[Vocal Profile] Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey

Vocal Type:Dugazon
Vocal Range: 3 Octaves and one note (B2-C6)
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Pluses: An expressive voice that carries the emotional narrative of the lyric through Lana Del Rey's uncanny ability to channel whatever character is contained within them. This is accentuated by her brilliant intonation and phrasing which maintain that the song words are always clear, audible and understandable to a listener. Very much influenced by Nancy Sinatara, Lana has adapted and modernised her sound for a new generation.

Album Review: Lana Del Rey Triumphs on Debut Album "Born To Die"

Its finally here: self confessed, studio singer and last years biggest musical Internet sensation, Lana Del Rey’s debut album, Born to Die, hit the shelves today. With a debut single as good as the bitter sweet love song Video Games was, it was always going to be an uphill battle trying to create a collection of songs that would not immediately shrivel into nothingness when placed on the same CD as it. But by heck, did setting the bar high from the get go produce a brilliant debut album.

It should be noted though, if you haven't liked Lana's voice, or any of the songs you've heard thus far from her, than this album is not going to convince you otherwise of her talent.

Christina Aguilera Sings "At Last" At Etta James' Remembrance Service

At the City of Refuge church in Gardena, California, a remembrance service was held for Grammy award winner Etta James who died on the 20th of January. Christina Aguilera took to the stage, at the request of Etta James' family, to pay homage to the singer. Before her performance of the classic At last, one which garnered a standing ovation from the congregation, the singer said these few words about her vocal hero, Etta James;

"Out of all the singers that I’ve ever heard, she was the one that cut right to my soul and spoke to me".

Rip Etta james.

Singer Duffy Pays Tribute To Etta James

With just a piano and her unique voice, Welsh Soul Singer Duffy gave a touching, live rendition of Etta James' Trust in me via her Twitter account today in tribute to the singer's passing. The song was a beautiful choice, and matched Duffy's raspy tone perfectly.

This is one singer who always astonishes more live than on record, an odd thing in today's musical landscape.

Natasha Bedingfield: Vocal Range/ Profile

Natasha Bedingfield

Vocal Type: Mezzo Soprano
Vocal Range: 3 Octaves   (E3-E6)
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Pluses: Natasha Bedingfieid's voice is bright and clear with a consistent quality to the sound and timbre through the modal range. Agile, dexterous and athletic, the voice is able to sing complex melisma as well as hold notes effortlessly. The lower range is well placed, with a moderate weight and is easily accessed. The belting range is resonate and well placed with an edgy rasp, extending up to an impressive A5, while maintaining a strong dynamic and individual tone. Though the voice can be punchy and powerful, Natash Bedingfield is also capable of switching up the dynamics to a softer, breathier timbre- see I Bruise Easily- which gives the voice greater flexibility.
Vocal Negatives: Natasha Bedingfield's  head voice sounds disconnected and slightly laboured.

Etta James Passes Away and The Stars Pay Tribute

Singing Soul Legend Etta James has died at the age of 73 after losing her battle with leukaemia. From past singers like Janis Joplin and Tina Turner, to modern day Diva's like Beyonce and Christina Aguilera, Etta James' stunning voice has continued to influence since her debut in 1954.

Michael Jackson: Vocal Profile/ Range [High Tenor/ 4 Octaves]

DivaDevotee's first Male profile; what a joyous and momentous day! I'm not sure how frequent these "male profiles" will be, especially considering the list of female pending profiles, but I'll try to get one out at least once a month. So, who better to start with than the legend that is Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson

Vocal Type: High Tenor
Vocal Range: 4 Octaves (F2-F6)
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Pluses: Michael Jackson's voice was predominately light and agile with a nimble, rhythmic dexterity that allowed for complex vocal runs, as well as allowing it to mimic instruments- such as drums- or employ trademark grunts and exclamations that were controlled and achieved via proper technique. The voice also had the strength and stamina to hold notes for lengths of time, without wavering in pitch, and the ability to emote the meaning of the lyrics exceptionally.

The low range was the heaviest part of the voice, and was surprisingly dark when compared to the higher parts of the modal range, in which he usually sang. As the voice passed into the midrange it began to lighten and brighten significantly. The chest voice had an elasticity and flexibility that allowed for it to stretch, without much impact on the tone, up to the fifth octave. The belting range had a number of timbres, being either bright, light and smooth, or coarser, slightly heavier and with an edge-see They don't care about us . The falsetto was solid, warm and more resonate than many other male singers, though it was also capable of a softer timbre if so required. Comfortable in this part of the range, Michael Jackson could sing effortlessly here holding notes, or hitting complex staccato notes- see Butterfies.

Unique and immediately recognisable voice that harmonised with itself brilliantly to create luscious and iconic layered vocals.

Vocal Negatives: Michael Jackson's tone could be considered thin and lacking in resonance, particularly in the mid-to high part of the modal register, when compared to other male singers. It should be noted that many fans consider this to be a unique, and positive, feature of the voice.