Singing Guide: Mud

Singing Guide: Mud

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

Mudhoney is a seminal grunge band from Seattle, formed in 1988. Their sound is characterized by distortion, fuzz and a raw, energetic rocking tone. The band is considered to be one of the pioneers of the Seattle music scene, which took over the world in the early 90s alongside Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.

Mark Arm, the band's singer and co-founder, is known for his fierce vocal delivery. It is an amalgamation of several different styles, including blues, punk, and hard rock, combined with a unique gravelly texture. In this article, we will explore how Arm developed his signature sound and how you can learn to sing like him.

Vocal Technique

Mark Arm's vocal technique is distinctive, with his aggressive tone, slurred phrasing and raw delivery. He uses a throaty, guttural style that blends elements of punk rock and blues, with a touch of rockabilly influence. To develop this style yourself, there are a few things you can do:

  • Start with breathing exercises to learn how to use your diaphragm effectively. Singing requires stamina, so being able to use your breath properly is essential.
  • Practice humming and buzzing sounds to create resonance and develop your vocal range. Vocal exercises targeting the lower range are crucial for achieving Arm's gritty sound.
  • Work on your pitch and accuracy. Although Arm's singing is often rough around the edges, his notes are always in tune.
  • Focus on developing your own unique style and work on conveying emotions through your voice.

Mudhoney Songs to Practice

To showcase Arm's unique vocal style and help you develop your own, we have curated a selection of iconic Mudhoney songs that demonstrate his signature technique:

  • "Touch Me I'm Sick" - The band's breakthrough single, a raunchy, punk-inspired track featuring Arm's raspy, assaulting vocals.
  • "In 'N' Out of Grace" - One of the band's most beloved songs, featuring Arm's snarling-yet-melodic approach.
  • "Suck You Dry" - A more understated performance from Arm, but still captures the band's driving, gritty sound.
  • "You Got It" - A good example of Arm's bluesy influences, with a memorable performance that oozes soul and attitude.

Singing Carrots Resources

Singing Carrots offers a range of resources to help you develop your voice and achieve Arm's unique style.

  • The vocal range test can help you discover your range and compare it to famous singers, including Arm.
  • The pitch accuracy test evaluates your ability to match pitch, which is essential for any singer.
  • The pitch monitor provides a virtual piano to see your sung notes, which can be an excellent training tool for tracking your progress.
  • Pitch Training is an interactive warm-up tool with a visualizer to help you improve your pitch accuracy.
  • The song search feature helps you find songs that match your vocal range and preferences, like Mudhoney's music.
  • The vocal range database provides information on the vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers, including Mark Arm.
  • The songbook feature allows you to create a set of songs to perform, complete with lyrics, sheet music, chords, karaoke, and audio tracks.
  • The singing course is a 21-lesson program that covers singing theory and practical tips that can help you develop your own unique style.

Final Words

Mark Arm's vocal style is raw, energetic and distinctive, combining elements of punk, blues, and rockabilly with his unique texture and phrasing. Practicing to his music and using the resources on Singing Carrots will help you develop your range of technique and style needed to sing like him. Remember, the key to success is always practicing and perfecting your craft.

Learn more about this artist vocal range, voice type and repertoire.