Singing Guide: P.O.D.

Singing Guide: P.O.D.

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

Have you ever listened to P.O.D.?

The band has a unique sound that blends elements of reggae, hardcore, and nu-metal. The lead vocalist, Sonny Sandoval, is known for his distinctive vocal style, which ranges from smooth and melodic to raw and aggressive. If you want to learn how to sing like Sonny, there are a few key elements to focus on.

Vocal Techniques

Reggae-Influenced Singing

One of the most distinctive elements of Sonny's style is his use of reggae-influenced singing. This style is characterized by a relaxed, laid-back phrasing that emphasizes the off-beats. To get started, try listening to some reggae music and focus on the rhythm and phrasing of the vocals. Once you have a feel for the style, try applying it to some of P.O.D.'s reggae-tinged tracks like "Boom" or "Southtown."

Aggressive Vocals

P.O.D. is also known for their heavy, aggressive sound, and Sonny's vocals can be just as intense. If you want to learn how to sing with power and aggression, try focusing on your breath support and using your diaphragm to push air through your vocal chords. You can also work on your vocal distortion techniques to add grit and texture to your sound.

Songs to Showcase Sonny's Style

If you want to showcase Sonny's unique vocal style, try covering some of these tracks:

  • "Alive": This classic P.O.D. song is a great showcase for Sonny's ability to switch between smooth vocals and aggressive, rap-style verses.
  • "Youth of the Nation": Another iconic P.O.D. track, this song features a lot of powerful, emotive vocals that will challenge your range and help you work on your breath support.
  • "Southtown": With its reggae-inspired rhythm and laid-back vocals, this track is a great way to work on your phrasing and timing.

Practical Advice

To develop your own singing style, it's important to listen to a diverse range of music and experiment with different techniques. You can also use Singing Carrots' Pitch Training tool to work on your range and agility, or explore the Vocal Ranges of Famous Singers article to see how your voice stacks up against other artists.

Remember to always warm up your voice before singing, and practice consistently to improve your skills over time. With dedication and practice, you can learn to sing like Sonny Sandoval and develop a style that's uniquely your own.

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