Mastering the Mood of "Softcore"
Released on The Neighbourhood's 2018 self-titled album, Softcore has become a viral sensation known for its driving beat and intensely emotional, almost distorted vocals. It’s a masterclass in modern indie-pop singing, where texture is just as important as pitch.
To sing this well, you need to balance a relaxed, low-larynx position in the verses with a forward, resonant mix in the chorus. The song sits in G# Minor, which provides a dark, moody quality that fits Jesse Rutherford's style perfectly.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Phrasing
In the chorus ("Are we too young for this?"), singers often run out of breath because they push too hard on the first word. Focus on legato singing—connecting the vowels smoothly—rather than punching every consonant.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:12 - 0:44)
The verses are sung in a lower register (G3-B3 range). The challenge here isn't range; it's tone. The vocals are meant to sound "close to the mic" and intimate.
Technique: Keep your volume at a mezzo-piano. Use less air pressure but maintain support to avoid sounding wobbly. Think of speaking the lyrics melodically rather than "singing" them broadly.
Phase 2: The Chorus Belt (0:44 - 1:12)
The energy shifts dramatically. The line "Are we too young for this?" jumps up in range and intensity. The highest notes touch C5 in a mixed voice.
- Resonance: To get that "shouty" indie sound without hurting your throat, place the sound forward in your "mask" (the front of your face).
- Vowel Mod: Modify the word "this" to sound more like "thess." Narrowing the vowel helps you sustain the note easier in the upper register.
- Emotion: The imperfection is part of the style. Don't worry if your voice breaks slightly; it adds to the raw emotion of the track.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Falsetto
The song features atmospheric layers of background vocals that require a clean falsetto. When transitioning from the heavy chorus to these lighter sections, ensure you release the tension in your jaw.
Practice sliding from your chest voice to your head voice on a "Woo" sound to build the coordination needed for these rapid register switches.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal hits a sustained C5 in the chorus. However, there are falsetto ad-libs that reach higher into the 5th octave.
The studio version uses heavy processing. To mimic this acoustically, use a slight "vocal fry" onset or a "twangy" compression, but be careful not to grind your vocal cords. Let the Singing Coach AI app add the reverb for you!
Yes, the melody is relatively repetitive and stays within a manageable range for most singers. The main challenge is stamina and stylistic expression.
