How to Sing Like Thomas Dolby: A Technical Guide

If you're aiming to master the unique vocal style of Thomas Dolby, there are a few key elements to focus on. From his use of breath control to his distinctive phrasing, these are the techniques you'll need to develop in order to capture the essence of his sound.

1) Breath Control

One of the hallmarks of Thomas Dolby's vocals is his ability to sustain phrases for an extended period of time. This requires a great deal of breath control, as well as an understanding of how to use the diaphragm to support your singing.

To improve your breath control, try exercises like the Farinelli Breathing technique, which involves inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly and steadily, keeping your ribs expanded throughout the process.

2) Phrasing

Like many great singers, Thomas Dolby has a distinctively expressive style that relies heavily on the use of phrasing. To replicate his sound, you'll need to focus on the nuances of timing, rhythm, and inflection that give his vocals their character.

One way to improve your phrasing is to practice learning songs effectively, which involves breaking down each phrase into smaller segments and focusing on the way that they fit together into a larger whole. This will help you to develop a more intuitive understanding of how to phrase your vocals in a way that captures the spirit of Dolby's singing.

3) Vocal Register

Thomas Dolby's singing style often incorporates a mix of chest and head voice, depending on the particular phrase or musical passage. This allows him to move seamlessly between low and high notes, creating a rich and dynamic sound.

To develop your own ability to sing in multiple registers, try exercises like Singing Comfort Zone that specifically work on transitioning between different vocal registers. This will help you to develop a more flexible voice that can adapt to the demands of different musical styles.

4) Articulation

Another key element of Thomas Dolby's singing style is his precise and thoughtful articulation. This involves a careful attention to the way that individual words and sounds are pronounced, as well as an understanding of how those articulations contribute to the overall meaning and impact of a particular song.

To improve your own articulation, try exercises like the Finger Bite, which involves exaggerating the formation of each vowel and consonant sound in order to help you hear and feel the subtle differences between them.

5) Stage Presence

Of course, it's not just the technical elements of Thomas Dolby's singing that make him such an interesting and engaging performer. He is also known for his commanding stage presence and charismatic energy, which help him to connect with audiences in a powerful and memorable way.

To improve your own stage presence, check out Singing Carrots' Tips for Performing on Stage article, which provides valuable advice on everything from body language to song selection to dealing with nerves.

By focusing on each of these elements - breath control, phrasing, vocal register, articulation, and stage presence - you'll be able to develop your own unique and engaging singing style, one that captures the essence of Thomas Dolby's music while also showcasing your own individual talents and personality.