Are you a fan of Starland Vocal Band? This 70s group is well-known for their hit song "Afternoon Delight," a catchy tune with three-part harmonies and a sunny disposition. But there's more to Starland Vocal Band than one hit song. In this article, we'll dive into their unique vocal techniques and explore how you can learn to sing like them.

One of the most distinctive features of Starland Vocal Band's sound is their ability to blend their voices seamlessly together. While many groups rely on a lead singer with backing vocals, Starland Vocal Band shares the spotlight equally among all four members. To achieve this harmonious blend, they make use of a technique known as "close harmony," where the vocal parts are arranged in a way that emphasizes the overlapping frequencies.

If you want to learn to sing like Starland Vocal Band, practicing close harmony is a great place to start. Singing scales and arpeggios in unison with another singer can help you develop the skill of listening and adjusting your pitch to blend with theirs.

Another hallmark of Starland Vocal Band's sound is their use of dynamics to create tension and release. In their hit song "Afternoon Delight," they start off with a quiet, almost whispering opening verse before launching into the chorus with full-throated gusto. This contrast between soft and loud is a powerful tool that can be applied to any style of singing.

To master this technique, try starting a song softly and gradually building up to the chorus or climax. As you sing, pay attention to the vowel sounds and how they change in pitch, volume, and intensity. Experiment with different ways of shaping the words to create a sense of emotional depth.

If you're looking for resources to help you learn more about singing like Starland Vocal Band, Singing Carrots has many tools and exercises to get you started. You can take the vocal range test to find out which member of the group you're most similar to, use the pitch accuracy test to hone your ear training, and explore the vocal ranges of other famous singers for inspiration. The Pitch Training section on Singing Carrots is particularly useful for practicing close harmony, with interactive vocal warm-ups and pitch visualizers to help you develop your skills.

In conclusion, Starland Vocal Band's unique vocal techniques and innovative use of dynamics make them a fascinating group to study for anyone interested in enhancing their singing abilities. By practicing close harmony and learning to control your dynamics, you'll be well on your way to capturing the same spirit of joy and harmony that made Starland Vocal Band such a beloved musical act.