The Art of the Pop Falsetto
Released in 2021, Montero (Call Me by Your Name) cemented Lil Nas X as a global pop icon. While short in duration, the track presents a unique challenge for vocalists: mastering the contrast between the low, conversational verses and the soaring, ethereal chorus. The song is built around a flamenco-inspired guitar loop and sits in the key of G# Minor.
To score high on this track, you don't need immense power. You need agility. The ability to flip from chest voice to head voice instantly is what separates a karaoke singer from a pro. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breath
Because the chorus is sung in falsetto, singers often expel too much air, running out of breath before the phrase ends. Keep your vocal cords zipped and use less air pressure for a cleaner sound.
Phase 1: The Verses (Relaxed Chest)
The song opens with "I caught it bad just today." This section sits in a comfortable mid-to-low range (around G#3). The style here is almost "mumble rap" adjacent—it should feel lazy and relaxed.
The Trap: Don't enunciate too perfectly. Modern pop requires a certain level of legato and softness. If you sing it like a musical theater number, it will sound stiff. Relax your jaw and let the words flow together.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Hook)
This is the iconic "Call me by your name and I'll call you by mine." The vocal jumps up an octave. Lil Nas X uses a pure head voice (falsetto) here. It is not belted.
- Placement: Feel the vibration in the top of your head or behind your eyes.
- Volume: Keep it light. If you try to push chest voice up to these notes (G#4 - G#5 area), you will likely strain or sound too aggressive for the vibe of the track.
- Pitch Accuracy: The melody moves quickly. The AI Coach tracks the separation between notes to ensure you aren't sliding (glissando) too much.
Phase 3: The "Oh" Harmonies
Towards the end of the song and in the background, there are layered vocal runs. These require good breath support. Practice doing these on a "Lip Trill" first to get the airflow consistent before singing the actual vowels.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal hits a G#4 in the chorus, but with harmonies and ad-libs, the range extends up to a G#5 in falsetto.
Yes, pitch correction is used stylistically in the original recording to give it that polished, modern pop sheen. However, the Singing Coach AI scores you on your raw pitch accuracy.
You can, but it changes the mood of the song significantly. If you struggle with falsetto, try transposing the song down -3 semitones in the app to practice the transition at a lower pitch.
