The Magnetic Fields: How to Sing Like Stephin Merritt

The Magnetic Fields are the perfect example of a band with a distinctive vocal style. The lead singer, Stephin Merritt, has a deep, baritone voice that is instantly recognizable. If you want to learn how to sing like Merritt and capture the unique style of The Magnetic Fields, there are a few things you can do. Here are some tips:

Listen to The Magnetic Fields

Before you can begin to sing like The Magnetic Fields, you need to immerse yourself in their music. Spend time listening to their albums and really pay attention to how Merritt sings. Make note of the characteristics that make his voice unique: his deep, resonant tone, his controlled vibrato, his enunciation, and the way he uses dynamics to create emotion in the songs. Get a feel for the style of music he performs too. The Magnetic Fields incorporate elements of synth-pop, indie, and folk. Knowing the style of the music will help you understand how to shape your voice.

Improve Your Breath Control

Merritt’s style often involves singing notes for long periods with smooth and controlled breaths. You'll need to improve your breath control if you want to perform in a similar way. Try the breathing exercises in these Singing Carrots articles: Active and Passive Breathing and Breath Support and Respiration.

Use Your Chest Voice

Merritt frequently uses his chest voice in many Magnetic Fields songs, which gives his singing a rich, warm sound. To replicate this technique, sing from your chest and try to use your diaphragm to control your breath. Here is a Singing Carrots article worth checking out: Chest Voice Explained.

Practice Control and Vibrato

Control and vibrato are essential components of Merritt’s style. He uses vibrato sparingly, but when he does use it, it is controlled. To emulate this, practice holding notes for longer and control the vibrato with your diaphragm. For exercises, check out Sustain Vocal and Beggars Bounce.

Mimic Merritt's Enunciation

Merritt also is known for his distinct way of pronouncing words. Pay attention to the way he enunciates vowels and consonants, and practice repeating phrases in the same way. Practice with Articulation exercises to achieve better enunciation.

Take Singing Courses

Finally, Singing Carrot's educational singing course, focused on developing strong techniques, is a great resource for aspiring singers. The course covers a range of themes, including breathing and support, vocal registers, pitch, and voice health. You can find it here: Educational Singing Course.

In conclusion, mastering the unique style of Stephin Merritt and The Magnetic Fields will take time and dedication. You need to listen to their music, improve your breath control, experiment with your chest voice, work on your control and vibrato, and practice enunciating more clearly. However, with these tips and a willingness to dedicate time and effort to practicing, you too can sing like Stephin Merritt and The Magnetic Fields.