Mastering the Empire of the Sun Sound
Standing on the Shore is a standout track from Empire of the Sun's debut album Walking on a Dream. While it isn't as operatically demanding as classic rock, it presents a unique set of challenges: tonal placement, breath control during long phrases, and capturing that specific "otherworldly" indie-pop vibe.
Luke Steele's vocal delivery is famous for being bright, nasal, and theatrical. To sing this well, you need to abandon the idea of a dark, chesty resonance and move your sound forward into the "mask" of your face.
AI Coach Tip: The "Mask" Resonance
If your tone sounds too "deep," you will miss the style of this song. Try smiling slightly while singing the verses. This lifts the soft palate and naturally brightens the tone, helping you match the original recording.
Phase 1: The Verses (Detailed Phrasing)
The verses in Standing on the Shore are almost conversational but sung with a distinct melody. The key here is rhythm. The syllables are short and punchy.
The Trap: Many singers drag the tempo here. Keep your consonants crisp, especially on words like "shore," "search," and "more." The AI Coach looks for precise rhythmic alignment with the synth beat.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Soaring Lift)
When the chorus hits, the vocal line smooths out. You need to switch from the punchy verse style to legato (smooth/connected) singing. The range climbs higher, often requiring a mix voice or a strong falsetto reinforcement.
- Resonance: Keep it forward. If you swallow the sound, the synth accompaniment will drown you out.
- Breath: The phrases are longer here. Take a full, low breath before the chorus hits to ensure you don't run out of air mid-sentence.
Phase 3: The Bridge and Outro
The song creates a hypnotic atmosphere towards the end. This section requires excellent pitch stability. The notes are sustained, and any waiver in pitch (unintentional vibrato) will break the spell of the song.
Practice holding the notes steady without vibrato first, then add a slight shimmer at the very end of the phrase for style.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal melody peaks around G#4 in mixed voice/falsetto, though ad-libs and harmonies may reach higher depending on the specific live version.
Focus on nasality (not to be confused with a blocked nose). Direct the sound towards your nose and cheekbones. It should feel "buzzy" in the front of your face.
It is moderately difficult due to the stylistic requirements. The pitch range is accessible, but getting the "tone" right takes practice.
