Are you a classically trained singer looking to find that pop style that everyone is buzzing about? Are you a musical theatre performer looking to keep up with the majority of Broadway auditions asking for pop songs in auditions? Look no further. I was primarily a classical/musical theatre performer until I figured out the secrets to a pop/contemporary sound. Here are four tips to achieve that pop sound you have been looking for:
NO VIBRATO
Taking out vibrato can be an instant switch from Classical/Musical Theatre style to Pop/Contemporary, but it can take some time to adjust- especially since Classical music emphasizes vibrato at all times. In pop music, the only kind of vibrato present are occasional flutters at the ends of phrases.
2. LESS DICTION
In pop music, there is less of an emphasis on diction with a more relaxed pronunciation. It is important that your listener understands the story you need to tell, but you do not have to enunciate as much as a Classical or Musical Theatre performer.
3. RAW AND NATURAL TONE
Pop/contemporary singing relies more on the raw and natural tone of your voice. It isn't as straight forward as Classical and Musical Theatre and accommodates to the natural sound of your voice- rasp and all.
4. RIFFS AND RUNS
Riffing has become an essential part of pop singing and can easily make a classical or musical theatre singer sound pop. With that being said, it is important to remember that riffs should only be done if there is a motivation behind it. In my opinion, singers should not throw in a bunch of riffs just because they can. A good tip for riffing is to break it down note by note and then slowly speed it up.
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