Singing Guide: The Knickerbockers
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
The Knickerbockers were an American rock band from New Jersey, who rose to fame in the mid-60s with their hit song "Lies". Led by lead vocalist and guitarist, Beau Charles, The Knickerbockers gained popularity with their pop-rock sound that introduced a mix of harmonies, catchy guitar riffs, and driving rhythms. If you'd like to learn to sing like The Knickerbockers, here are some tips and tricks to get you started.
Master the Harmonies
One of the things that made The Knickerbockers' sound so unique was their tight harmonies. To sing like them, it's essential to get the harmonies down perfectly. Sing along to their songs and try to match the harmonies. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
Slim Down Your Vibrato
Slimming down your vibrato can create a more straightforward, raw singing style that helps you achieve the sound The Knickerbockers were known for. One way to practice developing a slim and straight tone is to try singing through a straw. Singing through a straw-like this will force you to keep your sound straight and reduce the amount of vibrato.
Emphasize the Beat
The Knickerbockers' music had a strong emphasis on rhythm and beat. To sing like them, try emphasizing the beat in your performances. You can practice this by tapping your foot or clapping along to the beat as you sing.
Sing with Confidence
The Knickerbockers' music had a sense of swagger and confidence that came from the lead singer's bold delivery and personality. To sing like them, own your performance and sing with confidence. Be bold with your delivery and experiment with different phrasings and vocal inflections.
Songs to Practice
If you'd like to practice singing like The Knickerbockers, start with their hit song "Lies." Other songs to consider include "One Track Mind," "You Really Got Me," and "Jenny, Jenny."
Singing Carrots Resources
- Vocal range test - determine your vocal range and compare it with famous singers.
- Pitch accuracy test - assess your pitch accuracy as you sing simple melodies.
- Vocal Pitch Monitor - visualize the notes you're singing on a virtual piano.
- Pitch Training - develop pitch accuracy with interactive warm-ups and exercises.
- Search songs - find songs matching your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference.
- Artist vocal ranges - discover vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers.
- Singing course - a 21-lesson program covering singing theory and practical tips.