Singing Guide: The Stranglers
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
The Stranglers are a British band known for their post-punk sound, combining elements of rock, punk, and new wave. Vocalist and guitarist Hugh Cornwell has a distinctive voice that sets them apart from other bands of that era.
To sing like Hugh Cornwell and capture The Stranglers' unique sound, follow these tips:
- Analyze your voice: Before you start singing like Cornwell, understand your voice type by taking Singing Carrots' vocal range test. It will tell you your range and which singers have a similar voice to yours.
- Breathing basics: To sing like Cornwell, it's important to understand how to breathe for singing and practice breath support. Check out Singing Carrots' breathing basics article.
- Voice registers: Learn about chest voice, head voice, and mixed voice, as well as the vocal break, by reading Singing Carrots' voice register articles.
- Twang and growling: Listen to Cornwell's songs and identify where he uses the twang or growling technique. Practice these techniques with Singing Carrots' Twang or Growling exercise.
- Vibrato: Cornwell's use of vibrato is another distinct feature. Learn how to control your vibrato with Singing Carrots' vibrato exercise.
- Chest voice singing: Cornwell often uses a chest voice for singing. Try Singing Carrots' chest voice exercises and learn how to switch between chest voice and head voice smoothly.
- Posture: Your posture affects your singing. Check out Singing Carrots' article on how proper posture can benefit your singing: How posture affects your singing.
- Warm-ups: Use Singing Carrots' breathing and warm-up exercises to warm up correctly and prepare your muscles for singing. Here is a 3 Minute Warm Up video.
Songs like "Golden Brown," "Peaches," and "Always the Sun" showcase Cornwell's unique style. Keep in mind that practicing regularly is the key to success, so be sure to incorporate Singing Carrots' pitch training tool and educational singing course into your singing routine. Finally, don't forget to have fun during your journey of singing like Hugh Cornwell and The Stranglers!