Mastering the "Indie Pop" Voice
Gasoline is a standout track from Halsey's debut album Badlands, known for its haunting atmosphere and distinct vocal stylings. Unlike traditional pop ballads, this song relies heavily on tone color, specific vowel shaping (often called "cursive singing"), and a grounded chest voice.
To sing this well, you need to be comfortable in your lower register. The verses sit quite low for many sopranos, hovering around F3. The key is to maintain presence without forcing the sound.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Halsey uses very specific vowel modifications. Words like "insane" and "name" are stretched with diphthongs. Our analysis shows users score higher when they relax their jaw and allow for these stylistic vowel shifts.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Breathy)
The song opens with "Are you insane like me?" sitting right at the bottom of the range. The challenge here is volume control. If you sing too breathy, the app might not detect the pitch clearly. If you push too hard, you lose the haunting vibe.
Technique: Keep your larynx neutral or slightly low. Think of speaking the lyrics on pitch rather than "singing" them operatically. Use a microphone close to your mouth to capture the texture.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As the lyrics move to "You can't wake up, this is not a dream," the energy shifts. You need to start bringing in more cord closure. This is the transition zone where you move from a relaxed chest voice to a more active, forward-placed sound.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
The chorus ("And all the people say...") explodes in energy. While the notes aren't incredibly high (topping out around C5/C#5), they require a strong, mixed belt. You want a sound that is gritty and desperate.
- Resonance: shift the vibration from your chest to the "mask" of your face.
- Rhythm: The delivery is very staccato and rhythmic. Do not drag the notes.
- Attitude: This song is about feeling broken but powerful. Inject that emotion into the "low" and "high" dynamic contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
The verses hit an F3. This is quite low for higher female voices. If you struggle to reach it, try adding a little "vocal fry" to help the note speak.
It is moderately difficult, primarily due to the range control required. You need a solid chest voice for the verses and a healthy mix for the chorus.
Focus on vowel modification. Halsey tends to flatten vowels (making "me" sound slightly like "may-ee"). Practice mimicking this shape in the Singing Coach AI app to match the style.
