Mastering the Indie Folk Stomp
Submarines is a standout track from The Lumineers' self-titled debut album. Unlike the soaring ballads of other genres, this song relies on rhythmic precision and a "spoken-sung" quality that defines the indie-folk genre. It tells a cinematic story with a driving piano riff, requiring the vocalist to act as a percussion instrument as much as a melodic one.
To sing this well, you need to abandon the polished "pop" sound. Wesley Schultz's vocal performance is raw, immediate, and honest. The challenge lies in maintaining breath support through the fast-paced verses while saving enough power for the shouted choruses.
AI Coach Tip: Rhythmic Diction
The verses move quickly ("I believe submarines / Underneath deep blue seas"). Our analysis shows users often slur these words together. Focus on crisp consonants—especially the 't's and 's's—to keep the rhythm tight against the piano.
Phase 1: The Narrative Verses
The song starts in A Minor with a distinct piano bounce. The vocals here should be conversational but projected. You are telling a story about spotting a submarine.
The Trap: Running out of air. The lines are packed with syllables. Practice taking quick "sipping" breaths at the punctuation marks of the lyrics, rather than deep gasps which will throw off your timing.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Submarines!)
When the line "Submarines!" hits, the energy shifts. This isn't a melodic vibrato note; it's a shout-belt. It needs to be sung with full chest resonance.
- Placement: Keep the sound forward in the "mask" (the front of your face) to avoid straining your throat.
- Tone: It's okay if it sounds a bit "shouty"—that is the style. However, ensure you are hitting the pitch center and not going sharp due to the volume increase.
- Dynamics: Create a contrast between the softer storytelling of the verse and this explosive chorus.
Phase 3: The Emotional Bridge
The bridge slows down slightly in feel ("Ships are folding..."). Here, you can introduce a bit more air into your tone to convey vulnerability. The Lumineers are masters of dynamic contrast; make sure your volume drops here before building back up for the final stomping outro.
Frequently Asked Questions
The melody generally tops out around E4/F4 in chest voice. It sits comfortably in the middle register for most male voices, making it a great song for Baritones.
Wesley Schultz has a natural rasp, but you can emulate it by relaxing your vocal cords and using more air pressure—not by squeezing your throat. If it hurts, stop immediately.
Use the Singing Coach AI app to slow the track down to 75% speed. Practice the articulation of "Underneath deep blue seas" until your tongue muscle memory takes over.
