Kurt’s vocal style is essentially a country/folk style with grit and intensity. That’s what a lot of these singers who try to mimic it miss, they miss the slight yodel, the slight southern drawl and relaxed sloppiness with intensity.
Yeah I can definitely hear the country elements in his voice. I think some of what makes country country is embracing and emphasising the odd sounds that many amateur singers do by accident - 'scooping' around trying to find the right note, the wobbly yodel sound that often happens when changing volume, or running out of breath at the end of a phrase... I'm from Finland where country is not mainstream music and I never really listened to it until very recently. I'm so glad I started - just by singing along and imitating the singers for fun I've been able to improve my singing skills. It's about learning to do a new trick... AND learning to control it to the point that something does not happen by accident. Which can help singing sound better overall because I'm more in control of what happens when I sing.
@@chadsatomicdustbin9516 Love Shannon. One of the greatest voices ever. Makes me feel good whenever I listen to him. He never gets talked about for how talented he was. So many great singers in the early 90's and it's like he's completely ignored nowadays. Nice to see someone else mention him.
He literally sang until his stomach and throat were bleeding. Kurt if he was alive now probably would have had a a serious medical issue if he had continued on his path.
Kids forget that the Vox is a muscle! The more you sing the more power you have. Just don't push yourself too hard before you know your limits. Plenty of singers before and after Kurt can make screaming seem effortless. All in the technique and muscle!
I literally learned how to play and sing by watching his hands and listening to Kurt. Wes is forcing himself to sound like someone else. I wanted to be like Kurt, but he also taught me to find my own voice in the same breath. There is a noteworthy difference between copycatting and influence. Puns well intended. "Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are."
Everybody think that quote of Kurt refer to one's who try to imitate him, Kurt had no idea people would've try to copy him. In my opinion he's speaking about himself, he was aware about his personality being the opposite of what society wanted and still do what he believes in, instead following society's rules. In other words that quote means "do what you believes" and Kurt would be so pissed because of this misunderstanding...
It's wild when you watch kurt play his guitar it's almost like he's in this dream..his jaw swings to the beat of the drums and he just goes somewhere else..that how playing guitar should be and why Kurt's playing is so pure..
Kurt’s secret vocal technique? Actual raw & undeniable rage. You hear his entire childhood within his voice. Never heard anything like it since, probably never will.
it means.. STOP ACTING OUT MUSIC!!! That was Kurts's grace and gift. He was singing from a place of honesty in all intention and he " walk it like he talk it" He had real issues with life like anybody else but he was honest in his creation and persona, something we've lost.
Lol poor Wes, whenever either Nirvana or Puddle of Mudd comes on in the car I'll imitate Wes' painful noises on that cover and my boyfriend laughs without fail. It's funny you included that clip. And I am definitely getting better at singing thanks to you
As have I... I think we all have these kinds of stories with our own artist journey, which is what makes us cringe so much when we see stuff like this!
Ed Sheeran played an early recording of his on a (I forget which one) late night talk show. It was... not great But it goes to show that your voice is an instrument you can learn to play, and even some of the best singers maybe weren't always that good.
You’re comment “I find myself breathing easier” when I listen to Kurt hit the nail in the head. I’ve never been able to put my finger in it, but those words are it. What I mean is, that I literally find myself breathing easier when I listen to him. It’s the reason so many people go his music when they’re depressed, or they’re having a hard time. Something in his vocals calms you down. Relaxed, even while singing with grit. It makes you feel like everything‘s ok.. Like his technique is almost a metaphor for life.. (Relaxed during the grit of life, or something..)
Chris, you're a WAYYYYY better singer than me, but the one thing I don't see you mention about Kurt's scream is that it's all through his nose. That's how he gets that buzz-saw rasp without it sounding so weighty.
@@chrisliepeYes you have.. but I think it's really the key to his scream more than anything else. I'm not a great singer but I have a similar style of sing/scream that let me pull off long sets night after night on tour with a similar effortlessness. Here's a clip: ruclips.net/video/qIXQPVokP0U/видео.html -- I'd love to get some training from you one day since i've never had any. edit: Updated link to a version with lyrics.
@@theDyingArts You've got a fantastic voice man! Rich chest voice tone... WONDERFUL bridge up into that thick scream!! Would be super fun to work together someday!
@@chrisliepe Wow. I'm honored man thank you so much -- I was the worst singer on Earth until I started playing shows at age 30, and oddly screaming taught me to sing. Holy shit what I would have given for your videos back when I started! Thanks again for the flattering words.
Kurt's voice had CONVICTION which is the magic ingredient in music - an artist either has it or doesn't- there's no in-between- the conviction gives it an authenticity that cannot be replicated
Kurt definitely scoops/slides up and down like more like a slide guitar less like a piano delivering notes that start and stop on a precise pitch. Which is more engaging in his songs as it pulls you along for the melody like a roller coaster. A note rising or falling in good fashion creates more excitement and emotion. It's why they use risers so much in trailers. Takes you to a place.
