Singing Guide: Traffic
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Traffic was an English rock band formed in 1967. They were known for their innovative sound that blended elements of rock, jazz, and folk music. Traffic's lead vocalist and primary songwriter was Steve Winwood.
If you want to learn how to sing like Steve Winwood, there are a few elements of his vocal technique that you should study. One of the most notable features of Winwood's singing is his use of vibrato. He often employs this technique to add an emotive quality to his vocals, particularly in songs like "Can't Find My Way Home" and "Dear Mr. Fantasy."
Another key aspect of Winwood's singing is his use of falsetto. He often transitions between his full voice and falsetto to create a sense of dynamic range and bring a distinct character to his melodies. "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys" and "John Barleycorn" are great examples of this.
To develop your own vocal abilities in these areas, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Practice your vibrato regularly. You can use the Singing Carrots Vocal Pitch Monitor to help you monitor your vibrato and experiment with different speeds and intensities.
- Experiment with falsetto in your singing. Start by singing scales in your full voice and then transition to falsetto on particular notes. You can use the Singing Carrots Pitch Training program to assist you in developing this technique.
- Focus on using your breath to support your singing. Use the Singing Carrots resource on Breath Support to learn more about diaphragm breathing and how it supports great singing.
- Check out Traffic's music catalog to get a sense of how Steve Winwood employs these techniques and others in his singing.
By adhering to these tips, utilizing the Singing Carrots tools, and studying the vocal techniques used by Steve Winwood and Traffic, you too can learn how to sing like a rock star.