Siouxsie and the Banshees: How to Sing Like Siouxsie Sioux

Siouxsie and the Banshees is an English rock band formed in 1976. Siouxsie Sioux, the lead singer, has a unique vocal style that is instantly recognizable. Her use of post-punk phrasing, manipulation of pitch, and transgressive lyrics separates her from other vocalists. In this article, we explain how to learn singing like Siouxsie Sioux. We'll start by examining her unique vocal techniques and then suggest some exercises to help with those techniques. Lastly, we'll recommend some Singing Carrots resources to help with your Siouxsie Sioux vocal journey.

Siouxsie Sioux's Vocal Technique

One of the most notable features of Siouxsie Sioux's vocal prowess is her use of post-punk phrasing. This style involves singing in clipped, staccato lines, with each syllable sharply delivered. Instead of sustaining notes, the emphasis is on rhythm and percussive delivery. This technique helps create the driving energy associated with post-punk, and Siouxsie's almost aggressive phrasing sets her apart from other singers of her time.

Another standout feature of Siouxsie's style is her manipulation of pitch. Her voice is often deep, breathy, and dramatic, with noticeable vibrato. She uses her voice's natural range to create dynamic, almost operatic fluctuations in pitch. Her unmistakable vibrato gives her voice an eerie, unique quality that is impossible to replicate.

Lastly, Siouxsie's lyrics are often transgressive, evocative, and poetic. Her voice carries the weight of the emotion she injects into the lyrics, giving them a raw, sometimes visceral quality that is both inaccessible and captivating.

Siouxsie Sioux Vocal Exercises

To learn to sing like Siouxsie Sioux, one must focus on post-punk phrasing, vibrato, and manipulating pitch. Here are some exercises that can help you develop your Siouxsie Sioux vocal skills:

1. Post-punk Phrasing: To develop your post-punk phrasing, start by speaking the lyrics of a song out loud. Deliver each syllable sharply and in rhythm, with each line ending on a percussive note. Then, switch to singing each phrase in the same way.
2. Vibrato: Work on developing your vibrato with Singing Carrot's Sustain Vocal video. Practice sustaining notes while adding vibrato. Start with light vibrato and gradually increase the intensity.
3. Manipulating pitch: Teach yourself to manipulate pitch with Singing Carrot's Pitch accuracy test. The test assesses your pitch accuracy while singing along with simple melodies. This exercise will help you develop the ability to manipulate pitch intentionally.

Singing Carrots Resources

Singing Carrots offers a range of resources that can help with your Siouxsie Sioux vocal training goals. Here are some we recommend:

1. Vocal range test: Take the test to determine your vocal range and see how you compare to Siouxsie Sioux.
2. Song search: Use Singing Carrots' song search feature to find songs that match your vocal range, difficulty, and genre. Seek out Siouxsie and the Banshee's songs, and then practice singing along.
3. Artists vocal ranges: Discover vocal ranges of famous singers, including Siouxsie Sioux.
4. Singing course: Take the comprehensive 21-lesson course covering singing theory and practical tips. It includes exercises in vibrato, range, pitch accuracy, and more.

In conclusion, learning to sing like Siouxsie Sioux requires an understanding of her unique vocal techniques, practice with vocal exercises that emphasize her style, and resources that provide support along the way. With perseverance and hard work, you can develop your voice to match hers.