The Cab: Learning to Sing like Alex DeLeon

The Cab is a pop-rock band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2004. Known for their catchy choruses, anthemic power pop sound, and charismatic live performances, they have been compared to contemporaries such as Panic! at the Disco and Fall Out Boy. Since the release of their debut album Whisper War in 2008, The Cab has gained a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. The band's lead vocalist, Alexander DeLeon, is an incredibly talented singer with a strong, emotive voice and incredible vocal control. In this article, we will explore how to learn singing like Alex DeLeon from The Cab, including his unique vocal techniques and songs showcasing them, as well as incorporating practical advice and relevant Singing Carrots resources.

Vocal Techniques

Twang

One of DeLeon's most distinctive vocal techniques is twang. Twang is a vocal technique that involves tightening the muscles around the vocal cords to produce a bright, nasal sound. It is often used by country singers, but DeLeon incorporates it into The Cab's pop-rock sound to great effect.

Twang Exercise

To develop this technique, Singing Carrots offers a great twang exercise.

Belting/Mixed Voice

DeLeon also has a powerful belting voice, which he uses to great effect on tracks like "Bounce" and "La La". Belting refers to the technique of singing high notes loudly and powerfully with the chest voice. It can be a challenging technique to master but can add a lot of drama to a song when done correctly.

Voice Break

To better understand voice breaks and transitioning between chest and head voice, this Singing Carrots video here is a must-watch.

Vibrato

Another signature technique of DeLeon's is his use of vibrato. Vibrato is a slight variation in pitch that gives the voice a more full and expressive sound. DeLeon uses vibrato on sustained notes to add emotion and interest to his singing.

Beggars Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce

For an exercise in developing and controlling vibrato, check out these Singing Carrots exercises: Beggars Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce.

Songs

Angel With A Shotgun

"Angel With A Shotgun" is one of The Cab's most popular songs, and for good reason. The song features DeLeon's powerful vocals and an anthemic chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head. Pay close attention to DeLeon's belting voice on the chorus.

La La

"La La" is another standout track from The Cab's discography. The song features a catchy guitar riff and a soaring chorus that showcases DeLeon's powerful vocals. Listen closely to the way DeLeon uses twang on the verses to give the song a bright, punchy feel.

Practical Advice

Learning to sing like Alex DeLeon takes time and practice. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

Record yourself

Recording yourself singing is a great way to identify areas for improvement. Listen back to your recordings and take note of where you could use more work. Pay attention to pitch, tone, and timing.

Warm up before singing

Warming up before singing is crucial to prevent vocal strain and injury. Singing Carrots offers a great warm-up exercise. Spend at least 10-15 minutes warming up before singing.

Practice regularly

Like any skill, learning to sing takes practice. Make sure to practice regularly, even if it's just 10-15 minutes a day. Consistency is key.

Take care of your voice

Taking care of your voice is crucial for maintaining vocal health. Singing Carrots has some great tips for maintaining vocal health here.