I listened to a fascinating documentary about the art of backing vocals on BBC Radio 4 a couple of weeks ago. The title was R.E.S.P.E.C.T. – The Art of Backing Vocals. Presented by Nick Barraclough. Due to licensing issues its not possible for us to bring you the actual programme, however, I took a few notes and soundbites which I thought I would share with you.
Nick begins “A voice on its own was never enough for me …it took off when we all came in on the second verse…many a dreary song gets that extra lift when we all join in on the chorus”
The idea of the programme was to push the lead singer aside and look at who is really making the song. We so often identify singers with egos. Backing vocalists need to be the opposite. Their role is to create great music not compete for the audience’s adulation.
So what makes a great backing vocal? Probably a three part answer - the notes sung, the voices singing and the words uttered. Read More
