Vocal Coach Analysis: RAYE x WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
RAYE’s artistry truly shines in her live performances, and a recent vocal analysis offers a fascinating glimpse into the techniques that make her sound so captivating.
This deep-dive focuses on the remarkable vocal agility and expressive power showcased in her rendition of “Where Is My Husband?”.
Prepare to discover how RAYE moves seamlessly between different vocal registers and employs subtle yet powerful techniques to connect with her audience.
Mastering Vocal Flexibility: The Art of Register Flipping
One of the most striking aspects of RAYE’s performance is her effortless control over vocal registers. She expertly navigates between a powerful chest voice and the delicate nuances of thin vocal folds (often associated with head voice or lighter registers).
- Chest Voice Power: RAYE utilizes her chest voice to deliver strong, grounded notes, particularly in the lower to mid-range. This provides a solid emotional foundation for the narrative of her song.
- Transitioning to Thin Vocal Folds: As she ascends in pitch, especially during lines like “I would like a ring,” RAYE demonstrates a masterful switch to thinner vocal folds. This allows her to access higher notes without straining, maintaining a clear and controlled tone.
- The “Bell Tone” on E5: The analysis highlights her ability to sustain a note on E5 with a controlled thin vocal fold sound. This requires precision, breath management, and a nuanced approach to vocal cord vibration.
The Nuances of Jazz-Infused Vocal Colouration
While “Where Is My Husband?” might not be a traditional jazz standard, RAYE incorporates elements that evoke a sophisticated, jazz-like sensibility. This is achieved through subtle vocal manipulations:
- Thyroid Tilt for Brightness: A key technique discussed is the engaging of a “thyroid tilt.” This adjustment within the larynx can subtly brighten and focus the vocal tone, adding a contemporary jazz or R&B flavour.
- AES Narrowing for Presence: The use of “AES narrowing” (a slight constriction of the arytenoid cartilages at the back of the larynx) can make the voice sound more present and can help with vocal fold closure, enhancing clarity.
- Spoken-on-Pitch Delivery: RAYE often employs a style that hovers between speaking and singing, maintaining a specific pitch while delivering lyrics. This technique adds conversational intimacy and allows the narrative to take centre stage. Lines like “Where the hell is my husband?” are perfect examples of this engaging approach.
Expressive Dynamics and Laryngeal Control
Beyond mere pitch accuracy, RAYE’s performance is rich with emotional expression, driven by her sophisticated control over her vocal instrument.
- Darkening the Sound: When descending in pitch or wanting to add a deeper emotional weight, RAYE demonstrates taking her larynx lower. This action naturally thickens the vocal folds, resulting in a darker, more resonant sound. This is particularly noticeable as she sings phrases leading towards “death.”
- Vocal Colouration and Dynamics: She uses varying degrees of breathiness and vocal fold closure to convey different emotions – from vulnerability and yearning to frustration and insistence.
- “Sob” Position for Emotion: At moments requiring heightened emotion, she employs a “sob” position, characterized by a lowered larynx and thin vocal folds, which can create a beautifully poignant and airy vocal quality.
Beyond the Voice: Performance Insights
RAYE’s live performances are a holistic experience, and the analysis touches upon practical aspects that enhance her vocal delivery.
- Mic Technique and Ear Monitoring: Her adjustments to microphone placement and the Strategic removal of an in-ear monitor in certain moments suggest a keen awareness of her sound environment, allowing her to better connect with her own voice and the live mix.
- Movement and Expression: RAYE allows her body to express the emotion of the song, demonstrating that performance is not just about vocal technique but also about embodying the lyrics and melody.
RAYE’s performance of “Where Is My Husband?” is a testament to her skill as a vocalist and performer. By dissecting her use of chest voice, thin vocal folds, thyroid tilt, and dynamic laryngeal control, we gain valuable insights into the techniques that contribute to her unique and compelling sound. This analysis serves as a powerful reminder that vocal artistry lies in the intelligent application of diverse techniques to serve the song and connect with the listener.