Where Did You Sleep Last Night on Unplugged is a great example of Kurts natural ability to use his voice. The whole album really. It’s a masterpiece. Even parts where he’s get pitchy, it still sounds great, like it’s supposed to be like that.
Well said. The poor physical and mental state he was in at that time (severe heroin addiction, malnourishment, etc) makes his vocal performance that night all the more incredible.
I think Kurt had an artistic sensibility that made him embody the spirit of that generation emptiness and futility through his voice. It makes sense he was in pain, angry, but at the same time calm and relaxed.
another gold nugget. love your channel because it’s always an insightful balance between the audio nerd-level minutiae, artistry, and performance. happy 2023!
Kurt's voice is just natural even when he talks. Even Cris Cornell singing voice and normal voice is just the same thats why Kurt's voice voice is so soothing to listen. Its like listening to Ozzy's voice singing
I think Billy Corgan when he would sing aggressively has a similar effect. Totally different tone but when Corgan did his snarl, it cut through the mix of guitars like a gnarly guitar tone.
Kurt always sounded like himself, he was a very authentic human. Wes sounds like someone trying to sound like what they think a rock singer sounds like. Result, inauthenticity. And probably a hernia.
Good of You to point out (during Your video) something that a lot of people just glaze over / would not want to even recognize --the talent that Kurt Cobain did possess (in songwriting and the use of the instrument , that his voice was). Nice to be reminded of how someone like Kurt Cobain --without much formal vocal training --innately (and through just the practice of) just using his voice correctly , when the song called for it. Staying calm & not trying to over-apply , overcompensate or scream through something , that just needed some more timbre or emphasis of vocal dynamic.....
I’ve noticed when I get that raspiness in my singing voice like Kurt, every phrase ends with a quick, shriek-like vibrato. You can hear it at 1:00 and 1:05 on the “do” and “shoe”. It sounds very emo to me and I can’t unhear it, but I like it
Wow!!!!! Awesome!!!! There is so much in what you are bringing out in this video, like a hidden gem that goes far beyond someone else’s voice, but what you can bring out in our own voice. Awesome video!!!!
2:00 So.true! When we try to sound like something or someone else, it immediately and clearly gets conveyed as inauthentic to the listener (and to the singer if she/he's really able to more "objectively" listen back). It took me years to unlearn trying to sound like others I tried to sound like.
This comparison made me think about the time I screwed my voice doing Wasted Time by Skid Row. Which reminds me, I'd love an analysis on this song since I've been struggling with it for years. It's not because of the notes. It's just that I'm never as intense. I've gone past pushing but still not able to sound as broken as Sebastian Bach does.
I've seen the use of this audio graph probably on your course before, and it really helped me seeing what kind of dull sounds I was making while trying to sing.
I really liked the comparison drawn here; Two completely different singers, one of which tried to emulate the previous but ended up doing almost the polar opposite.
Great analysis, Chris. I love the way Kurt slides up and down notes in such a specific way. Very precise imprecision. He was a fearless, intuitive performer that went with his gut. You can tell he's not thinking about how he's going to hit the notes or how he's breathing when he performs. He's in the moment. I like Wes as well. He has some good songs and was clearly having a bad day in this performance, but I wouldn't call what he does original, and that's totally fine🙂
In the extended box set for Nirvana, the name of I forget, there is an extended video in there of him at someone's house just practicing screaming at a wall for a prolonged period of time. For years I wondered how he could do something that sounded like him shredding his vocal cords on tracks like Negative Creep, but after seeing that video, it all started to make sense. He spent hours working on those howls.
If you feel tension, your doing it wrong. Great tutorial on learning how to hit default. A reset button. Ultimately singers ease into a tense state along the way. I’m constantly trying to be mindful of My relaxed delivery. Game changer
I'd love to hear more about that harmonic content on lps that you have noticed. That is a very intriguing explanation that I haven't heard anywhere else, where they seem to only discuss fidelity.
nearly spit my coffee "PUSH! REACH!" 🤣🤣 amazing work as always Chris! Pointed me another new point of view about energy consumption too and the right and wrong amount of muscular force or pressure needed to reach intensity. It looks like we tend to put intensity on the same spectrum of "pushing hard" when in fact it's more about push the right amount and being relaxed to reach it in a natural way for our voices while preserving physical energy as well. All of this in the end of the road helps to use voice intensity for longer time and without being harmfull to the troath, am I right?
I hear one guy being organic while the other is trying to recreate. There’s a reason why Nirvana was so successful. They we’re different, original and pure. It’s no different then anything else. On one side you have the innovators and the other side the imitators.
@4:20- I hear chipmunks. 💡⁉-Has anyone sought comment from Alvin, Simon, or Theodore regarding the possibility of any additional littermate(s) separated from them at birth? They WERE adopted, afterall. 😨 Wait...⚠Could they have been trafficked or exploited...or...or...😭SOLD like inventory from little cages at the mall, like soulless animals?!?! OMG! What about the anthropormorphized animated characters based on their images as a franchise by some villanous megalo-media corporate conglomo-nopolous brand? BUT...in all seriousness...@6:20 your voice seems to cross into the angelic range. The sound of it genuinely moves my spirit nearly to tears. You have a beautiful voice, and I sincerely thank you for sharing it with the world via this portal. Cheers!
