Pt. 2 BACKING VOCALS TECHNIQUE.

• Simple harmonies are the obvious choice when writing for backing vocalists – they sound impressive and add richness and interesting layers to the vocal sound. Singing in thirds is always a winner, but if you’re feeling adventurous don’t be afraid to try more unusual intervals like sixths and sevenths. Octaves are not always the obvious choice but can give you a really striking sound, especially if you combine male and female voices.

• Backing singers can be used to sustain the tune, rather than merely add to it. For example, they could take over the chorus while the lead singer improvises over the top. Just because they do less prominent singing than the lead vocalist, it doesn't mean backing vocalists have less skill, backing singers are often more versatile, so make the most of their abilities.

• Instead of blending voices using harmonies, why not maximize the contrast between them? You could do this by writing a completely different line for your backing singers, independent of the lead in both lyrics and tune. Using both male and female voices can also produce a striking contrast. Many artists pick backing singers of the opposite sex, often they have very distinct parts, too.

• If your backing singers are new to the job, get them to practice as much as possible. A good exercise is for them to take a song they know well and improvise their own harmonies. If they can’t do this by ear, then do it mathematically (use a keyboard). Identify the key, remind yourselves of the scale and then just give some intervals a try. They won’t all sound great, but the best thing about improvisation is experimenting until you find something that does. You don’t have to choose complicated intervals, even singing in octaves helps you get used to not singing the lead line.