Singing Guide: Them Crooked Vultures
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Them Crooked Vultures is a unique rock supergroup formed by Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, and John Paul Jones. Homme's distinctively gritty, falsetto-tinged vocals, combined with Grohl's thunderous drumming, and Jones' groovy basslines, make for a truly exceptional sound.
In this article, we'll explore what makes Homme's singing style so unique, and how you can incorporate his techniques into your own singing.
One of the defining characteristics of Homme's vocal style is his use of falsetto mixed with a gritty lower register. This is particularly evident in the song "No One Loves Me & Neither Do I," where he seamlessly transitions from chest voice to falsetto, resulting in a hauntingly beautiful sound. Homme achieves this by utilizing a technique called vocal fry, which involves letting air pass through the vocal cords while humming, producing a crackly sound that can add raspiness to your voice.
Homme is also known for his use of vibrato, which adds a subtle wavering effect to sustained notes. This technique can be practiced using Singing Carrots' Vibrato exercises. Another iconic feature of Homme's singing is his ability to convey emotion with a unique blend of power and restraint. This is best showcased in tracks like "Scumbag Blues" and "Elephants," where he delivers powerful, bluesy vocals with a controlled intensity that is both captivating and evocative.
To sing like Homme, it is essential to work on your vocal range, as the falsetto is a crucial element of his singing style. Singing Carrots' vocal range test can help you discover your vocal range, which you can then develop further with the Pitch Training exercises, focusing on ranges similar to those used by Homme.
Breath support is also crucial, as it allows you to sustain long notes and control your pitch better. Singing Carrots' Breath Support exercises can help develop proper breathing techniques.
In terms of singing technique, Homme emphasizes the importance of opening up your mouth and throat while singing, which helps to maintain a clear, resonant sound. This can be practiced with Singing Carrots' Open Mouth & Throat exercises.
Finally, stage presence is essential, and Homme is known for his magnetic onstage persona. Singing Carrots' Performance Tips can help you develop your stage presence, with advice on how to connect with your audience and deliver a memorable performance.
In conclusion, Them Crooked Vultures is a band with an unmistakable sound, driven by Josh Homme's distinctive vocals. Incorporating Homme's techniques, such as falsetto, vocal fry, vibrato, and controlled power, into your own singing can help you develop a unique style that is sure to captivate your audience. Don't forget to practice your breath support and stage presence, which are just as crucial to delivering a standout performance. With the help of Singing Carrots' resources, you'll be on your way to mastering the techniques of rock and roll legends like Josh Homme.