This was a very interesting and non-technical way of thinking about singing. It makes a lot of sense, and toward the end with the moaning analgy, I heard Muse for a second. They seem to have a similar strategy as Kurt. Also are very famous and also have a lot of imperfections in their music/singing(in the good way you are describing here).
Agreed. When I find myself not getting the sound I hear in my head. I usually take deep breathes just before delivery. Sometimes this technique leads me down a different path than I would of otherwise. Sounds, tempo, syllable exaggeration, etc…
Do as many covers as you can and aim to try and do what they do. Do it gently. I have proof that it works as I can switch vocal styles with ease now. I can sing like Thom Yorke, Bono, Eddie Vedder, Layne Stayley, Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, Scott Weiland, Maynard Kenan, Daniel Johns and so many more. By learning other styles you are developing your voice.
What you said about listening to what comes out of your mouth, with non judgement and acceptance gave me a light bulb moment. In doing that, it's like picking up a guitar for the first time. You play a string openly or with a fret held down to understand how the tuning and positioning come together to create the sound. It's the same thing here, with the voice. You're not looking to play a song, but to learn where each sound is, playing with it to build a comfort and familiarity.
all your content is always great, i would like to request for one of your next videos please sing for us a little bit of thousand foot krutch, i cant be the only one thinking u have a similar voice to the singer. Love you man
I found a really cool video Chris, it's nirvana Kurt cam from New years, it was just posted a couple days ago and from what I watched the whole video is on his surrounding face, I was watching it and it's gonna be part of my study material for awhile lol
i did metal vocals for a very long time and when asked about i always had trouble explaining or relating what i was doing different from other people who were not doing it right i like how you explained the placement of air thing thats what i was always trying to describe but never thought of putting that way and technique and control are very important in metal vocals rather than just screaming real loud cause if done wrong you can really hurt yourself and blow out your voice id really like to hear you explain more about why records sound better too that was a cool side note that id like to hear expanded on cause to me they do sound better and i cant really exactly say why its weird cause on paper it shouldent but it does
It’s crazy that you say that Chris, I literally thought the same about Kurt’s singing style, you know you kinda read my mind sometimes tho lol I think of some artistic and you got the answers lol you’re awesome man thank you 💪🏼🤘🏼
This is such a genius page and I thank u so much for the breakdown ans all the great info u have no idea how much this helps and how scary this is. So I love all music and i mainly listen to rap but have been gettin sick of it. Last thurs or friday i listened to Kupd out here in a and they literally played xan u take it all away, which i always thought was a god song but never REALLY listened like i did this night. Out of no whr it hit me thia dude is one of the cloaest tht i have heard not exactly but close to Kurt with a little chester. Dude has a dope voice. Later in the night they played in bloom and i then decised kurt was better but for today since qe csnt have Kurt I am diggin wes and a solid number 2 so all weekend i have been playing those songs painfully failing my sorry ass attemps at either. I kinda started thinking some of the things tht u mentioned prior to watching this vid. Now i did not wrd it aa good as u. But i noticed the warmth and rawness of Kurt. The confidence and no effort almost like he does not give af lol but just is no trying. I was left with how did he do it. Im from seattle and we have legendary singers. But kurt ia soooo laid back but also soo much energy and emotion. Mind boggling. Not gonna lie I started questioning was it the drugs? lol but u broke it down perfectly. Now granted I agree with EVERYTHING i will say for alot of younger rap fans TODAY would be drawn more to the less authentic sound of Wes i think. At least the ones i know. Not tht it is better. But wht they are uaed to in most of today's younger rap and even r and b out. But I am with you. Thank u again thia REALLY helped out alot provide a clear understanding of what i felt and wht is needed.
You've opened up so many doors for me. I'm no Marvin Gaye but have gotten better from your eye opening lessons. Feeling. Be in moment. Don't be a damn robot. Be free. You da man. Thank you
I think Kurt's love of punk music played a big part in how he presented himself in earlier years. He wanted to be a gritty punk star and wanted the admiration of those fans. It gave him the freedom to mess up and/or change lyrics and play and sing off key at times. I think by the time Nirvana did Unplugged, Kurt was at a place where he could embrace his pop side and love for classic British Pop. You can tell that he tried hard to make the Unplugged good and he showcased that he had a good voice and grasp of music outside of the punk/hard rock alternative scene of the time period.
You always have great insights into how to approach singing- and it is so much more than 'notes' or technical ideas- I find it most helpful! Sometimes just for fun i try to do the opposite of what you show, and see how that sounds too... Thanxxx! 🦄🧜♀🌭🍺
Thank you very much indeed for introducing me to that gem of a cover. I have never imagined cringe of that level was possible, I thought it was a joke...
