Singing Guide: Pet Shop Boys
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Are you a fan of the Pet Shop Boys? Do you want to learn singing like them? The duo's distinctive sound has been a staple of pop music since the 80s, with their synth-pop and electronic beats. To learn how to sing like the Pet Shop Boys, you'll need to focus on their unique style and understand the techniques they use to achieve their signature sound.
One of the most notable aspects of the Pet Shop Boys' music is their use of harmonies. There's a lot of layering involved, with Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe singing together in unison or separately, and creating harmonies that blend together perfectly. To get a better idea of their unique harmonizing, listen to their popular hits such as "West End Girls," "It's A Sin," "Always On My Mind," and their cover of "Go West."
Another significant element to the Pet Shop Boys' music is the use of electronic instruments. They use synths and beats in a way that make their songs dance-floor-ready, but they also use these elements to create memorable melodies and hooks. If you're interested in learning more about the technology behind synth music, check out our article on modern music production. If you want to improve your own skills with electronic instruments, check out our singing course.
As for vocal techniques, the Pet Shop Boys' way of singing requires great control and precision. Neil Tennant often sings in a lower register, which adds to the contrast between his voice and the high-pitched synths. He also uses powerful, sustained notes to create an emotional impact in the lyrics. Chris Lowe, on the other hand, often provides backup vocals and creates additional layers of harmonies that complement Neil’s voice.
Now, let’s talk about some practical tips to learn singing like the Pet Shop Boys. Firstly, work on your breathing and breath support. This is essential for singing in a low register, like Neil. Breathing and posture are covered extensively in our breathing basics article and video content on good singing posture.
Secondly, practicing and improving your sense of pitch is essential for singing with precision, especially if you're working with harmonies. Check out our pitch accuracy test and vocal range test, which will help you determine your range and where you need to improve.
Thirdly, experiment with voice registers. Both Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe use a mix of head and chest voice when singing. To learn more about this technique, our voice registers & vocal break article might help.
Lastly, work on your overall singing and performance skills to enhance your stage presence and convey the emotion of each song effectively. Our singing course and articles such as How to learn a song effectively and Tips for performing on stage will help you achieve this goal.
In summary, if you're aiming to learn how to sing like the Pet Shop Boys, focus on harmony, electronic elements, a controlled voice, and strong storytelling. Use the practical tips and resources at Singing Carrots to develop your skills and go from a good singer to a great one!