Backing vocals are the basis of success

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

What is backing vocals? This is the name of the singing that accompanies the main part. Literally, the concept is translated as "singing in the background." Not a single soloist, not a single singing superstar can do without the second parts. Such musical accompaniment by a voice that is almost impossible to hear is considered ideal. It harmoniously supports the main part, creating a unique melody pattern, emphasizing the main theme and making the soloist's voice more expressive. It is generally accepted that songs with backing vocals are divided into two types. In some compositions, they support the main melody, while in others they contrast with it. Most often, backing vocals are heard on short sections of the song, for example, in choruses. At concerts, band members or specially hired singers act as backing vocalists. When recording albums, when it is possible to use technical means, the second parts are performed by the soloist himself. Everyone encountered backing vocals, and not only at concerts. Backing tracks with backing vocals are very popular in karaoke clubs.

What is the difficulty?

Many pop singers started their careers singing along with the stars. They all say that singing the second part is many times more difficult than soloing. Why? Because the soloist is the main one on the stage. Musicians and vocalists tune in to it. If the soloist starts singing on the wrong note, the backing vocals should start on the same note. If the soloist makes a mistake, then the rest must work so that it is not heard. The task of the supporting vocalists is to carefully monitor everything that happens on the stage and sing in such a way that the soloist's flaws are not noticeable. Such a performance is not for everyone. It happens that the solo vocalist rearranges the verses, forgets the text, starts at the wrong time. The back should have time to react to all this, while remaining absolutely calm, but ready to instantly reorganize. This is why the backing bands are positioned so that the singer's lips are visible. The situation is somewhat different in rock compositions. They have their own techniques (for example, growling and screaming), which differ from the techniques of pop vocal accompaniment.

Back vocals. How to learn?

The ideal backing vocalist is the one whose part went unnoticed. This does not mean that he should remain in the background: the absence of a backing vocal can impoverish the composition. But he should not stick out to the fore. The task of backing vocals is to accompany and decorate the composition, and not to demonstrate their own voice. If you want to learn how to sing along at home, use karaoke or backing vocals. Try to start your game calmly,perfectly in tune. Start and end singing at the right time. Trust me, it's a lot harder than it looks. When you learn how to perfectly repeat the backing vocal part, start singing along with the solo vocalist, trying to "hit" in the most accurate way in his tonality and manner of performance. Of course, you can learn to sing along on your own, but the best way to master backing vocals and solo vocals is to graduate from a music school or at least take courses.