Singing Guide: The Left Banke
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
The Left Banke is an American baroque pop band known for their intricate arrangements and lush harmonies. Their music, which featured harpsichords and strings, was highly influential in the creation of chamber pop. In this article, we will explore the unique vocal style of The Left Banke, as well as the best ways to train to sing like them.
One of the defining characteristics of The Left Banke's vocal style is the use of multi-part harmonies. Their intricate melodies are layered on top of each other, creating a rich and complex sound that is instantly recognizable. If you want to learn to sing like The Left Banke, one of the most important things you'll need to focus on is your harmony skills. Singing in harmony can be challenging, but it's an essential component of this style of music.
Another hallmark of The Left Banke's sound is their use of falsetto vocals. By singing in a high, airy register, they were able to create an ethereal sound that complemented their wall of sound instrumentation. To train your falsetto voice, start by practicing basic exercises that focus on hitting high notes while keeping your voice light and airy. You can also try singing along to Left Banke songs and focusing on matching the falsetto notes.
In terms of specific Left Banke songs to study, "Walk Away Renée" and "Pretty Ballerina" are both great examples of their signature sound. Both songs feature complex arrangements and multi-part harmonies that are essential to the Left Banke style. "She May Call You Up Tonight" is another standout track that showcases the band's unique vocal style.
To improve your singing, Singing Carrots offers several resources that can be very helpful. The vocal range test can help you determine your vocal range and give you an idea of which Left Banke songs you'll be able to sing. The pitch accuracy test can help you improve your pitch accuracy, something that is essential to The Left Banke's style. The pitch training game can be a fun and interactive way to practice your pitch, while the singing course offers a comprehensive program covering singing theory and practical tips.
In conclusion, learning to sing like The Left Banke requires a lot of practice and dedication, but the results are worth it. By focusing on harmony and falsetto, studying their best songs, and taking advantage of Singing Carrots' resources, you can develop the skills you need to sing like one of the most influential bands of the 1960s.