The Anthem of "Folktronica"
Released on Avicii's debut studio album True (2013), "Wake Me Up" completely changed the EDM landscape by blending bluegrass guitars with house beats. The vocal performance by Aloe Blacc is iconic, requiring a blend of soulful storytelling and high-energy power.
While the notes are generally accessible to Baritones and Tenors, the challenge lies in the stamina and the tone. You need to sound gritty and authentic in the verses, then massive and resonant in the chorus. Let's break down the vocal strategy.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Many singers rush the words in the verse. Aloe Blacc uses a laid-back, almost spoken cadence on lines like "Feeling my way through the darkness." Focus on the rhythm of the consonants rather than sustaining vowels here.
Phase 1: The Verse (Low & Conversational)
The song starts in the lower part of the chest voice (D3-F#3). The goal here is "timbre," not volume. You want a warm, rich sound.
The Technique: Keep your larynx neutral. If you push too hard this low, it will sound muddy. Think of singing to someone right next to you. The line "Guided by a beating heart" should feel intimate.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (Building Tension)
As the lyrics move to "They tell me I'm too young to understand," the melody lifts. You need to start adding vocal compression. Tighten your core muscles to support the air, but keep your throat relaxed.
- Rhythm: The phrasing here is syncopated. Use the app's visual metronome to lock in "didn't know I was lost."
- Volume: Gradual crescendo. Don't hit your max volume until the actual chorus drops.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (Power)
This is the payoff. "So wake me up when it's all over" sits high in the chest voice, peaking at A4. This is a "belt" note for many male singers.
To hit the A4 without straining, use a vowel modification. Instead of a wide "UP" sound, think of singing "OUP" (like soup). Narrowing the vowel helps focus the sound forward into the "mask" of the face, relieving pressure on the vocal cords while maintaining that powerful, anthemic quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is an A4 (on "all over"). It requires strong breath support to sustain.
Yes. The range is not extreme, and the melody is repetitive, making it a great song to practice breath control and belting basics. Beginners can transpose it -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app if the A4 is too high.
Aloe Blacc uses "vocal fry" at the very ends of his phrases and a lot of chest resonance. Practice sighing comfortably to find that chest vibration before singing.
