Mastering the Emotion and the Beat
Released in 2018, "Solo" combines Clean Bandit's signature electronic-classical fusion with Demi Lovato's powerhouse vocals. While the beat is upbeat and danceable, the lyrics tell a story of heartbreak and loneliness. Capturing this duality is key to a high score.
To sing this well, you need to balance the soft, breathy texture of the verses with the powerful, forward placement of the chorus. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Rhythmic Precision
The pre-chorus is deceptively fast. Our analysis shows users often drag behind the beat on "I never meant to leave youing hurting myself." Practice this section at 0.75x speed in the app to lock in the phrasing.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Controlled)
The song begins in B Minor. The opening lines ("I never meant to leave you hurting") sit in a comfortable lower register (approx F#3). Don't push too hard here.
The Technique: Use a "speech-level" singing approach. Keep the tone conversational and slightly breathy to match Demi's emotive delivery. If you sing this too operatically, it will sound out of place against the electronic production.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
This is where the energy shifts. As the beat builds, your vocal compression needs to increase. You are moving from the chest voice of the verse into a lighter mix.
- Breath Control: The phrases are long and rapid. Take a solid diaphragm breath before "I know that I can't take no more."
- Articulation: Clean Bandit's production is crisp. Ensure your consonants (T's and K's) are sharp so the lyrics cut through the synth layers.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
The line "I do it solo" is the climax of the vocal line. It hits a sustained D5 using a mixed voice.
To hit this without straining, engage your core and think of the sound resonating in your "mask" (the front of your face/nose area). Avoid pulling up your chest voice (yelling), as this will cause you to go flat. The famous "woop woop" drop is largely processed vocal chops, but you can sing along using a light head voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main vocal melody is a D5 on the word "Solo."
The verses are accessible, but the chorus requires intermediate technique to belt safely. Beginners can transpose the song down -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app.
In the original track, this is a pitch-shifted vocal sample. When singing live or for the app, switch to a light head voice/falsetto to mimic the effect.
