Singing Guide: The Five Americans
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you want to learn how to sing like The Five Americans, you need to focus on their unique blend of harmonies, catchy melodies, and groovy rhythm. This American rock band from the '60s was known for their hit songs, such as "I See the Light," "Western Union," and "Zip Code."
One of the defining features of The Five Americans is their use of close harmonies, where multiple voices blend together to create a rich, textured sound. To replicate this, you need to work on developing your ear training skills and learn how to match your voice to the others in your group. Singing in a choir or taking vocal lessons can help you develop these skills.
Another important aspect of The Five Americans' singing style is their use of vibrato. Vibrato is a slight wavering of the pitch that gives the voice a warm, expressive quality. To develop your vibrato, you can use the "Singing with Vibrato" video from Singing Carrots. This exercise teaches you how to control the speed and intensity of your vibrato, and how to apply it to different types of songs.
In addition to practicing your harmonies and vibrato, you need to work on your breath control and phrasing. The Five Americans' songs often have long, sustained notes that require steady breath support. The "Farinelli Breathing" video from Singing Carrots teaches you how to use your diaphragm to control your breath and sustain notes for longer periods.
To work on your phrasing, use the "How to Learn a Song Effectively" article from Singing Carrots. This article provides tips on how to break down a song into manageable parts, memorize lyrics, and develop your interpretation of the lyrics and melody.
Finally, it's important to listen to The Five Americans' songs and study their vocal techniques. Pay attention to their use of dynamics, articulation, and expression to make their songs come alive. The Singing Carrots' "Songbook" feature lets you find songs that match your vocal range and genre preferences, so you can practice singing songs similar to the ones The Five Americans made popular.
To sum it up, if you want to learn how to sing like The Five Americans, you need to practice your harmonies, develop your vibrato, work on your breath control and phrasing, and study their vocal techniques. Use the Singing Carrots' resources, including articles, videos, tools, and songs to help you achieve your goal. Happy singing!