I've said it before Chris, I'll say it again. You've got great vox, and great philosophy and original theses. Not sure if you've covered it before/ already, or whether or not we would/wouldn't be in agreement, but the topic(s) of the 'middle voice', passaggio possibly (I'm no subject matter expert here, but maybe it's in the wheelhouse), and principally the phenomenon of the gyroscopic 'force-structure' or perhaps 'flow structure' maybe, I'll describe it as. Essentially a semi-persistent state, that can be induced by ordered breathing, direction and separation of upward + downward movements and fluid dynamics, essentially. Maybe Prana and Apana concepts, at least conceptually if not literally, could be useful to communicate the idea. Any bells ringing? We could get into it a bit if clarification is required, or just if there's any interest in it. I do love this sort of thing. I'm pretty much certain that you feel the same way. No doubt we have an understanding of at least that much I'd bet. Great work, man.
I would love if you did one of these voice analysis on PJ Harvey, particularly her early stuff where she has this glorious grit. Courtney love eat your heart out
After a while that I have been trying to emulate Kurt's voice, when singing Heart shaped box's chorus, I did not even break sweat reaching the "HEY, WAIT". I was just tottaly relaxed and no strain is present. Cause I saw the same video on about a girl unplugged. So just don't strain your throat, just a ton of abdominal support and open throat.
About a girl might not have been the best example but when you pulled out the spectral graph of the voices and start talking about the recording and the muscles... that was fascinating.
Very interesting lesson. Love the points you bring out. Some singers’ notes scatter like a shotgun blast, with small note particles shooting out in every direction, flattening, sharpening, or otherwise changing, the intended note unfavorably. But Kurt had such great control, and just did it naturally, the essence of grunge.
Great vid as always Chris I needed this reminder I did a recording the other day and I found the first five or so takes I was really relaxed and everything was flowing but as soon as I got a little frustrated I started to try to hard and everything went down hill fast.
Kurt’s vocal style is essentially a country/folk style with grit and intensity. That’s what a lot of these singers who try to mimic it miss, they miss the slight yodel, the slight southern drawl and relaxed sloppiness with intensity.
and nirvana beat intros are disco
ruclips.net/video/-_J5Fb2BLPE/видео.html I like to yodel.
Yeah I can definitely hear the country elements in his voice. I think some of what makes country country is embracing and emphasising the odd sounds that many amateur singers do by accident - 'scooping' around trying to find the right note, the wobbly yodel sound that often happens when changing volume, or running out of breath at the end of a phrase...
I'm from Finland where country is not mainstream music and I never really listened to it until very recently.
I'm so glad I started - just by singing along and imitating the singers for fun I've been able to improve my singing skills. It's about learning to do a new trick... AND learning to control it to the point that something does not happen by accident. Which can help singing sound better overall because I'm more in control of what happens when I sing.
Good point, wasn't he in a CCR cover band at one time?
southern? country?
i guess i understand the urge to categorise everything - but come on, they were a punk rock band from seattle.
The great thing about Kurt's voice was he could scream and be super intense but still make it always seem so effortless
So true, I believe Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon could do this to.
@@chadsatomicdustbin9516 Love Shannon. One of the greatest voices ever. Makes me feel good whenever I listen to him. He never gets talked about for how talented he was. So many great singers in the early 90's and it's like he's completely ignored nowadays. Nice to see someone else mention him.
He literally sang until his stomach and throat were bleeding. Kurt if he was alive now probably would have had a a serious medical issue if he had continued on his path.
Idk it looks intense
Kids forget that the Vox is a muscle! The more you sing the more power you have. Just don't push yourself too hard before you know your limits. Plenty of singers before and after Kurt can make screaming seem effortless. All in the technique and muscle!
I literally learned how to play and sing by watching his hands and listening to Kurt. Wes is forcing himself to sound like someone else. I wanted to be like Kurt, but he also taught me to find my own voice in the same breath. There is a noteworthy difference between copycatting and influence. Puns well intended. "Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are."
Everybody think that quote of Kurt refer to one's who try to imitate him, Kurt had no idea people would've try to copy him.
In my opinion he's speaking about himself, he was aware about his personality being the opposite of what society wanted and still do what he believes in, instead following society's rules.
In other words that quote means "do what you believes" and Kurt would be so pissed because of this misunderstanding...
Same
It's wild when you watch kurt play his guitar it's almost like he's in this dream..his jaw swings to the beat of the drums and he just goes somewhere else..that how playing guitar should be and why Kurt's playing is so pure..
100%
So did you learn to become a left hand guitarist or a right hand guitarist? By watching his hands?
Kurt’s secret vocal technique? Actual raw & undeniable rage. You hear his entire childhood within his voice. Never heard anything like it since, probably never will.
100%
Layne Staley enters the room.
@@ivangotyokes Alongside Eddie Vedder
I hear Kurt's voice in ( rxpapi where I'm from) somg and artist
Rxpapi is second coming of kurt cobain
Kurt still makes my ❤melt 30+ years later. I miss him so much.
@@AsWellYouShould 🤣 Your not sorry or you wouldn't have posted that.
All of his fan girls feel the exact same way no different. ❤❤❤❤
Cobain's voice was like that of Lennon: he could let it rip, but also had an effortless, understated quality about it when singing softly.
100%
Yeah completely agree
The beatles inspired him I'd imagine Lenon was his biggest idol
@@happyfablesart Yes, very likely.
