Mastering the Folk Duet
Of Monsters and Men burst onto the scene with "Little Talks," a song that proves you don't need complex runs to captivate an audience. The challenge lies in the dynamic interplay between the two vocalists—Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar "Raggi" Þórhallsson. It combines soft, conversational storytelling with powerful, anthem-like choruses.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of "straight tone." Unlike R&B or Opera, indie folk relies less on vibrato and more on a direct, honest sound. Let's break down exactly how to tackle the distinct sections of this hit.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breathing
The phrasing in the verses is rapid ("I don't like walking around this old and empty house"). Our analysis shows users often run out of breath here. Take quick, sharp inhales at the punctuation marks, not in the middle of a thought.
Phase 1: The Call-and-Response (Verses)
The song is structured as a conversation between two people. The male vocal (Raggi) represents the 'ghost' or memory, singing in a lower register (D♭3 - A♭3), while Nanna sings the higher, living perspective.
The Trap: It's easy to drag the tempo. The driving acoustic guitar demands that you stay right on top of the beat. Articulate your consonants clearly—especially Ts and Ks—to match the percussive nature of the track.
Phase 2: The "Hey!" Shouts
The iconic "Hey!" shouts are a staple of the genre. These are not sung notes; they are rhythmic exclamations. However, if you shout from your throat, you will lose your voice by the second chorus.
- Support: Engage your diaphragm sharply, like you are reacting to being surprised.
- Placement: Keep the sound forward in the "mask" of your face, rather than deep in the throat.
- Timing: These land squarely on the beat. The AI Coach tracks micro-timing here to ensure you aren't rushing the shout.
Phase 3: The Chorus Harmony
The chorus ("Don't listen to a word I say") is where the voices blend. Nanna takes the melody while Raggi provides a lower harmony (often a third or sixth below). The texture here should be full and resonant.
Maintain a consistent volume. Unlike the verses which have ups and downs, the chorus is a "wall of sound." Keep your soft palate lifted to create space for the resonance, giving it that grand, anthemic feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a duet suited for a Baritone and a Mezzo-Soprano/Alto. However, solo singers often choose one line to follow or switch between octaves.
Pitch-wise, it is accessible. The difficulty comes from the rhythmic lyrical delivery and maintaining the energy throughout the song without straining.
Use the Singing Coach AI app to isolate the vocal tracks. Practice singing the harmony line solo until it feels solid before adding the lead vocal back in.
