The Ballad of the Internet Age
"Slow Dancing in the Dark" is Joji's definitive track, blending melancholic R&B with lo-fi aesthetics. Released on his debut album BALLADS 1, the song showcases a striking contrast between deep, mumbled verses and an explosive, emotional chorus.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of "breathiness" without losing pitch support. It's not about perfect, clean technique; it's about conveying the feeling of exhaustion and heartbreak. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Air Control
Joji uses a lot of air in his tone. However, letting out too much air too quickly will leave you flat on the ends of phrases. Focus on diaphragmatic support even when singing quietly.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Intimate)
The song begins in the lower register. If you are a Tenor, you might find the low B2 notes challenging to project. The key here is not volume, but resonance.
The Trap: Singers often try to push their chin down to hit low notes ("I don't want a friend..."). This constricts the larynx. Keep your head level and feel the vibration in your chest.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (The Build)
As the synths swell, so should your intensity. The line "Give me reasons we should be complete" requires a slight increase in volume. You should begin transitioning from a pure chest voice to a lighter mix to prepare for the jump that is coming.
Phase 3: The Chorus (The Falsetto Climax)
This is the moment everyone waits for. The line "IN THE DAAAAARK" jumps up to a C5. Joji attacks this with a mix of belt and falsetto, heavily layered in the studio.
- The Attack: You cannot slide into this note. It requires a confident, clean onset.
- Resonance: Aim the sound towards the "mask" of your face (around the nose and eyes) to get that piercing, crying quality without straining your throat.
- Vowel Modification: Modify the "Dark" vowel slightly towards "Dork" or "Dahk". A pure "A" sound spreads too wide and makes the high note harder to sustain.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest sustained note in the chorus is a C5. There are background harmonies that may go higher, but the lead vocal peaks here.
Joji is a Baritone. You can hear the natural richness in his voice during the verses, which makes his transition to the high falsetto even more impactful.
Stylistically, you can relax your diction. Don't over-enunciate consonants. Allow the words to blur together slightly to match the atmospheric production.