@@carlitobrigante330 So Kurt was a Communist?
it means.. STOP ACTING OUT MUSIC!!! That was Kurts's grace and gift. He was singing from a place of honesty in all intention and he " walk it like he talk it" He had real issues with life like anybody else but he was honest in his creation and persona, something we've lost.
he was the art, his life was.. im sure thats were the sincerity comes from… no pretention
Wes will never know Kurt's suffering
Damn thts felt
@@roxannemoser I know! This is also true for everyone 😢
Exactly. Ffs
Lol poor Wes, whenever either Nirvana or Puddle of Mudd comes on in the car I'll imitate Wes' painful noises on that cover and my boyfriend laughs without fail. It's funny you included that clip. And I am definitely getting better at singing thanks to you
Poor Wes..but he makes me laugh so hard every time. Especially because I've been there 😂
Lol. That performance was really unfortunate. 😀
@@jamiemacdonald436 I've done worse, so I'm really feeling for Wes 😅
As have I... I think we all have these kinds of stories with our own artist journey, which is what makes us cringe so much when we see stuff like this!
@@chrisliepe yep 😅
Ed Sheeran played an early recording of his on a (I forget which one) late night talk show.
It was... not great
But it goes to show that your voice is an instrument you can learn to play, and even some of the best singers maybe weren't always that good.
You’re comment “I find myself breathing easier” when I listen to Kurt hit the nail in the head. I’ve never been able to put my finger in it, but those words are it.
What I mean is, that I literally find myself breathing easier when I listen to him. It’s the reason so many people go his music when they’re depressed, or they’re having a hard time. Something in his vocals calms you down. Relaxed, even while singing with grit. It makes you feel like everything‘s ok..
Like his technique is almost a metaphor for life.. (Relaxed during the grit of life, or something..)
haha... TOTALLY! Relaxed during the grit of life really relates to grit in singing, which is something we do very much need to relax into!
Yeah that comment struck me too, there's a comfort in the uneasiness of Kurt's performances. He emotes effortlessly.
Chris, you're a WAYYYYY better singer than me, but the one thing I don't see you mention about Kurt's scream is that it's all through his nose. That's how he gets that buzz-saw rasp without it sounding so weighty.
I’ve discussed his nasality in some of my other videos about Kurt. I agree. Very nasal driven screams and distortion!
@@chrisliepeYes you have.. but I think it's really the key to his scream more than anything else. I'm not a great singer but I have a similar style of sing/scream that let me pull off long sets night after night on tour with a similar effortlessness. Here's a clip: ruclips.net/video/qIXQPVokP0U/видео.html -- I'd love to get some training from you one day since i've never had any.
edit: Updated link to a version with lyrics.
@@theDyingArts You've got a fantastic voice man! Rich chest voice tone... WONDERFUL bridge up into that thick scream!! Would be super fun to work together someday!
@@chrisliepe Wow. I'm honored man thank you so much -- I was the worst singer on Earth until I started playing shows at age 30, and oddly screaming taught me to sing. Holy shit what I would have given for your videos back when I started! Thanks again for the flattering words.
@@theDyingArts Buena banda!
Kurt's voice had CONVICTION which is the magic ingredient in music - an artist either has it or doesn't- there's no in-between- the conviction gives it an authenticity that cannot be replicated
I hear Kurt's voice in( rxpapi where I'm from) song and artist
"It sounded like he was BOILING NAILS in there..."
-Dave Grohl
EXCELLENT observation. :)
Instructive because of the contrasting example. Nice work
That Puddle of Mudd clip is painfully funny! I feel so bad for the guy, he dug a hole for himself that he couldn't get out of, I've been there! 😅
Me too! That's why it's so painful I think... because it jabs at our own insecurities!
Kurt definitely scoops/slides up and down like more like a slide guitar less like a piano delivering notes that start and stop on a precise pitch. Which is more engaging in his songs as it pulls you along for the melody like a roller coaster. A note rising or falling in good fashion creates more excitement and emotion. It's why they use risers so much in trailers. Takes you to a place.
Amazing!! New sub right here.
___...,,~~~****yYesSSS!!!
Where Did You Sleep Last Night on Unplugged is a great example of Kurts natural ability to use his voice. The whole album really. It’s a masterpiece. Even parts where he’s get pitchy, it still sounds great, like it’s supposed to be like that.
Well said. The poor physical and mental state he was in at that time (severe heroin addiction, malnourishment, etc) makes his vocal performance that night all the more incredible.
ruclips.net/video/-_J5Fb2BLPE/видео.html
its by far my most favorite album ever recorded among all bands and genres
its truly special
I think Kurt had an artistic sensibility that made him embody the spirit of that generation emptiness and futility through his voice. It makes sense he was in pain, angry, but at the same time calm and relaxed.
excellent comment
Just search about his life. Somebody with that past is gonna express something different
Maynard James Keenan also does this… like a simple exhale. Kurt mastered it as well!! Great analysis! 🖤🤘
another gold nugget. love your channel because it’s always an insightful balance between the audio nerd-level minutiae, artistry, and performance. happy 2023!
