Hi! Today, we're going to explore the unique vocal technique of Randy Newman and learn how to sing like him using practical advice along with the resources provided by Singing Carrots.

Randy Newman is an American singer-songwriter and pianist who is known for his distinctive and soulful voice that delivers intricate lyrics with a certain kind of charm that is all his own. Some of the famous songs by him are "Short People," "I Love L.A," and "Sail Away." Newman's music is often characterized by his use of traditional elements like ragtime and swing, combined with modern pop instrumentation. His singing style is characterized by tight-lipped delivery, a nasal quality, and a gentle rasp.

To learn to sing like Randy Newman, first, we need to analyze his style and learn some of his signature vocal techniques. Let's start by practicing the following:

• Vocal Range: Randy Newman has a low and husky voice, so if you have a high-pitched voice, it's best to work on finding the tone that suits his songs. Consider taking our vocal range test to determine the right key for the song.
• Breath control and support: Randy Newman uses his breath to good effect to produce a unique nasal sound in his voice. Breathing basics and breath support are essential areas to concentrate on; a good way to practice breath support is to hum while exhaling, keeping the voice steady, and controlling the breath.
• Articulation: Newman has a particular way of singing that emphasizes certain syllables, which gives his songs a very distinct flair. To get the hang of the diction Newman employs, practice pronunciation exercises.
• Nasal sound: Randy Newman has a nasal tone that gives his voice a unique character and distinctiveness. You can work on the nasality in your voice by adjusting your soft palate while singing.
• Emotion: One of the unique techniques that Randy Newman uses is his ability to convey a lot of emotion while singing. Work on finding your own authentic voice, which will allow you to inject your own feelings and vocal nuances into your performances.

Now that we have a better understanding of Newman's vocal techniques, let's start learning how to sing some of his songs.

'Sail away' is a Randy Newman classic that encapsulates his vocal style and lyrical storytelling abilities. Throughout the song, Newman's gentle rasp, along with his signature ragtime inspiration melody, can be heard. To sing like Randy Newman on 'Sail Away,' it is suggested that you practice the following tips:

• Focus on articulation: Newman emphasizes diction in his songs, which makes his lyrics and stories come to life. In 'Sail Away', Newman tells a story, and so it's essential to focus on the diction and bring the words to the forefront of the song.
• Practice breathing: Randy Newman has a unique vocal technique that allows him to evoke a lot of emotion. Practice controlling the breath and exhaling during critical phrases to create a similar effect.
• Develop a unique tone: In 'Sail Away', Newman's nasal, deep vocal quality is what makes the song so distinct. Think about how his use of nasal sounds may work for your voice. Work on developing your tone to create a similar feel to his in this song with our pitch monitor.
• Sing with emotion: Lastly, 'Sail Away' is an emotional song that Newman sings with great feeling. Practice embracing the emotions in the song and think about what motivated him to write the song, to create a performance that resonates.

In conclusion, Randy Newman is a distinctive singer-songwriter who has a lot to offer vocally. By following these practical tips and using Singing Carrots' many resources, including its educational vocal training course, you can learn to sing like him confidently.