Every vocalist, including you, has a unique style that they bring to the table. Just like a fingerprint is unique to each and every person, your voice possesses its own distinct stylization and technique that sets you apart from the crowd. Understanding and honing this artistic fingerprint is not only essential for expressing your musical identity, but also for mastering your craft. So, let’s learn how to discover and take care of your artistic fingerprint.
Why It Matters
In the music and vocal industry, authenticity reigns supreme. Audiences are drawn to artists who have a genuine and distinctive voice, both figuratively and literally. Your artistic fingerprint is what makes you stand out among a sea of voices, allowing you to leave a lasting impression.
Moreover, embracing your unique vocal style empowers you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. When you sing from the heart and stay true to your artistic identity, your performances will become more heartfelt and authentic, creating a stronger emotional bond with your listeners. Your artistic fingerprint is like your musical signature, making your place in the world of music.
Honing your artistic fingerprint allows you the freedom and flexibility to choose the artistic projects you have a soul connection with. So how do we get there?
Laying a Foundation
Your voice needs proper training and technique to reach its full potential, just like a house needs a sturdy framework. This involves mastering the fundamentals of vocal technique and prioritizing vocal health.
Before you can fully explore and showcase your artistic fingerprint, you must first lay a foundation for your voice.
It is key to start your vocal journey by establishing a “home base.” Where does your voice thrive? Where does it struggle? Knowing your home base or foundation is essential for when you start to try new things and take risks.
Our main role as vocalists is to communicate the lyrics or story we are telling. If our voice isn’t put together or struggles to tell that story, then there is likely an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Investing time and effort into vocal training not only enhances your vocal abilities, but also provides you with the necessary tools to experiment and innovate with your voice confidently. Remember, great artists are not born overnight. They are created through dedication and perseverance.
Tailoring Your Warm-Ups
Just as athletes warm up their muscles before games, vocalists also have to prepare their voices for performances or practice sessions. However, a generic warm-up routine may not address the needs of your specific voice.
Your warm-up should include your vocal fingerprint stylizations so you can execute them effectively and efficiently, and so you don’t get hurt. For example, if you specialize in belting, focus on exercises that strengthen your chest voice and increase vocal agility. If you learn more towards jazz standards or soulful ballads, incorporate exercises that enhance your dynamic control and emotional expression. If you yodel, make sure vocal flips are in your warm-up.
Of course, never underestimate the importance of vocal health and recovery. Just as you warm up before singing, it’s equally important to cool down your voice. Hydrate, rest, and stay committed to your vocal health.
Your vocal coach should understand your artistic fingerprint and tailor your coaching experience to your unique sound. It should always be the goal to become a master of your own voice in a healthy way, while still retaining your artistic fingerprint. Let’s work together to make your artistic fingerprint shine!