Singing Guide: The Ink Spots
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
The Ink Spots quartet made up of African Americans, became famous for their unique style between the 1930s and 1950s, and are considered to be pioneers of rock and roll. The group's signature style included rich harmonies, unique phrasing, and the use of vocal effects to create a smooth, relaxed, and warm atmosphere in their music. The Ink Spots were renowned for the artful use of tempo and rhythm in their music-making, and their records introduced a style of vocal performance that continues to influence contemporary music.
To learn how to sing like The Ink Spots, you should get comfortable with singing in a laid-back and effortless style. Keep your delivery understated and focus on timing and the light use of vocal effects. Encapsulate the warm, smooth, and easy spirit of The Ink Spots' music when you sing in the group's style. It would help if you avoided any complexity in your delivery. Focus instead on creating a sense of intrigue with simple and light vocal effects.
For anyone looking to become proficient in The Ink Spots-style, using Singing Carrots resources is a great starting point. A few practical tips include familiarizing yourself with breathing basics, voice registers, warm-ups, and breath support exercises. Check out our resources and videos for Twang techniques, Growling, Vibrato, and Warm-up exercises. Singing Carrots also offers a range of tools and tests to use, including the Vocal Range Test and Pitch Accuracy Test. The Vocal Pitch monitor can be used to visualize your singing, and the Pitch Training game can help develop your ear and pitch awareness.
One great vocal lesson from The Ink Spots can be learned from their typical structure of songs- often beginning low and slow and gradually building towards the end. This technique is great for enhancing the listener's experience and creating a sense of climax.
To get a sense of what Ink Spots-style singing is and the spirit it captures, listen to their all-time favorites such as "If I Didn't Care," "Maybe," and "Do I Worry?" Furthermore, considering the differences between classical and pop/jazz singing, it's essential to appreciate how the two forms can blend naturally.
To conclude, be sure to use the many resources available on Singing Carrots to build your Ink Spots-style singing skills. Initially, it may seem difficult to master the group's warm and laid-back style, but with consistent practice, you'll soon find yourself singing like The Ink Spots.