Singing Guide: blink-182
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Are you a blink-182 fan? Who isn't? With so many catchy punk-pop hits and tunes that remain on Billboard charts for years, they're an ideal band to learn from for singers of any age and ability level. As a still-thriving act 25 years after their formation, they've had to adapt and grow as their members, style, and music has changed over time. Nonetheless, they maintain a signature style that can also be an excellent foundation for learning how to sing.
Mark Hoppus
Mark Hoppus is one of the band's lead vocalists, along with Tom Delonge and Matt Skiba, both of whom have also played guitar. Although Hoppus typically provides the base for the band's harmonies, his roles have developed with time. He can be found both in the band's earlier tunes, where his bass skills and punk charisma are often on full display, and in the newer songs, where his voice has become smoother and more melodic. For a sample of Hoppus's range, check out classic hits like "All The Small Things" and "What's My Age Again?" alongside more recent tracks like "Darkside" and "Happy Days." His music showcases a great range of emotions, sure to inspire and challenge you into improving your own singing skills.
Tom Delonge
Tom Delonge, another primary blink-182 vocalist, is a master of style and energy. His music is characterized by a fast-paced and dynamic approach that emphasizes energy, power, and style over technical perfection. His voice is raw, raspy, and emotional, conveying a sense of urgency that's perfect for punk rock. Delonge has been known to re-engineer his voice for specific tracks, switching from a high-pitched and nasal sound to a more guttural scream depending on the theme, mood, or lyrics of the song. If you're looking for tunes that showcase his unique style, check out "All the Small Things," "Anthem Part 2," and "Aliens Exist," which highlight his infectious energy and punk rock attitude.
Matt Skiba
After replacing Tom Delonge in blink-182, Matt Skiba brings his own unique sound to the band. Best known for his work with the punk rock trio Alkaline Trio, Skiba is an accomplished singer and songwriter who brings both experience and expertise to blink-182. His style is often compared to Delonge's, but it is also unique and distinctive in its own right. His voice is more traditional than either Delonge or Hoppus, but it's also bold and fully realized. His music showcases everything from melodic punk-pop to more aggressive and endearing punk tracks. Check out "Bored to Death," "Sober," and "I Miss You" to get a sense of his range.
Practical Advice
When learning to sing like blink-182, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you'll want to practice a lot and focus on your energy and intensity. Blink-182's music requires lots of energy, punk rock attitude, and style, so mastering this is key to nailing the band's signature sound. Secondly, you'll want to focus on your voice's pitch and timbre to ensure your singing is on point and matches the band's intense style. This means becoming familiar with your vocal range, improving your pitch accuracy, and developing your tone. Finally, it's important to work on your breathing, posture, and technique to create the power and sustain needed for belting out these catchy tunes. For more specific advice and exercises, be sure to check out Singing Carrots' range of helpful articles, videos, and tools, specially designed to improve your singing skills.
Resources
- Vocal range test: https://singingcarrots.com/range-test
- Pitch accuracy test: https://singingcarrots.com/pitch-test
- Vocal Pitch Monitor: https://singingcarrots.com/pitch-monitor
- Pitch Training: https://singingcarrots.com/pitch-training