Mastering Pop Music 

Successful pop music is usually measured in terms of commercial success with little regard to artistic merit although it generally has a good dance beat and hook to the song — performed by charismatic singers who may or may not be technically talented, look attractive, fashionable, and have the ability to dance well. The Image of the performer is often regarded as just important as or more than the music itself in this particular genre.

There are different techniques used in pop singing that cross over into many other styles or genres of music as well.  Speech singing, belting, twang, staccato notes, quick phrasing, breathy vocals, vocal runs, using the head voice/falsetto, attitude, and delivery are all key components in pop music. By using a combination of these techniques, you can create your very own unique style.  However, great singing always comes back to the key components of   your pitch (singing in key while hitting the correct notes) and breath control.

Below is a list of links to allow you to hear the techniques mentioned above.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO5uCKw4nl0

Example: speech singing, staccato, breathy vocals, attitude and delivery. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlvYivspHpk

Example: Usage of the head-voice in a stylistic way, speech singing, staccato notes, belting, ascending siren as discussed in my earlier article on singing rock and roll. This song shows a lot of attitude, emotion as well as intensity in the vocal performance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlvYivspHpk

Example: quick phrasing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqxo1SKB0z8

Example: Belting in the chorus, inflections in the voice to create emotion.

Head-voice in the notes at the end. All achieved by using a breath push from the diaphragm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dhtsH23wmE

Example: Emotion, vocal runs, breathy vocals, belting, nice open sound through out the song, good use of higher range, holding controlled note at the very end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9ZBENn-nUU

Example: subtle breathy voice, strong vocals, speech singing, head-voice, quick vocal runs ascending and descending.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVEGfH4s5g

Example: quick phrasing, quick staccato notes, strong vocals

Listen to the above styles and notice the techniques these artists use. To be a successful artist does not mean sounding like someone else but rather, using the same techniques the stars use, combined with your own unique vocal sound to create your own unique sound. Give it a try!