The Baptist Church - as Schools for Singing

Baptist Church Gospel Commercialism:

Baptist churches are responsible for many of the great singers over many, many years; and the commercialism of them goes all the way back to Ray Charles. The main reason gospel singers sing so well is their environment. They sing with rhythmic movement, shaking tambourines, standard drum sets, and electric organs; and every one’s just wailing out with passion.

Imitating the Greats:

An occasional artist that has not grown-up in that environment will copy gospel singing from records. They're extremely lucky to have figured this out just from the feel of Anita Baker, or Aretha Franklin recordings (two great examples) or others. The emotional expression is so obvious in a Baptist church setting. For this reason, I recommend that you go to one to learn the feeling (or imitate it) until it becomes a part of you. It’s like if you're with a band and you guys are jamming, and having a great time. Another option, if you're a singer, is to sing with karaoke tracks; and again try to imitate that freedom of expression.

Many Producers Love Baptist Singers:

Many producers love Baptist gospel singers because when they come into the studio, they're already a package; like they were born with the passion. (This is in contrast to those singers that just have the riffs and the fast runs without the passion.) The producers prefer the gospel singers over most artists. That is why so many of them get signed and sell so many records. Sing your songs like the gospel singers do. Sing your song’s storyline with passion, allowing your feelings to well up and sing out of your mouth (like hallelujahs).

Mixed Technique:

The Baptist gospel singers that come out of these churches have a mixed technique. What I mostly want to impress on you is how passionate they are. This is despite the fact that they use a mix of yelling and belted-head voice. When I get a chance to work with someone who has both, we change the yelling into the belted head voice. This is what I did with Anita Baker, who after this change … all of the sudden could do anything she wanted with her voice. Now, when she performs, she has even more passion and more stamina. Imitate the Baptist gospel singers, and if you're already a Baptist Church singer; try to use your high note belted-head voice power … say… about D 5 and bring that belted head voice down to A flat 4. (That's what I did with Anita.) This takes all the yelling out of your performing without eliminating the passion. You’ll just have a little better technique, and with more passion.

Brad Chapman Vocal Pre-Producer www.bradchapmanvocals.com