A Masterclass in Vocal Texture
Released on the album Blossom, "Ego" showcases Milky Chance's signature blend of folk, reggae, and electronica. Unlike powerhouse ballads that demand high belting, this song is all about groove, articulation, and texture.
Clemens Rehbein's vocals are distinctively dry and raspy. To sing this well, you need to abandon the "clean" choir technique and embrace a more conversational, rhythmic approach. It requires precise timing to lock in with the bass-heavy beat.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Because the verses are fast and wordy, vowels can get lost. Focus on crisp consonants. Our analysis shows users score higher when they exaggerate the "T" and "K" sounds in the verses.
Phase 1: The Laid-back Verse
The song starts with a very dry vocal mix. The range is comfortable for Baritones (A2 to D4). The challenge is the "swing." The vocals sit slightly behind the beat, giving it that relaxed feel.
The Trap: Trying to project too much volume. This section should be sung at a conversational volume, using just enough breath to support the tone without blowing it out. Think of it as telling a secret to a beat.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
As the song builds ("Missing my ego"), the pitch rises. You need to maintain that gritty texture even as you go higher. This is often achieved through safe vocal fry or "creak" at the beginning of phrases.
- Missing my ego: Keep the vowels narrow. Don't open your mouth too wide, or you lose the indie tone.
- Breath Control: The lines are long. Take quick, silent "sip" breaths between phrases to keep the momentum going.
Phase 3: The Chorus Hook
The chorus is repetitive and infectious. The word "Ego" is sung in a descending motif. The key here is consistency. You will sing this hook many times, and each one needs to have the same energy and pitch accuracy.
Towards the end of the song, there are higher ad-libs that may require a flip into head voice or falsetto (up to G4). Keep these light and airy to contrast with the chest-heavy verses.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody stays relatively low, topping out around E4 in chest voice. However, falsetto ad-libs and harmonies can reach G4.
Do not just squeeze your throat! That causes damage. The "rasp" should come from a relaxed vocal fry or false chord engagement. Use the Singing Coach AI app to monitor your strain levels.
It might feel a bit gravelly in the verses (A2). You can use the transposition feature in our app to bump the key up +2 semitones for a brighter, more comfortable fit.
