The Shoegaze Vocal Workout
Released on M83's double album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, "Steve McQueen" is a euphoric explosion of childhood nostalgia and dream pop. Unlike a standard pop ballad that relies on clean, precise runs, this song demands raw energy, atmosphere, and "shout-singing" that stays on pitch.
Anthony Gonzalez's vocals here are drenched in reverb, often sitting high in the mix. The challenge isn't complex runs; it's maintaining the intensity without straining your throat or running out of air before the phrase ends.
AI Coach Tip: Diaphragmatic Pulse
The driving rhythm requires a strong pulse from your diaphragm. If you sing from the throat, you will fatigue by the second verse. Imagine you are calling out to someone across a street—project forward, don't squeeze.
Phase 1: The Driving Verse
The song starts with high energy immediately. The lyrics "I woke up in the techno dorm" need to be delivered with a punchy, almost spoken quality, but with a musical pitch. Stay consistent.
The Trap: Because the instruments are loud, singers tend to push too hard early on. Keep your volume at a 7/10 here so you have somewhere to go when the chorus explodes.
Phase 2: The "Shout" Chorus
When the title refrain hits, you are entering the upper chest register (belting). The vibe is ecstatic.
- Vowel Modification: To hit the higher notes on "Steve McQueen" without cracking, modify the "Ee" sound in "Queen" slightly towards "Ih". A pure "Ee" closes the throat; opening it up helps the belt.
- Placement: Aim the sound towards the "mask" (the front of your face/nose area) to get that bright indie tone that cuts through the synths.
Phase 3: The Outro Stamina
The song builds and builds. By the end, you are repeating phrases in a high register. This is an endurance test. Focus on quick, deep breaths between lines. Do not shallow breathe into your chest; your shoulders should stay down.
If you feel a tickle in your throat, you are relying too much on vocal cord tension. Engage your core muscles to take the load off your neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the original track uses heavy effects, you should practice "dry" (no effects). If you can make it sound powerful without reverb, it will sound incredible with it. Our app allows you to toggle effects.
The lead vocal hits sustained A4s in chest mix. There are background textures that go higher into falsetto, but the power lies in that tenor belt range.
Cardio! But also, identify the "breath marks" in the app. You likely aren't emptying your lungs fully before taking the next breath, leading to "breath stacking" and tension.
