtle pitch variation that adds depth and emotion to a note. It's a tricky technique to master but learning to use it properly can take your singing to the next level.
Songs to showcase Michael's vocal style
Now that you understand the basics of Michael Kiwanuka's vocal technique, it’s time to select the right songs to showcase his unique style. Here are some of his most popular tracks, each with a unique arrangement and vocal range to challenge your singing:
- Cold Little Heart - This song has become an instant classic and Kiwanuka's breathy vocals are absolutely mesmerizing. It features a beautiful blend of falsetto and mixed voice that will require you to master dynamic control.
- Black Man in a White World - If you want to show off your falsetto, this song is perfect for that. It has a chorus that soars high and will require you to belt out the notes.
- Love & Hate - This is one of Michael Kiwanuka's most powerful songs, with a soulful and haunting vocal melody. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your breath control and lower register.
- Home Again - With a soaring chorus that reaches dizzying heights, this song will challenge your falsetto and vibrato technique. This song will push you to step up your game and take your singing to the next level.
Practical advice on how to achieve Michael Kiwanuka's vocal style
Now that you have some idea of the kind of songs that can showcase Michael Kiwanuka's style, it's time to get practicing. Here are a few tips to help you achieve his level of greatness:
- Take care of your voice - To master Michael Kiwanuka's style, you'll need to take care of your vocal cords. Make sure they are hydrated and avoid any bad habits that could lead to damage.
- Focus on breath control - Michael Kiwanuka is a master of breath control. Practice exercises that will help you regulate your breathing and get comfortable with singing longer phrases.
- Master your falsetto - As we mentioned earlier, falsetto is one of Michael Kiwanuka's signature styles. Practice singing in falsetto and experiment with blending it with other vocal registers.
- Practice vibrato control - Vibrato is a subtle technique that can add a new dimension to your singing. Start by practicing a sustained note and introducing a slight pitch variation.
- Record and analyze yourself singing - To figure out where you need to improve, it's helpful to record yourself singing Michael Kiwanuka's songs and listen to them back. Pay attention to your delivery and areas that need work.
Recommended Singing Carrots resources
To help you on your journey to singing like Michael Kiwanuka, here are some of our recommended Singing Carrots resources to check out:
- Vocal range test - Take this test to determine your vocal range and identify the key areas you need to work on.
- Pitch accuracy test - This test will help you perfect your pitch accuracy, a key aspect of Michael Kiwanuka's style.
- Breathing basics - Michael Kiwanuka is a master of breath control. The Singing Carrots article on breathing basics will help you achieve this mastery.