Kurt's voice is just natural even when he talks. Even Cris Cornell singing voice and normal voice is just the same thats why Kurt's voice voice is so soothing to listen. Its like listening to Ozzy's voice singing
Yes, I think the same as you that Kurt sang and spoke with the natural voice,
Kurt's voice ripped into my soul and tore it out. Don't compare him to some wannabe. The man was a genius loaned to us from a higher place.
lol. It is soul ripping. It's what truly set him apart from everyone else. That scream was gold.
Interesting... Thanks for sharing this... I don't follow your videos that much now, but I am into extreme singing...
To me Kurt's voice sounded like a power chord, and blended perfectly with the distortion sound of his guitar.
I think Billy Corgan when he would sing aggressively has a similar effect. Totally different tone but when Corgan did his snarl, it cut through the mix of guitars like a gnarly guitar tone.
That is a superb description of Kurt’s voice. Excellent video. 😊
Kurt always sounded like himself, he was a very authentic human. Wes sounds like someone trying to sound like what they think a rock singer sounds like. Result, inauthenticity. And probably a hernia.
Good of You to point out (during Your video) something that a lot of people just glaze over / would not want to even recognize --the talent that Kurt Cobain did possess (in songwriting and the use of the instrument , that his voice was). Nice to be reminded of how someone like Kurt Cobain --without much formal vocal training --innately (and through just the practice of) just using his voice correctly , when the song called for it. Staying calm & not trying to over-apply , overcompensate or scream through something , that just needed some more timbre or emphasis of vocal dynamic.....
it's amazing how all of it comes down to support and compression and control over when to have strong compression and when to have weak compression.
Great and appropriate comparison of voices ♥️
I have noticed an upgrade in production in your videos. Great editing, keep up your great work!
Yes! Thank you!
I’ve noticed when I get that raspiness in my singing voice like Kurt, every phrase ends with a quick, shriek-like vibrato.
You can hear it at 1:00 and 1:05 on the “do” and “shoe”. It sounds very emo to me and I can’t unhear it, but I like it
Yeah it's cool, I've heard some experts say it's like yodelling. A lot of country singers do that too
Amazing observation.
Wow!!!!! Awesome!!!! There is so much in what you are bringing out in this video, like a hidden gem that goes far beyond someone else’s voice, but what you can bring out in our own voice. Awesome video!!!!
2:00 So.true! When we try to sound like something or someone else, it immediately and clearly gets conveyed as inauthentic to the listener (and to the singer if she/he's really able to more "objectively" listen back). It took me years to unlearn trying to sound like others I tried to sound like.
You help me a lot, before being introduced to your channel a was thinking that i would never hit high notes or get a grit in my singing, huge thanks
This comparison made me think about the time I screwed my voice doing Wasted Time by Skid Row. Which reminds me, I'd love an analysis on this song since I've been struggling with it for years. It's not because of the notes. It's just that I'm never as intense. I've gone past pushing but still not able to sound as broken as Sebastian Bach does.
Bach was a phenomenal singer at that time. If you're even close you're doing great.
@@LegendoftheDragonSword thank you!
I've seen the use of this audio graph probably on your course before, and it really helped me seeing what kind of dull sounds I was making while trying to sing.
Your videos are amazing as always 🙌🏻
I really liked the comparison drawn here; Two completely different singers, one of which tried to emulate the previous but ended up doing almost the polar opposite.
Great analysis, Chris. I love the way Kurt slides up and down notes in such a specific way. Very precise imprecision. He was a fearless, intuitive performer that went with his gut. You can tell he's not thinking about how he's going to hit the notes or how he's breathing when he performs. He's in the moment.
I like Wes as well. He has some good songs and was clearly having a bad day in this performance, but I wouldn't call what he does original, and that's totally fine🙂
THAT WAS AWESOME. THANK YOU 🙏🙌❤️🌿
You are so welcome
Really enjoyed the vid brotha peace love and unity
In the extended box set for Nirvana, the name of I forget, there is an extended video in there of him at someone's house just practicing screaming at a wall for a prolonged period of time. For years I wondered how he could do something that sounded like him shredding his vocal cords on tracks like Negative Creep, but after seeing that video, it all started to make sense. He spent hours working on those howls.
If you feel tension, your doing it wrong. Great tutorial on learning how to hit default. A reset button. Ultimately singers ease into a tense state along the way.
I’m constantly trying to be mindful of My relaxed delivery. Game changer
The most powerful sound is when the song is actually backed with emotion rather than constantly strive to reach the 'perfect' note
It’s so hard to watch puddle of mudd cover nirvana cuz I like puddle of mudd a lot but that was… something else hahah
How? How is it possible for one man like this make so many discoveries when analyzes a singer from any genre?
:)
@Chris your lessons always pack wallops of science and humility. Thanks for sharing! 🙏
This is amazing. Thanks Chris!!
My pleasure!
Definitely the best & richest harmonically distortions leading to perfection. Unique vocal,straight to the ❤
I love it when Chris Daughtry uploads new videos! This is a good one!
