A Hauntingly Beautiful Duet
"In a Week" is a standout track from Hozier's debut album, featuring Karen Cowley. It paints a morbidly romantic picture of two lovers decomposing together in the Wicklow hills. Unlike pop anthems, this song requires restraint, atmosphere, and impeccable blending of two distinct voices.
To sing this well, you need to abandon heavy vibrato and aggressive projection. The goal is to sound "earthy" and connected to the lyrics. Whether you are singing Hozier's part or Karen's, the challenge lies in the subtle dynamics.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Onsets
Many singers attack the start of phrases too aggressively. This song requires "breath" in the tone. Start lines gently (soft onset) to mimic the intimate, acoustic nature of the recording.
Phase 1: The Male Lead (Hozier)
Hozier's verses sit in a comfortable Baritone/Tenor range (G2-G3). The tone should be warm and resonant, using chest voice but keeping it relaxed. When he sings "I have never known peace like the damp grass," focus on clear diction without spitting the consonants.
The Trap: It's easy to sound bored when singing low and quiet. Keep the energy internal and focused on the storytelling to maintain intensity without volume.
Phase 2: The Female Entrance (Karen Cowley)
Karen enters with a tone that is pure and almost bell-like. She uses a light mix that leans towards head voice but retains presence. Avoid a "classical" operatic sound; keep the vowels natural and speech-like.
- Placement: Keep the sound forward in the "mask" to match the acoustic guitar brightness.
- Vibrato: Use a straight tone for most of the note, allowing a slight vibrato only at the very end of phrases.
Phase 3: The Harmonies
This is the heart of the song. As the voices intertwine, pitch accuracy is paramount. The harmonies often move in thirds and fifths. If you are singing the harmony part, your job is to blend, not overpower.
Listen closely to the volume of the main melody and match it. The AI Coach detects if your harmony volume is too loud relative to the backing track.
Frequently Asked Questions
The song is played in G Major. It uses standard folk chord progressions which support the simple, repetitive melody lines.
Yes, but the magic is in the duet. In the Singing Coach AI app, you can choose to mute Hozier or Karen to sing their specific part, or sing solo over the instrumental.
It's about controlled exhalation. Don't close your vocal cords too tightly. Think of the letter "H" as you start words to let a little air escape with the tone.
