Singing Guide: Shakespear's Sister
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Shakespeareâs Sister was a pop/rock group from the UK, active in the late 80s and early 90s. Formed in 1988, the band was led by Marcella Detroit (born Marcella Levy, previously a backup singer with Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, and Al Jarreau) and Siobhan Fahey (previously of Bananarama).
Shakespeareâs Sister became known for their dark, moody sound and their captivating and emotive vocals. Both Marcella Detroit and Siobhan Fahey have unique and impressive vocal performances on their own, making them a great duo.
If youâre looking to learn how to sing like Shakespeareâs Sister, youâll want to focus on developing a deep, rich tone and mastering the balance between power and intensity. Here are some resources and tips to help you get started:
Vocal warm-ups
Breath support
Voice registers & vocal break
Singing style
Songbook
When singing, channel your emotions to your singing, and practice SFX vocal techniques like vibrato, nasality, chest voice, voice register, and articulation. Some of Shakespeareâs Sisterâs most famous songs are Stay, Youâre History, Black Sky, and Hello (Turn Your Radio On). Listen to their discography, and try to identify their unique vocal style. Keep in mind they were known for their soulful tones and incredible range.
With these tips and Singing Carrotsâ resources, youâll be well on your way to singing like Shakespeareâs Sister. So take some time to practice, experiment with different sounds and styles, and most importantly, have fun!