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Paul Sykes
Country Music

We could talk until the cows come home about vocal technique but if the story and emotion isn’t cap-
tured, a vocal performance rarely flies.
The easiest way to do this is to visualise someone you know that gets you related to the song. Wanna
sing a love song, have someone in mind that makes you feel that way. Wanna sing about heartbreak?
Think of the person that breaks your heart. This level of honesty requires vulnerability and is risky.
That’s the difference between being just a singer and a true artist.

Next time you sing a song at home, spend a few moments beforehand getting into character. Deeply
think of the person or scenario that evokes the emotion you’re looking for. Don’t even attempt to sing
until you’re feeling it. It’s a way better way than painting by numbers and trying to copy someone else’s
performance.

Done well, this can instantly turn you from singer to artist because of what the listener now perceives
when they hear you. Instead of your mouth connecting with their brain, your heart is connecting with
their heart.

Country music has shown the world how to write songs with meaning and sing them with honesty and
heart. And much of the pop we have enjoyed over the past 50 years owes a lot to the country scene.

Oh and as for mum’s music? Nope… nope, nope ,nope.

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