How to Scream-Sing: A Guide for Vocalists
In the world of music, the powerful and raucous tones of scream singing have been the heartbeat of many rock and metal bands, earning loyal fanbases drawn to the raw emotion and unapologetic energy these vocalists deliver. For those inspired to emulate these legends or simply explore the edgier side of vocal performance, mastering the art of scream-singing is a thrilling endeavor.
Understanding the Basics of Scream Singing
Before you take on the challenge, it’s crucial to understand that scream singing is not just about volume or aggression. It’s a nuanced technique that involves controlling your breath, diaphragm, and vocal cords even more than traditional singing. The goal is not to scream from your throat but to amplify deep-seated emotions through sound — think of it as an intense, controlled shout.
Vocal Health First
Your voice is a muscle, and just like any other, it requires warm-ups, cool-downs, and rest. Always prioritize vocal health when approaching scream singing. Stay hydrated, avoid smoking and excessively cold or hot beverages, and never push your vocal limits to the point of pain.
The Right Posture and Breathing Technique
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, shoulders back, and head held high but relaxed. Breathing is the foundation of scream singing. Deep breaths from the diaphragm will not only support your sustained screams but also prevent injury to your throat. Practice deep breathing and exhale with controlled force as though you’re fogging up a mirror.
Vocal Warm-Ups
Engage in regular vocal warm-up exercises to loosen your vocal cords. Start with gentle humming and slide through your vocal range. Buzz your lips, trill your tongue, and perform sirening sounds to prepare your voice for the intensity it’s about to experience.
Technique is King: The Distinctive Growls and Screams
The essence of scream singing lies in the delivery. There are several types of scream techniques, from low growls to high-pitched screeches, each requiring a different approach. Let’s examine some techniques.
The Fry Scream
The fry scream is characterized by a rattling, deep sound produced by vibrating the vocal cords at the very edge of breath control. It’s a soft, creaky voice that serves as a foundation for other scream techniques. To practice the fry scream, start with a subdued “uh” sound and apply a whispery voice. Gradually add more volume while maintaining this texture.
The False Chord Scream
This technique uses the tissue adjacent to the vocal cords known as the false vocal cords. It’s a more forceful, abrasive scream, often used in mid-to-high pitch ranges. To train this, start with a low-pitched growl, and engage your false vocal cords by tightening your throat.
High Scream and Mid Scream Techniques
The high scream requires a lot of air but minimal vocal cord engagement; think of projecting a shout. For the mid-scream, engage more from the diaphragm and let a controlled raspy quality come through your voice. Combining the mid with a more powerful diaphragmatic support will yield the high-pitched scream.
Transitioning Between Scream and Clean Vocals
Scream-singing can be paired with clean, melodic vocals to create dynamic contrast in your performance. Learn how to smoothly switch between your clean singing voice and your screaming voice.
Protecting Your Voice During and After Screaming
Screaming places a tremendous amount of stress on your voice, so you must monitor yourself and stop if you feel any pain. Immediately following a scream-singing session, perform vocal cool-down exercises. These are similar to warm-ups but should gradually decrease in intensity to relax your vocal muscles.
It’s also beneficial to work with a vocal coach experienced in scream singing. They can offer personalized advice, monitor your technique, and ensure you’re not causing any damage to your voice.
Achieving Clarity in Lyrics
It’s not just about the sound; your audience wants to connect with the message. Delivery and articulation are vital. Practice each scream with specific lyrics in mind and work on making them as clear and intelligible as possible.
Final Tips for Aspiring Scream Singers
- Patience and Persistence: Scream singing is a skill that takes time to master. Be patient with yourself and practice regularly.
- Listen Critically: Analyze the scream-singing techniques of your favorite vocalists. What can you learn from their delivery?
- Record and Review: Use a recorder to capture your practice sessions, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
- Perform Live: There’s no substitute for the experience of screaming in front of an audience. Your stage presence and crowd interaction will also impact the quality of your scream-singing.
- Take Breaks: If you’re experiencing vocal fatigue, give your voice a break. Rest is just as important as practice in preserving the health of your voice.
Conclusion
Scream singing can be an electrifying addition to your vocal repertoire, but it requires responsibility towards your vocal cords. Safety and technique should be your primary focus. With Singorama, a great program to learn how to scream and sing, you can develop a solid foundation in traditional vocal techniques. By honing your overall singing skills, you will enhance the authenticity and control of your screams. Approach the process with respect for your instrument, and in time, you may influence a wave of scream-singing among the next generation of music enthusiasts. Happy screaming!