I'd love to hear more about that harmonic content on lps that you have noticed. That is a very intriguing explanation that I haven't heard anywhere else, where they seem to only discuss fidelity.
nearly spit my coffee "PUSH! REACH!" 🤣🤣 amazing work as always Chris!
Pointed me another new point of view about energy consumption too and the right and wrong amount of muscular force or pressure needed to reach intensity. It looks like we tend to put intensity on the same spectrum of "pushing hard" when in fact it's more about push the right amount and being relaxed to reach it in a natural way for our voices while preserving physical energy as well. All of this in the end of the road helps to use voice intensity for longer time and without being harmfull to the troath, am I right?
Yes! Very good insight about “right amount”
The "push, reach" was absolutely awesome lol. Highlight of the video.
I love this!!! Great video!!
Great done! Love the way you explain it.
Thank you
I hear one guy being organic while the other is trying to recreate. There’s a reason why Nirvana was so successful. They we’re different, original and pure. It’s no different then anything else. On one side you have the innovators and the other side the imitators.
@4:20- I hear chipmunks.
💡⁉-Has anyone sought comment from Alvin, Simon, or Theodore regarding the possibility of any additional littermate(s) separated from them at birth? They WERE adopted, afterall. 😨 Wait...⚠Could they have been trafficked or exploited...or...or...😭SOLD like inventory from little cages at the mall, like soulless animals?!?! OMG! What about the anthropormorphized animated characters based on their images as a franchise by some villanous megalo-media corporate conglomo-nopolous brand?
BUT...in all seriousness...@6:20 your voice seems to cross into the angelic range. The sound of it genuinely moves my spirit nearly to tears. You have a beautiful voice, and I sincerely thank you for sharing it with the world via this portal. Cheers!
This was a very interesting and non-technical way of thinking about singing. It makes a lot of sense, and toward the end with the moaning analgy, I heard Muse for a second. They seem to have a similar strategy as Kurt. Also are very famous and also have a lot of imperfections in their music/singing(in the good way you are describing here).
Fully agree on this video. Kurt was an amazing talent. One of a kind.
Agreed. When I find myself not getting the sound I hear in my head. I usually take deep breathes just before delivery. Sometimes this technique leads me down a different path than I would of otherwise. Sounds, tempo, syllable exaggeration, etc…
This is super insightful.
vocal recording techniques, approach & technology changed a lot in a decade (nevermind '91 vs POM '01)... but yeah, Kurt is still the GOAT...
Do as many covers as you can and aim to try and do what they do. Do it gently. I have proof that it works as I can switch vocal styles with ease now. I can sing like Thom Yorke, Bono, Eddie Vedder, Layne Stayley, Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, Scott Weiland, Maynard Kenan, Daniel Johns and so many more. By learning other styles you are developing your voice.
What you said about listening to what comes out of your mouth, with non judgement and acceptance gave me a light bulb moment.
In doing that, it's like picking up a guitar for the first time. You play a string openly or with a fret held down to understand how the tuning and positioning come together to create the sound. It's the same thing here, with the voice. You're not looking to play a song, but to learn where each sound is, playing with it to build a comfort and familiarity.
all your content is always great, i would like to request for one of your next videos please sing for us a little bit of thousand foot krutch, i cant be the only one thinking u have a similar voice to the singer. Love you man
Amazing explanation and singing examples. I learned a lot. Thank you!
Great to hear!
Great advice!!!
Yes!! Another nirvana video!! These are my absolute FAVORITE!! Are you going to do more studio multitracks soon?
great vid man thanks
Hit the nail on the head. He was naturally good at his art. Love Kurt Cobains voice. Wes is good in his own right too.
I found a really cool video Chris, it's nirvana Kurt cam from New years, it was just posted a couple days ago and from what I watched the whole video is on his surrounding face, I was watching it and it's gonna be part of my study material for awhile lol
ruclips.net/video/LwmKySGL68k/видео.html
Check it out!!
I'll take the credit for the thumb and title!
FULL credit given :)
Chris Liepe & Troy Grady - Two legends of the modern age!
