5 Secrets To Sounding Like 90s Country Legends

Here, you’ll find an in-depth look at five secrets that can help you channel the sound of 90s country legends. Whether you're an aspiring singer, a producer, or just a fan looking to understand the intricacies of this golden era in country music, these insights will guide you through the vocal techniques, production tips, and cultural influences that defined the 90s country music scene.

Embrace The Raspy Edge

The 90s country sound was marked by a unique vocal quality – often a blend of grit and warmth. Icons like George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Vince Gill each brought their own flavor to the table, but a common thread was the raspy edge:

• Vocal Technique: Start by understanding that the raspy edge isn't just a natural gift; it's a technique you can work on. Here’s how:
  • Relaxation: Focus on relaxing your throat and vocal cords. A slightly relaxed vocal fold can naturally produce a raspy tone.
  • Voice Placements: Learn to place your voice in the mask of your face to control the raspy quality.
  • Breath Control: Use air more efficiently; don't just force it through your vocal cords.

📝 Pro Tip: Practice singing with a pencil in your mouth to help relax your tongue and jaw. This exercise encourages a more natural, slightly open throat position that can produce a raspy tone.

• Examples: Here are some snippets from legends showcasing this technique:

The Twang Is Your Friend

One of the defining characteristics of 90s country music was its distinctive twang. This wasn't just an accent; it was an artistic choice:

• Vocal Twang: To master the twang:
  • Relax Your Tongue: Avoid tensing your tongue, which often leads to a less authentic sound.
  • Vocal Warm-Ups: Use exercises like "mum-mum-mum" or "nan-nan-nan" to stretch your vocal range and twang naturally.
  • Record and Analyze: Listen to your recordings against legends' tracks. Pay attention to where the twang sits in their phrases.

<p class="pro-note">🎙 Pro Tip: Sing through a kazoo to get the right twang placement. It amplifies nasal resonance and helps you find the right tone.</p>

• Integration: Here's how to integrate twang:

- When singing songs like "I Swear" by John Michael Montgomery, apply the twang on key words to add character.
- Practice twang by singing along with artists known for it, like **Travis Tritt** or **Garth Brooks**.

Embrace Dynamics and Emotion

Emotion was the lifeblood of 90s country tunes:

• Dynamic Variation: Here are some key aspects to focus on:
  • Volume: Shift from soft, intimate moments to powerful, emotive crescendos.
  • Energy: Alter your energy levels to reflect the lyrics, capturing the rollercoaster of human emotion.
  • Phrasing: Allow natural pauses and rhythm changes to convey the narrative of the song.

<p class="pro-note">🎵 Pro Tip: When singing about heartbreak, avoid over-singing. Instead, let the lyrics themselves carry the emotion, and your voice should only add subtlety to it.</p>

• Examples: These artists were masters of dynamics:

| Artist            | Song         | Dynamics and Emotion         |
|-------------------|--------------|-------------------------------|
| Reba McEntire     | "The Night the Lights Went Out" | From soft storytelling to powerful assertion |
| Garth Brooks      | "The Thunder Rolls"    | High-energy verses transitioning to a powerfully emotive chorus |
| Faith Hill        | "The Secret of Life"   | Varies from whispered reflections to uplifting declarations |

Don't Shy Away From Vocal Runs and Ornamentation

Vocal runs and ornamentation added a layer of authenticity to 90s country:

• Vocal Runs: Embellishments were not only artistic but also integral to the genre:
  • Practice: Start with simple scales and incorporate slight variations, extending to more complex runs over time.
  • Context: Use runs to accentuate emotional highs and to add texture to the story you're telling.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Begin with easy vocal slides (e.g., sliding from note to note), then slowly incorporate more intricate runs as you build your confidence and technique.</p>

• Examples:

- **Clint Black** often used runs to enhance the lyrical storytelling in songs like "Killin' Time."
- **LeAnn Rimes** showcased her runs in "Blue," demonstrating how to make them an integral part of the song without overshadowing the emotion.

Telling a Story, Not Just Singing

90s country was as much about storytelling as it was about singing:

• Phrasing for Narrative: Focus on:
  • Word Emphasis: Where you put stress in lyrics can change the song's meaning.
  • Pauses: Strategic pauses add drama and reflect real-life conversation.
  • Characterization: Adopt the character of the song, let their voice, tone, and attitude guide your delivery.

<p class="pro-note">🎭 Pro Tip: When learning a new song, find out who wrote it or get the backstory. It helps you understand the characters and portray them authentically.</p>

• Examples:

| Artist            | Song         | Storytelling Element          |
|-------------------|--------------|-------------------------------|
| Patty Loveless    | "Blame it on Your Heart" | Conversational, real-life feel |
| Brooks & Dunn     | "Brand New Man"    | Narrating a life-changing moment |
| Trisha Yearwood   | "She's in Love with the Boy" | Portrayal of characters through song |

By embracing these secrets to sounding like 90s country legends, you can pay homage to the iconic era of country music, infusing your performances with the soul, authenticity, and emotion that defined the 90s. As you explore these techniques, remember that practice, dedication, and an authentic love for the genre are key. If you enjoyed this journey through country music, delve into related tutorials and techniques to keep refining your craft.

<p class="pro-note">🎸 Pro Tip: Listening to albums from this era in their entirety can provide a deeper understanding of vocal production, transitions, and the storytelling arc that defined 90s country hits.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can you get a raspy voice if you're naturally not?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can learn to cultivate a raspy edge. Vocal techniques like proper breath control and relaxed throat muscles can help you achieve this sound.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What's the importance of twang in 90s country music?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Twang was more than just an accent; it was a stylistic choice that added authenticity and character, making songs instantly recognizable as country music from that era.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do you practice vocal runs for 90s country songs?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Start with scales and simple slides, then slowly incorporate complex runs. Listening to 90s country artists' recordings for inspiration is also helpful.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is storytelling important in modern country music?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Storytelling remains a core element, though the way stories are told has evolved, blending traditional narrative with modern themes and production.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>