The Progressive House Anthem with Heart
Avicii's "Waiting for Love," co-produced with Martin Garrix and featuring vocals by Simon Aldred, is a staple of 2010s EDM. Unlike many dance tracks that rely solely on production, this song is driven by a strong, narrative vocal performance. It blends the grit of folk music with the driving pulse of house.
To sing this well, you need to balance storytelling with energy. The verses require a conversational tone, while the chorus demands a full, resonant chest voice to cut through the heavy synth leads. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it.
AI Coach Tip: Rhythmic Phrasing
Because the beat is a steady 128 BPM, dragging your vocals will make the performance sound lazy. Anticipate the downbeat slightly. The AI Coach tracks your onset timing specifically in the "Monday, Tuesday" section.
Phase 1: The Narrative Verses (0:00 - 1:00)
The song opens in F# minor with a simple piano accompaniment. The range here is comfortable for most baritones, sitting around C#3 to C#4. The lyrics run through the days of the week.
The Trap: It's easy to mumble here. Simon Aldred uses a "speech-level" singing technique but maintains clear diction. Enunciate the consonants in "broken," "hope," and "arms" to keep the listener engaged before the beat drops.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build (1:00 - 1:15)
As the snare drum rolls in, the vocal melody ascends. The line "We are one of a kind, irreplaceable" moves higher in the chest register. You need to increase your volume gradually here. Don't hit maximum volume yet; save your peak power for the word "love" in the chorus.
Phase 3: The Chorus (1:15 - 1:30)
The hook "I'll be waiting for love" hits the highest notes of the main melody (F#4). This isn't incredibly high, but doing it repeatedly over a dance beat requires breath support.
Use a "calling" voice placement—imagine you are shouting to a friend across the street, but with pitch. Avoid tightening the neck muscles. If you feel strain, try modifying the vowel in "love" to sound more like "lahv" to drop the jaw and open the throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The vocals are provided by Simon Aldred, the lead singer of the British band Cherry Ghost. His voice adds a soulful, indie-rock texture to the electronic track.
No, it is actually a great song for beginners. The range is contained (C#3-F#4), and the melody is catchy and repetitive. It's excellent for practicing rhythm and pitch stability.
The grit comes from vocal fry and compression. However, be careful not to hurt your throat. Try to add emotion to the lyrics first; the texture often follows naturally.
