Singing Guide: Michael Sembello
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Michael Sembello and His Vocal Style
Michael Sembello is a popular singer, songwriter, and guitarist acclaimed for his versatile singing style and excellent musicianship. He is well-known for his hits like "Maniac," "Automatic Man," and "Summer Lovers," which showcase his creative use of rhythm, phrasing, and falsetto singing. In this article, we will provide an in-depth analysis of Michael Sembello's vocal style and suggest practical tips and relevant resources from Singing Carrots for you to achieve a similar vocal quality.
Breakdown of Famous Songs
Breaking down Michael Sembello's famous songs would serve as a great starting point to learn his vocal technique. Here's an analysis of some of his biggest hits:
- Maniac: Known for its outstanding chorus, "Maniac" is an exemplary piece that demonstrates Michael Sembello's use of falsetto. He uses his falsetto voice to hit the high notes, resulting in a smooth vocal tone that blends well with the song's rhythm. Michael Sembello also applies a considerable vibrato when holding long notes, adding some artistic expression that captures the lyrics' essence.
- Automatic Man: Michael Sembello utilizes more edgy and raw vocals in "Automatic Man." This time, he relies more on his chest voice rather than his falsetto, giving the song an aggressive and powerful vibe. He also adds more power to the performance by using belting, a perfect technique for creating a dynamic and high-intensity effect.
- Summer Lovers: In this song, Michael Sembello sings a more upbeat vocal with playful phrasing, especially when he is on the chorus, alternating between his soaring falsetto and smoother chest voice. In this track, Michael Sembello infuses the performance with an undeniably apparent sense of joy that is infectious.
Technique and Practical Advice
If you want to learn how to sing like Michael Sembello, here are some key techniques and habits to develop:
- Develop your falsetto: Michael Sembello's use of falsetto is a salient aspect of his style. To achieve the same vocal quality, you should work on your falsetto range by practicing exercises that focus on the upper register of your voice. Utilizing Singing Carrots' pitch training tool and singing songs with high and sustained notes, such as Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," can also assist you.
- Practice your belting: Belting is a crucial skill for creating a powerful and dynamic performance, and Michael Sembello is a master of it. To practice this technique, try singing along to songs with robust and high-pitched choruses, such as Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." You can use the search songs by vocal range tool to find appropriate songs.
- Work on your phrasing: Michael Sembello's unique vocal phrasing is a huge part of his style. You can develop your sense of phrasing by practicing along with the pitch monitor tool, which shows you the notes you sing on a virtual piano, allowing you to visualize and control your pitch accuracy.
- Build stamina with breathing exercises: For you to sing like Michael Sembello, a strong and consistent breath support is crucial. To develop breath support, practice breathing exercises and warm-ups, such as the Farinelli breathing exercise provided in Singing Carrots resources.