The Art of Nonchalant Indie Vocals
Consolation Prizes is a standout track from Phoenix's 2006 album It's Never Been Like That. It captures a raw, energetic sound that relies less on vocal acrobatics and more on attitude, timing, and unique phrasing. The vocal style is distinctly "French Touch" indie—melodic but conversational.
To sing this well, you need to channel an effortless vibe while maintaining strict rhythm. Thomas Mars often sings just behind the beat, creating a relaxed feel, but the articulation must remain sharp to cut through the jangly guitars.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
The lyrics in the verses move quickly. Our analysis shows users often slur the words "Spike heels and sweaty hair." Practice speaking the lyrics in rhythm without the melody first to master the consonant sounds.
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Verse
The song starts with high energy. The vocal entry is mid-range and requires a bright, chest-dominant tone. The key here is not to push too hard. If you belt the verses, you'll have nowhere to go dynamically for the chorus.
The Trap: Running out of breath. The lines are long and wordy. Plan your breath marks at the punctuation points in the lyrics, or you will find yourself gasping before the pre-chorus.
Phase 2: The Catchy Chorus
The chorus ("Consolation prizes...") lifts slightly in pitch but remains in a comfortable male tessitura. The melody is repetitive and hooky. The goal is to make it sound anthemic without shouting.
- Tone: Keep it forward and nasal (in a good way). Think of projecting the sound to the front of your face mask.
- Dynamics: Accentuate the downbeats. This song drives forward, and your voice acts as a rhythmic instrument here.
Phase 3: The Bridge and Outro
The energy stays consistent throughout. In the bridge, ensure you maintain the pitch accuracy even as the instrumentation gets busier. The vocal melody mirrors the guitar riffs, so listening to the guitar line can help you stay on pitch if you get lost.
To finish strong, keep the articulation crisp until the very last note. Don't let the energy drop until the track completely fades out.
Frequently Asked Questions
The melody generally stays within the chest and mixed voice, peaking around an F#4. It's a very accessible range for most tenors and baritones.
No! While Thomas Mars has a distinctive accent, your goal is to capture the vibe and phrasing, not to mimic his accent. Sing in your own natural voice.
Use the Singing Coach AI app to slow the tempo down to 75%. Master the tongue-twisting lyrics at a slower speed before bringing it back up to the original tempo.
