Singing Guide: The Cure
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you're a fan of The Cure and want to learn how to sing like Robert Smith, you're in luck! Smith's signature vocals are often described as haunting and melancholic, and learning to emulate them can be a unique and rewarding experience.
One of Smith's most recognizable vocal techniques is his use of vibrato. In songs such as "Lullaby" and "Love Song," you can hear the use of a slow, pulsating vibrato that adds to the overall emotional impact of the performance. To learn to use vibrato, be sure to check out the Singing Carrots article on singing with vibrato as well as the instructional video on diaphragm bounce.
Another key element of Smith's singing style is his use of falsetto, which he often incorporates in the chorus of many of his songs. In order to work on your falsetto technique, check out the instructional video on voice registers and the article on voice registers and vocal break.
In addition to studying Smith's technique, it's important to work on foundational aspects of singing such as breathing, posture, and pitch accuracy. Singing Carrots offers a number of resources to guide you in this process, including articles on breathing basics, breath support, and posture, as well as the pitch accuracy test and pitch training game.
Once you feel comfortable with the basic technical elements of Smith's vocal style, it's time to start experimenting with song choice and interpretation. Some key Cure songs to focus on might include "Just Like Heaven," "Boys Don't Cry," and "Friday I'm in Love." Be sure to also check out Singing Carrots' song search feature to find songs that match your vocal range and genre preference.
With the right combination of technical skill and creative interpretation, you can start to achieve the haunting, melancholic vocals of Robert Smith and master The Cure's unique sound.