Singing Guide: The Buzzcocks

Singing Guide: The Buzzcocks

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

The Buzzcocks were a British punk rock band known for their fast, melodic, and infectious tunes. They became one of the most influential bands of the punk era, inspiring countless other groups and artists. If you want to learn how to sing like the Buzzcocks, there are a few things you can do to capture their unique style.

First, learn about the Buzzcocks' vocal style. Lead singer Pete Shelley had a distinctive voice, characterized by his high-pitched, nasal tone. He sang with a lot of energy and passion, but also with a sense of vulnerability and sensitivity. Bassist Steve Diggle also provided backing vocals, which added to the band's signature sound.

To start capturing the Buzzcocks' style, try working on your own nasal singing. To help with this, Singing Carrots has a great article on how to eliminate nasality in your voice. Once you have worked on reducing nasality, practice adding it back in for a Buzzcocks-style sound.

In terms of specific songs to practice, start with "What Do I Get?" This was one of the band's biggest hits, and it features Shelley's distinctive voice prominently. The song also has a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. Other great Buzzcocks songs to practice include "Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)," "Orgasm Addict," and "Harmony in My Head."

When working on these songs, use Singing Carrots' pitch accuracy test to ensure that you are hitting all of the notes correctly. You can also use the Vocal Pitch Monitor to see your sung notes on a virtual piano.

Finally, make sure to practice good singing technique. Singing Carrots has a variety of articles on breathing, voice registers, resonance, and vocal health that can help you improve your technique and protect your voice as you practice. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can start to sing like the Buzzcocks and capture the energy and spirit of this legendary punk band!

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