The Art of the Whispered Falsetto
Michicant, from Bon Iver's self-titled 2011 album, is a masterclass in texture and atmosphere. Unlike power ballads that rely on chest belting, this song lives almost entirely in the upper register. Justin Vernon's vocal performance is fragile, disjointed, and deeply emotive, evoking the feeling of a half-remembered dream.
To sing this well, you must prioritize tone color over raw volume. The difficulty lies in maintaining pitch accuracy while intentionally slurring diction and keeping the voice "breathy" (aspirated) without running out of air. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Airflow Management
Because the style is so breathy, singers often run out of air mid-phrase. Practice taking deeper, lower breaths (diaphragmatic breathing) and releasing the air slowly and consistently, like a leaking tire, to sustain the long falsetto lines.
Phase 1: The Verses (Soft Onset)
The song opens with imagery of childhood and bicycles. The vocal entry should be delicate. Avoid hard "glottal attacks" (where the air bursts through the cords). Instead, use a soft onset, imagining an "h" sound before vowels to smooth out the start of phrases like "I was unafraid, I was a boy."
The Trap: It is easy to go flat when singing quietly. Ensure you are lifting your soft palate (the feeling of a yawn) to keep the pitch sharp and resonant, even at low volumes.
Phase 2: The Highs & "Love can hardly leave the room"
As the song progresses, the melody climbs higher into the E5 range. This requires a pure head voice or reinforced falsetto. Unlike the rock belt, this sound should resonate in the "mask" (the front of your face/nose area).
- Legato Phrasing: Connect every word. The lyrics in Michicant often bleed into one another. Don't over-enunciate consonants.
- Vowel Modification: To hit the high notes comfortably, modify closed vowels (like "ee") toward more open shapes (like "ih" or "eh") to release tension in the jaw.
Phase 3: The Emotional "Wobble"
Part of the charm of Michicant is its imperfection. Vernon's voice occasionally cracks or wobbles, adding to the vulnerability. When recording in the app, focus on the emotion. A perfectly sterile performance will score lower on "style" than one that captures the shaky, intimate nature of the original track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for the majority of the song. However, if you are a Soprano or Alto, this might sit comfortably in your head voice or upper mix. For male voices, a developed falsetto is essential.
Not for this song. Bon Iver treats the voice as an instrument, often prioritizing the sound of the vowel over the clarity of the word. Focus on the melody and tone rather than crisp diction.
Cracking usually happens when the throat closes up. Keep your neck relaxed and rely on your breath support to power the notes, rather than squeezing your throat muscles.
