Tuesday, 31 January 2012

[Vocal Profile] 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.

The lower range is thick and dark with a slight smokiness[Born To Die (live)]. It is often utilised with a languorous tone and a quiver to the voice. Though at odds to her lighter, speaking voice, this artificially darkened sound appears to come comfortably.

The mid-range is of medium weight, and has a sweetness and feminine youthfulness that is not noticeable in the lowest extremes of the voice [Dark Paradise]. The Diva can play with the delivery here to create a variety of emotive  palettes. For instance, she can sound sorrowful and dejected with a slow, hazy and laborious delivery [God Knows I Tried]; enamoured with a warm and solid tone [West Coast]; nostalgic and melancholy [Old Money]; or playful, with a clear and youthful pop timbre [Brite Lites]. It's a versatility that is borne from the Diva's musicality and ability to manipulate the tempo, timbre and weight of her voice.

Lana Del Rey's belt is predominately head voice heavy, creating a timbre that is light, feminine and without stress or strain [Tired Of Singing The Blues]. As a result of this choice, the voice can step into its falsetto [Pawn Shop Blues] or flip back and forth between the two registers [Kinda Outta Luck] with ease.This choice of mix means Lana's belts lack resonance or real projection.

The upper register is easily accessed and is mostly used in a warm and breathy falsetto style. However, the Diva has demonstrated an ability to solidify the notes and use a head voice that is resonant, full and displays better dynamics than its falsetto counterpart [Cola].

Vocal Negatives: Some have called Lana Del Rey's lazy drawl "soulless" and "hollow". Also, her live performances have been criticised for being pitchy and unpolished, resulting in accusations that she is a product of studio magic.



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