Singing Guide: USA for Africa
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Learning How to Sing USA for Africa: Practical Tips and Singing Exercises for Aspiring Singers
USA for Africa is one of the most iconic charity movements in music history. On 28th January 1985, a remarkable group of gifted vocalists and musicians assembled to record "We Are the World" in a quest to raise funds for victims of famine in Africa. The song has a unique, powerful and aspirational message, and its vocal style requires the singer to have a distinct level of confidence, projection, and energy. In this article, we'll explore some of the practical tips and singing exercises that will enhance your ability to learn and perform 'USA for Africa' using Singing Carrots resources.
Understanding Voice Type and Vocal Range
Before practicing your USA for Africa performance, you need to understand your vocal range and voice type. Singing Carrots' Vocal range test is an effective tool to help you assess your vocal range and range limit. You'll need to choose a comfortable key for your voice type and range. USA for Africa has a fixed vocal key, which ranges from E4 to G5. Therefore, it would be helpful to take a pitch accuracy test by registered on Singing Carrots' pitch accuracy test to help you practice the correct pitches.
Breathing Basics and Breath Support
Breath support is vital in delivering your USA for Africa performance effectively. It's essential to have control over your breath and to know when to take a breath. To support your breath, you can leverage Singing Carrots' Breath Support article and Active and Passive Breathing article. These resources provide information on how to breathe correctly, and the benefits of correct breathing. A useful tool to try out is the Farinelli Breathing exercise video, which is a great way to warm up in preparation for active singing.
Voice Registers and Control
USA for Africa requires the singer to have equilibrium in their vocal registers. The song has several vocal passages, which require a smooth transition between the head and chest registers. You may feel a "break" or a crack in your voice, where the chest voice changes to head voice after hitting a specific note on the song. Singing Carrots' Voice Registers and Vocal Break article provides insightful content on voice registers and vocal break. The article will assist you with identifying your voice register and how to use voicings and melodic patterns. To lock down on your chest and head voice, Singing Carrots' Chest Voice Explained video provides in-depth information on how chest voice works and how it can be applied to specific genres.
Vocal Vibrato and Distortion
USA for Africa requires you to express the song with energy and character. A great way to achieve an impactful performance is by incorporating Vocal Vibrato and Distortion into your singing technique. Singing Carrots' Singing with Vibrato article is a great resource to start with when learning how to incorporate vibrato into your singing style. You can simulate and practice vibrato using the Beggars Bounce video and Diaphragm Bounce video.
Contemporary Vocal Techniques
Singing Carrots' Contemporary Vocal Technique article provides an in-depth overview of how contemporary vocal technique styles such as Heavy Modal, Twang, and Belting can be applied in different genres, including pop, jazz, and rock. The article will help you learn how to project your voice with clarity and impact.
Creating an Authentic Voice
USA for Africa