Thanks for all your work man, your channel is legendary :))
i did metal vocals for a very long time and when asked about i always had trouble explaining or relating what i was doing different from other people who were not doing it right i like how you explained the placement of air thing thats what i was always trying to describe but never thought of putting that way and technique and control are very important in metal vocals rather than just screaming real loud cause if done wrong you can really hurt yourself and blow out your voice id really like to hear you explain more about why records sound better too that was a cool side note that id like to hear expanded on cause to me they do sound better and i cant really exactly say why its weird cause on paper it shouldent but it does
It’s crazy that you say that Chris, I literally thought the same about Kurt’s singing style, you know you kinda read my mind sometimes tho lol I think of some artistic and you got the answers lol you’re awesome man thank you 💪🏼🤘🏼
This is such a genius page and I thank u so much for the breakdown ans all the great info u have no idea how much this helps and how scary this is. So I love all music and i mainly listen to rap but have been gettin sick of it. Last thurs or friday i listened to Kupd out here in a and they literally played xan u take it all away, which i always thought was a god song but never REALLY listened like i did this night. Out of no whr it hit me thia dude is one of the cloaest tht i have heard not exactly but close to Kurt with a little chester. Dude has a dope voice. Later in the night they played in bloom and i then decised kurt was better but for today since qe csnt have Kurt I am diggin wes and a solid number 2 so all weekend i have been playing those songs painfully failing my sorry ass attemps at either. I kinda started thinking some of the things tht u mentioned prior to watching this vid. Now i did not wrd it aa good as u. But i noticed the warmth and rawness of Kurt. The confidence and no effort almost like he does not give af lol but just is no trying. I was left with how did he do it. Im from seattle and we have legendary singers. But kurt ia soooo laid back but also soo much energy and emotion. Mind boggling. Not gonna lie I started questioning was it the drugs? lol but u broke it down perfectly. Now granted I agree with EVERYTHING i will say for alot of younger rap fans TODAY would be drawn more to the less authentic sound of Wes i think. At least the ones i know. Not tht it is better. But wht they are uaed to in most of today's younger rap and even r and b out. But I am with you. Thank u again thia REALLY helped out alot provide a clear understanding of what i felt and wht is needed.
You've opened up so many doors for me. I'm no Marvin Gaye but have gotten better from your eye opening lessons.
Feeling.
Be in moment.
Don't be a damn robot.
Be free.
You da man. Thank you
I think Kurt's love of punk music played a big part in how he presented himself in earlier years. He wanted to be a gritty punk star and wanted the admiration of those fans. It gave him the freedom to mess up and/or change lyrics and play and sing off key at times. I think by the time Nirvana did Unplugged, Kurt was at a place where he could embrace his pop side and love for classic British Pop. You can tell that he tried hard to make the Unplugged good and he showcased that he had a good voice and grasp of music outside of the punk/hard rock alternative scene of the time period.
Always on point,thanks for this video!
You always have great insights into how to approach singing- and it is so much more than 'notes' or technical ideas- I find it most helpful! Sometimes just for fun i try to do the opposite of what you show, and see how that sounds too... Thanxxx! 🦄🧜♀🌭🍺
My pleasure!
Thank you very much indeed for introducing me to that gem of a cover. I have never imagined cringe of that level was possible, I thought it was a joke...
I've said it before Chris, I'll say it again. You've got great vox, and great philosophy and original theses. Not sure if you've covered it before/ already, or whether or not we would/wouldn't be in agreement, but the topic(s) of the 'middle voice', passaggio possibly (I'm no subject matter expert here, but maybe it's in the wheelhouse), and principally the phenomenon of the gyroscopic 'force-structure' or perhaps 'flow structure' maybe, I'll describe it as. Essentially a semi-persistent state, that can be induced by ordered breathing, direction and separation of upward + downward movements and fluid dynamics, essentially. Maybe Prana and Apana concepts, at least conceptually if not literally, could be useful to communicate the idea. Any bells ringing? We could get into it a bit if clarification is required, or just if there's any interest in it. I do love this sort of thing. I'm pretty much certain that you feel the same way. No doubt we have an understanding of at least that much I'd bet. Great work, man.
excellent video thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank's man. Your videos always helps me to understand more about the sound and music.
Excellent breakdown!
I would love if you did one of these voice analysis on PJ Harvey, particularly her early stuff where she has this glorious grit. Courtney love eat your heart out
Unplugged is truly one of the BEST albums ever made. It would have been a real amazing ride if Kurt lived longer to progress through his music more.
This was awesome and transformative observation. I love it.
I read on the back of a Best of Billie Holiday album a tendency to sing behind the beat as a signature admired by many she played with.
Very cool. Love the explanation and examples..spot on.
Thank you so much!
great video. subbed
Gee, thanks, dude! Can't even post a warning first? Many of us were trying to forget that cover!
hahaha
Precious stuff as always.
Almost sounds like a school of thought, a philosophy. I'd be interested to have more content and discussions on this topic.
Why am I not getting notifications? Great video!
what?? that's dumb! gladly you saw it :)
After a while that I have been trying to emulate Kurt's voice, when singing Heart shaped box's chorus, I did not even break sweat reaching the "HEY, WAIT". I was just tottaly relaxed and no strain is present. Cause I saw the same video on about a girl unplugged. So just don't strain your throat, just a ton of abdominal support and open throat.
About a girl might not have been the best example but when you pulled out the spectral graph of the voices and start talking about the recording and the muscles... that was fascinating.
Very interesting lesson. Love the points you bring out. Some singers’ notes scatter like a shotgun blast, with small note particles shooting out in every direction, flattening, sharpening, or otherwise changing, the intended note unfavorably. But Kurt had such great control, and just did it naturally, the essence of grunge.
Great vid as always Chris I needed this reminder I did a recording the other day and I found the first five or so takes I was really relaxed and everything was flowing but as soon as I got a little frustrated I started to try to hard and everything went down hill fast.
"I find myself breathing easier when I listen to Kurt's section". Brilliant video.
Such wonderful advice at 2:00. Thanks Chris.