How to sing Bad Habit

Mastering the Viral Lo-fi Hit

Released on his 2022 album Gemini Rights, Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit" became an instant classic, dominating both TikTok and the Billboard Hot 100. It combines a laid-back, funk-driven bassline with a vocal performance that feels both intimate and technically precise.

Unlike power ballads, this song isn't about belt strength. It's about agility, breath control, and the "cool factor" of sliding between registers without sounding strained. Let's break down the vocal layers.

Phase 1: The Hook (0:00 - 0:42)

The song starts immediately with the chorus. The melody lines "I wish I knew / you wanted me" sit primarily in the falsetto range for male voices (or head voice for female voices), hovering around B4 and C#5.

The Trap: Pushing too much air. If you treat this like a rock song, you'll crack. Aim for a "heady" mix—light, thin vocal fold closure, but with enough support from the diaphragm to keep the pitch stable.

Phase 2: The Verses (0:42 - 1:24)

Here, Steve switches to his chest voice. The rhythm becomes punchy and staccato. The lyrics "I bite my tongue, it's a bad habit" require crisp articulation.

• Rhythm: The delivery is almost percussive. Use the Singing Coach AI app to track your rhythmic accuracy, as dragging behind the beat here ruins the groove.
• Volume: Keep it conversational. It should sound like you are talking to a friend in a quiet room, not performing to a stadium.

Phase 3: The Breakdown (2:55 - End)

The "biscuits and gravy" section shifts the energy entirely. The vocal layering drops out, and the delivery becomes rawer, bordering on shouting or spoken word. This is your chance to add character.

Don't worry about pitch perfection in the outro as much as attitude. The "You can't surprise a Gemini" line should feel loose and improvised.

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