Page 10 - JulyWAM

Kate

One of my favorite artists of all time is Kate Bush. As a 6 year old, I remember my 12 year old sis-
ter swinging around the posts on the verandah singing wuthering heights.

Kate Bush is a combination of extreme musical prodigy, talented writing, quirky, and an unmis-
takable voice.

So what makes her voice so unique?

Most of us have heard of the terms chest voice and head voice. Usually, it refers to a low range and
high range respectively. The problem with these terms however is they’re not very descriptive.
They give you no access to understanding. Clearly, Kate Bush sings in her head voice and today
we’ll break down exactly what head voice is and how you can do it also.

The largest of the cartilages in the Larynx is called the Thyroid Cartilage. The Adams Apple is at
the front of it and the vocal folds are stuck to the inside of it.

On the outside are two muscles either side called the CT Muscles (Cricothyroid). When these
shorten, they pull on the bottom front of the Thyroid cartilage and tilt it forward. This tilting
motion thins the vocal folds by lengthening them from the front. Most of us do this unknowingly
whilst speaking from time to time. Any time you’re expressing surprise, excitement or affection,
THIS is the vocal folds in a thinner fold condition. You may have even noticed that you have a
phone voice and a speaking voice. You may notice that some folks can laugh really high yet would
never be able to sing this high. Ever seen someone you haven’t seen for years and suddenly your
voice goes high with excitement? These are all examples of the Thyroid cartilage tilting and caus-
ing the vocal folds to be thinner.

So how do we do it? Imagine talking to a puppy dog or a very young child. Feel your voice move
into that distinctive sound.

Now use a ‘Ooo’ vowel and siren up and down. Done well, you will also notice there is no break
between your low and high ranges.

Now sing the melody using a Ooo.

Whilst keeping the Ooo, slightly form the words. Enough so you can feel them in the mouth but
not so much that the voice changes away from thin folds.

Keep the belly relaxed and the voice light but breathless.

This is how you begin to develop your Kate Bush vibe. Over time, with doing it over and over and
developing familiarity, this will become easier and more confident. Oh, and remember to swing
around a few verandah poles.

10 www.writeawaymagazine.co.uk