Belting and Commercial Voice: Techniques for Singing Pop/Rock Styles

The vast majority of professional singers in the 21st century make their living by singing commercial vocal styles or commercial voice. Commercial voice refers to a vocal style that is suitable for commercial music, including pop, rock, and other styles It focuses on delivering a polished and commercially appealing sound that is well-suited for recordings, live performances, and audiences who expect a certain level of vocal proficiency and marketability. Commercial music often requires the singer to belt. Belting can be hard to define but it is typically identified as a singing technique that involves using a combination of chest voice and head voice to produce a powerful, resonant, and full-bodied sound. It is characterized by a strong vocal projection, high energy, and a distinct tone that cuts through the music. Belting is often used in pop and rock genres to create impactful and emotional performances that convey a sense of urgency, power, and authenticity.

Developing a sound that’s commercially viable is crucial for singers interested in working in these styles. Here are some tips to help improve your belting and commercial voice techniques:

Tips for Mastering Belting and Developing a Commercial Voice

1. Proper Breath Support

   Belting requires strong breath support to create the necessary power and projection. Practice abdominal breathing, which involves using the diaphragm to draw air into the lungs and support your voice. Engage your abdominal muscles to provide stability and control as you release the breath for a powerful belting sound. However, be careful not to push TOO much air, as this can also cause the voice to waiver and fail under pressure.

2. Vocal Warm-ups

   Warm-up your voice before singing, especially when belting. Start with gentle vocal exercises that gradually increase in intensity, focusing on expanding your range, building vocal strength, and improving vocal flexibility. Include exercises that target the chest voice and head voice, as belting involves a mix of both registers. Unlike classical music, commercial styles often use both head and chest voice, sometimes with very clear and sudden breaks between the two. It’s important to workout your voice so that it can work robustly in both of these registers.

3. Vocal Placement

   Proper vocal placement is crucial for belting and commercial voice. Experiment with different vocal placements to find the sweet spot that allows you to produce a resonant and powerful sound without strain or tension. Practice vocal exercises that focus on forward placement, where the sound resonates in the front of your face, creating a bright and powerful tone. This is largely accomplished by two things: 1) Moving your tongue forward so the tip is anchored behind your bottom teeth and 2) singing with a smile to encourage a more forward/bratty sound.

4. Emotional Connection

   Belting and commercial voice styles are known for their emotional intensity. Connect with the lyrics and meaning of the song to convey genuine emotions in your performance. This emotional connection will add depth and authenticity to your singing, enhancing your ability to deliver a powerful and moving performance. Emotional connection is at the core of commercial music, so it’s extremely important to know what you want to communicate at all times. A lot of people sound pretty, but what sets you apart is your ability to stir up emotions in others.

5. Performance Skills

   In addition to vocal techniques, develop performance skills that complement your belting and commercial voice. Practice stage presence, microphone technique, and physical movement that enhances your performance. Experiment with different gestures, facial expressions, and body language that align with the style of music you're singing.

6. Vocal Health

   Taking care of your vocal health is essential for belting and maintaining a commercial voice. Stay hydrated, avoid excessive shouting or screaming, and rest your voice when it feels fatigued. Avoid pushing, straining, or yelling, as it can lead to vocal fatigue and damage. Instead, focus on relaxed throat muscles, open vowel shapes, and controlled breath support. Experiment with different vocal styles and learn to balance chest voice and head voice to create a smooth and seamless sound.Seek professional vocal training from a qualified voice coach who can guide you in developing healthy vocal habits and preventing vocal strain or injury.

Belting and commercial voice are powerful techniques for singing pop and rock styles. With proper technique, practice, and attention to vocal health, you can develop a strong and polished voice that allows you to excel in these genres. Remember to focus on breath support, vocal warm-ups, vocal placement, proper technique, emotional connection, performance skills, and vocal health to achieve a confident and authoritative vocal performance.

So, whether you're aspiring to be a pop star or a rock icon, mastering belting and developing a commercial voice can elevate your singing to new heights. Incorporate these techniques into your vocal training routine, work with a qualified vocal coach, and practice consistently to refine your skills and achieve a smooth, polished, and powerful sound. Working with a vocal coach who can help you set and achieve your goals in a supportive and challenging setting (like me!) can help expedite your progress. Learn more.

In conclusion, belting and commercial voice are invaluable techniques for singers who want to excel in pop, rock, and other commercial music styles. With dedication, practice, and proper technique, you can achieve a confident and commanding vocal performance that captures the energy, emotion, and authenticity of these genres. So, keep practicing, keep experimenting, and keep honing your vocal skills to unlock your full vocal potential and captivate your audience with your powerful and polished voice. Happy singing!