Singing Guide: Phil Ochs
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Phil Ochs was an American protest singer and songwriter who was known for his powerful lyrics and political activism in the 1960s. His unique vocal technique emphasized clarity and diction, and he was particularly skilled at storytelling through his music.
To learn to sing like Phil Ochs, the first step is to study his song lyrics and the message he was trying to convey. Some of his most notable songs include "I Ain't Marching Anymore," "The War Is Over," and "Changes." Pay close attention to his phrasing and the way that he emphasizes certain words in his songs.
In addition to studying Phil Ochs' lyrics, it is important to work on your breathing and vocal technique. Singing Carrots' vocal range test and pitch accuracy test can help you identify areas where you need to improve. The Pitch Training exercises will be helpful for learning proper vocal warm-ups that will help you prepare your voice for singing.
You will also want to focus on proper breathing techniques and building breath support, which is key to producing a clear and powerful sound. Singing Carrots' articles on Breathing basics, Breath support, and Open mouth & throat cover this topic in more detail.
To improve your articulation, you can try the Finger Bite articulation exercise provided in our resources. Additionally, to tune your voice and achieve proper resonance, watch the video on Resonance in singing.
Phil Ochs often used chest voice for his singing. For those of you wanting to learn more about chest voice, Singing Carrots provides Chest Voice Explained.
Finally, make sure to practice singing and performing regularly. Use Singing Carrots' Song search and artist vocal ranges to find songs that fit your own unique vocal range and style. Additionally, Singing Carrots' tips for performing on stage and overcoming stage fright can help you prepare for public performances.
Through consistent practice and study, you can develop the skills and technique necessary to sing like Phil Ochs. With Singing Carrots' educational resources and training exercises, you can unlock the full potential of your voice.