How to sing Kids

The Defining Sound of Indie Pop

"Kids" by MGMT is more than just a catchy melody; it's a masterclass in synth-pop vocals. Released on their debut album Oracular Spectacular, the song relies less on power and more on tone and nonchalant delivery. The challenge isn't hitting impossible high notes in chest voice, but maintaining pitch accuracy against a dense electronic background.

Andrew VanWyngarden's vocal performance sits comfortably in a Tenor range but often dips into a lower, almost spoken register during the verses before jumping up for the infectious chorus.

Phase 1: The Verses (Low Register)

The verses ("You were a child...") sit in the lower end of the range, around E3 to A3. The delivery here needs to be rhythmic and slightly detached (staccato).

The Trap: Because the notes are low and the delivery is casual, singers often go flat in pitch. Ensure you are supporting your breath even on the quiet parts to keep the intonation sharp.

Phase 2: The Chorus (The Hook)

The energy lifts significantly here. "Control yourself, take only what you need from it" moves the melody higher. You need a forward placement in your mask (the front of your face) to ensure your voice cuts through the mix.

• Rhythm: The lyrics are dense. "A family of trees wanting to be haunted" requires crisp diction so the words don't blur together.
• Breath Control: The phrases are long. Take a deep, low breath before "Control yourself" to sustain the energy through the line.

Phase 3: The High Synth/Vocal Mix

Towards the end and in the background layers, there are high falsetto parts and screams reaching up to F#5. These should be kept light and airy. Do not try to belt these notes in your chest voice, or you will strain your vocal cords.

The instrumental hook is often hummed or sung along to in live performances—feel free to improvise here using your head voice.

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