How to Sing Pop Music

Lisa Smith — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:40:35 +0000

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!

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Lisa Smith – Biography

Lisa Smith — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:37:22 +0000

Lisa Smith’s recognition in the worldwide music scene comes as no surprise to those familiar with her talent, drive and integrity. A true multi-disciplinarian, she excels in many aspects of her craft, such as metal, rock, blues, gospel, classical and opera. Her voice is a true force of nature, capable of ear-piercing sonic screams in one extreme and the haunting, angelic tones of the heartbroken butterfly in the other.

She began singing at a young age, and spiritual and gospel music played a large role in these formative years. By 16, with several years of formal training already under her belt, she was performing all over the Atlantic Provinces. Gaining recognition around the circuit at this time, she made her first professional recordings, singing backup vocals on the albums of popular local rock acts.

In 1992 she took original material to the nationally televised Startrack competition, sponsored by Maritime Broadcasting and Donald K. Donald Productions, which included the top original artists in the Maritimes. Her material was selected for competition from over 2900 entrants, and her dynamic performances led to victory in the finals, which aired on ATV in September of ‘92. The resulting studio time was the catalyst for her first singles, which subsequently went in heavy rotation on Saint John/ Maritime’s rock radio stations CFM98 and CFBC AM. She soon received a call from Kim Cooke, President of A & R for Warner Canada. On his advice, she moved to Toronto to begin the next step in her musical journey.

In 1994, she became principal vocalist (as Daneka) for the internationally acclaimed indie gothic-techno band Exovedate. The group was signed to German label Pandaimonium Records and appears on a number of compilation discs in Europe. Their dark, atmospheric sound and Lisa’s moody, ethereal vocals have proven a huge hit there, with chart positions all across Europe. Exovedate’s CD’s have received widespread critical praise in Europe, Canada and the US.

Lisa was twice grand-prize winning vocalist for Toronto Radio station Q107's Ultimate Jam Competitions:

2005 Toronto edition hosted by Michael White, and
2007 for the Durham/ Whitby edition hosted by Al Joynes.

She was subsequently asked by host Michael White to perform at the 2005 TMX music trade show at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, representing the Q107 Ultimate Jam.

Showcasing her remarkable versatility and dynamism, Lisa currently fronts Lisa Smith’s Powerhaus; an original project with a commanding live presence, a singular blend of rock, blues with r&b undertones, featuring the renowned Chuck Page on guitar. Since the release of their debut CD “Maze of Souls” in October of 2008, the band has sky-rocketed the airwaves in 28 countries world wide and is receiving mass critical acclaim. “Hour of the Wolf’, a vocal power-driven ballad has been chosen for German Cult Film “The Blood of Red Riding Hood” and most recently her band, LSP has nominated for *Best Live Act* at the 2008 Toronto Independent Music Awards.

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Now… Lisa is offering online Video Singing Lessons – Absolutely FREE! Sign-up Today and begin your journey … We'll have YOU singing like a Rock Star in no time!