Singing Guide: Midnight Oil
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Midnight Oil is an Australian rock band that delivers inspiring and political lyrics that are supported by up-tempo rock riffs. The first step in learning to sing like Midnight Oil is to understand that their music is heavily influenced by Australian cultural references, so it is essential to grasp their lyricism.
To capture the unique sound of Midnight Oil's vocals, it's necessary to begin with the breathing technique, as Peter Garrett's voice can produced with power and intention through a deep inhalation of breath and the use of full lung capacity. Singers should also work to focus on the quality of the breath support while they sing, the concept of active breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, etc., practices that will improve overall vocal stamina and can enhance expressive qualities in the voice.
One crucial aspect of Midnight Oil's unique sound is their vocal articulation, which can be developed through practices like the finger bite exercise and humming. These exercises can each be found in the Singing Carrots resource videos linked above. A focus on proper jaw placement is critical, allowing the singer to develop an open mouth, often accompanied by guttural growls while maintaining strong breath support.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Peter Garrett's voice is his use of vibrato, which is demonstrated prominently in songs like "The Dead Heart." To learn how to produce effervescent, tight, and controlled vibrato, it is recommended to spend time practicing both "Beggars Bounce" and "Diaphragm Bounce" exercises.
An essential part of Midnight Oil's sound is the incorporated falsetto or high vocal range on some tracks, such as "Beds are Burning." This register can be achieved with the help of vocal range tests and pitch training found in the Singing Carrots resources linked above.
It's possible to learn from the unique vocal techniques of Peter Garrett of Midnight Oil with practice, attention, and by using the singing tips in the above-linked Singing Carrots resources. Meanwhile, singing songs like "Beds are Burning," "The Dead Heart," and "Power and the Passion" can help in structuring and building a voice that showcases Midnight Oil's unmistakable energy and power.