Singing Guide: Ólafur Arnalds
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Ólafur Arnalds is an Icelandic multi-instrumentalist and composer known for his experimental music style combining classical, electronica, and ambient music. Arnalds' unique style is characterized by his use of unconventional techniques, such as the use of found objects as percussion instruments, and his use of minimal harmonies infused with ambient textures.
If you're interested in learning to sing like Ólafur Arnalds, there are a few key elements to consider. Firstly, Arnalds' music incorporates minimal harmonies, complex textures, and the use of falsetto vocals layered over traditional harmonies. To achieve this style of singing, consider practicing falsetto techniques, as well as a cappella singing to gain better control over harmonies. Singing along to tracks from Arnalds' latest album, "Some Kind of Peace," is also a great way to get a sense of his style and practice techniques.
In addition to practicing your vocal technique, developing a good sense of rhythm is essential to singing like Ólafur Arnalds. Arnalds' music has a unique sense of rhythm due to his use of unconventional percussion instruments and syncopated patterns. Consider using Singing Carrots' vocal range test, pitch accuracy test, and pitch monitor to develop a better sense of pitch and rhythm.
Finally, don't forget to make use of Singing Carrots' extensive library of resources to help you in your singing journey. The Vocal Training and Singing Course are particularly helpful, offering 21-lesson programs covering singing theory and practical tips. Use the Song search feature to find songs that match your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preferences, and create your performance set using the Song Book with linked lyrics, sheet music, chords, karaoke, and YouTube audio.
With these tools and techniques, and a bit of practice and perseverance, you can learn to sing like Ólafur Arnalds and start making beautiful ambient music infused with traditional harmonies and complex textures.