Learning to Sing Like The Whitlams

If you grew up in Australia in the '90s, chances are you've heard of The Whitlams. Led by the brilliant singer-songwriter Tim Freedman, the band's unique blend of pop, rock, and jazz has won them a dedicated following over the years. In this article, we'll look at some practical tips for learning to sing like The Whitlams, along with some of their signature songs to help you practice.

Develop your tone and phrasing

One of the most distinctive aspects of Tim Freedman's singing is his vocal tone and phrasing. He has a rich, warm timbre that's well-suited to the band's piano-driven ballads, and he likes to play around with rhythm and melody in unexpected ways.

To develop your own tone and phrasing, it's essential to start with good breathing technique. Check out Singing Carrots' guide to breathing basics to get started. You'll also want to work on voice registers and breath support to help you produce a full, resonant sound.

Once you've got the technical basics down, try experimenting with different rhythms, phrasing, and emotional nuances in your singing. Listen to how Tim Freedman delivers his lines, and try to emulate his approach in your own voice.

Practice your piano skills

Many of The Whitlams' songs feature piano as a key element, so if you want to sing like Tim Freedman, it's a good idea to develop your piano skills as well. Singing Carrots' Pitch Training program is a great way to develop your ear for pitch and learn how to play simple melodies on the piano.

Embrace improvisation

Another defining characteristic of The Whitlams' music is their improvisational spirit. Many of their songs feature extended solos, unexpected instrumental sections, and open-ended structures that leave plenty of room for musical exploration.

To learn to sing like Tim Freedman, it's important to embrace this improvisational spirit in your own performances. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things with your phrasing, melody, and emotional delivery.

Signature songs of The Whitlams

If you want to practice singing like Tim Freedman, here are a few signature songs of The Whitlams you can use as a starting point:

• "No Aphrodisiac": This early hit single is a great showcase for Freedman's vocal range and dynamic phrasing.
• "Blow Up the Pokies": One of the band's most popular tracks, this song builds to a powerful climax with an emotional vocal performance from Freedman.
• "You Sound Like Louis Burdett": A quirky, uptempo number that showcases Freedman's unique vocal rhythm and playful lyrics.
• "I Make Hamburgers": A more recent track that shows off Freedman's continued growth as a songwriter and singer.

By working on your tone, phrasing, piano skills, and improvisation, you can begin to develop your own singing style that's influenced by Tim Freedman and The Whitlams' unique musical vision. Happy singing!