Ever since Jessie J came onto the music scene in 2010, I’ve been obsessed, I think she is so unbelievably talented, yet so underrated. Here’s why...
Riffs and runs
Riffs and runs can be a really tricky vocal technique to master and she executes them perfectly every time, even in live performances. One in particular that stuck out to me was when she sings ‘Who You Are’, in the Radio 1 Live Lounge. She moves so quickly in-between the notes, it’s like vocal acrobatics. I also love the way she melts into some of her runs like the one in ‘Bang Bang’.
If you want to master riffs and runs, here is a little tip to help you:
Start by slowing down the runs, work out what notes are actually being sung and try them yourself, slowly.
Once you master this, get a little quicker and then a little quicker and then a little quicker, until you can do the run note and time perfectly!
Artistry and tone
Anyone who has ever heard Jessie J sing before will be able to recognise her voice if they ever heard her again and that is because of her very unique tone and expert artistry. The way she can move so effortlessly from a soulful smooth tone with aspirate qualities to a powerful falsetto-esque belt, will always have me in awe.
Here at Vocademy, we are a Vocal Tuition and Artist Development school. So, if you want to work on your own artistry, don’t hesitate to check out the ‘Singing Lessons’ section of our website. On there you will find two sections, ‘ONLINE 1-1 LESSONS’, and ‘IN-PERSON 1-1 LESSONS’, choose what one you’d prefer and book a taster ☺
Equally, if you’re already a student, ask your Vocademy tutor to aid you with your artistry and we will be happy to help you!
Belting/power
When you think of some of the most iconic female names in vocal history you think of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Christina Aguilera, Ella Fitzgerald, Beyonce, Adele. Now, what do all of these absolute queens have in common? POWER! Jessie J is also very much known for her powerful belt. To be able to master this technique, she would have to have an incredible amount of projection support.
Belting and power are, arguably, the hardest vocal techniques to master and if done wrong can really damage your vocal chords. Here’s a little hack to help you feel the sensation of support:
Pop your hands on you tummy and let out a short sharp, ‘Ha’. You should feel your tummy contract and move underneath your hands. This is your support starting to work. To aid yourself further with this, get in contact with us and we will be happy to book you into a taster session. Equally, if you’re already a student, ask your Vocademy tutor to help you with support and we will be happy to help you!
Jessie J has an abundance of vocal talent and has absolutely mastered even the trickiest of techniques. This is why I believe she is one of the most underrated female vocalists of our time!
Vocal Coach Lauren x