Mastering the "Dark Pop" Vibe
Released as the lead single from his third studio album, Starboy features Daft Punk and marks a shift for The Weeknd into a sharper, more electronic sound. The vocal challenge here isn't just about hitting high notes—it's about attitude, rhythm, and maintaining a cool, detached delivery while navigating tricky syncopation.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of "sing-rapping" in the verses and quickly switch to a melodic, breathy tone for the hooks. Let's break down exactly how to tackle the flow.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Rhythm
The most common mistake is dragging behind the beat. Our analysis shows that users score higher when they treat the verses percussively. Keep your consonants crisp and don't linger on vowels.
Phase 1: The Verses (Rap-Singing)
The verses ("I'm tryna put you in the worst mood") sit in the lower part of the Tenor range (G2-A3). The difficulty here is the flow. You need to lock in with the drum kick.
The Trap: Many singers lose energy because the notes are low. Keep your vocal fry engaged but maintain good breath support so the ends of your phrases don't drop out.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
Lines like "House so empty, need a centerpiece" require a slight lift in volume and tone. This is where you transition from the gritty, conversational tone of the verse into a cleaner singing voice. Keep the placement forward in the mask of your face.
- Centerpiece / 20 racks: Listen to how he clips the ends of these words. It's almost staccato.
- Table / Bentley: The rhyme scheme is tight. Don't slur these words together.
Phase 3: The Chorus Hook
The famous line "Look what you've done" is sung in a lighter mix/head voice. It sits around C4-E4 but feels higher due to the texture. Do not belt this.
To achieve The Weeknd's signature sound, add a breathy quality to your tone. Think of sighing the notes rather than pushing them. The "Ah-ah-ah" vocal runs in the background reach up to C5 and require a pure falsetto.
Frequently Asked Questions
The song ranges from a low G2 in the verses to a C5 in the falsetto ad-libs. It sits comfortably in the Tenor range.
While the original track uses heavy production, you can replicate the 'robotic' feel by singing with very straight tone (no vibrato) and hitting pitches precisely in the center.
Focus on a nasal placement mixed with breathy tones. Use vocal fry at the beginning of phrases to add that signature grit.
