Even the news program “Tagesthemen” reported on it last Wednesday: shouting, screaming, growling, you name it, may look easy, but it mainly requires one thing: the right technique.
We asked five frontmen of German "scream bands" (as my mother would call them) how they got into shouting at the microphone and whether they believe anyone can learn this style of singing:
I. Jasper from A TRAITOR LIKE JUDAS
"In the beginning, it was more about just shouting loudly, as loud and hard as possible—it definitely didn't sound so cool."
How did you get into shouting?
Initially, it was just about screaming loudly, mainly loud and somehow hard—it definitely didn't sound so cool. What really helped me later was that we were tortured in school music classes to warm up our voices and make these crazy sounds. I still do that today with A Traitor Like Judas because it does me good and prepares my voice!
Do you think anyone can learn to shout?
Since I now use techniques and believe that you can learn techniques and practice makes perfect, I would say: YES. I think every person has different predispositions and prerequisites, just like with any other activity or any other instrument, whether it's singing or playing the guitar... I also play guitar, and at the beginning, I was absolutely terrible at gripping a barre chord, and now it's no problem at all. There are certainly natural talents, but generally, I think anyone can learn it. Like with sports and everything else, just try it out, look for techniques, practice, practice, practice... eventually, it gets awesome!
Your tip for aspiring frontmen?
What ALWAYS ruins my voice at shows is poor or seemingly non-existent monitoring, i.e., when I can't hear myself. Then I always try to get louder to hear myself better, and then I'm usually done by the end of the show. I tried in-ear monitoring on the last tour, and it was amazing because I could always hear myself perfectly and had no voice problems afterwards. The question is—also for me—whether this doesn't too drastically cut into the live situation and audience interaction and is simply too much for this kind of music... I'll see. Emotion on stage is definitely the most important factor for me, but it has to balance out with the overuse of the voice.
II. Gerald from THE GREEN RIVER BURIAL
"I basically learned it from YouTube, and a lot of trial and error."
How did you get into shouting?
I just stood in my room and screamed until I was hoarse and couldn't talk anymore because I had no idea about the technique. Fortunately, at that time vocal covers were really popular on YouTube, and many singers from smaller bands were uploading stuff and explaining a bit about techniques and how they do it. Around the bands, there was a community of kids from all over the world showing each other videos, thus teaching each other new things, and today some of them are pretty big. For example, Denis from Asking or Ian from Rings of Saturn, they were just uploading covers back then and became known that way. I basically learned it with YouTube, and a lot of trial and error.
Do you think anyone can learn to shout?
The simple answer is YES. People often hear how I sing in The Green River Burial and then say something like, 'That's really cool, I could never distort my voice like that.' That's nonsense. If you play guitar, you don't distort your hands, you just learned your instrument. The voice is just as much an instrument, and absolutely anyone can learn techniques for singing and shouting. Of course, every voice sounds different, and everyone has their natural limitations, but with practice, discipline, and care, you'll eventually figure out what's possible with your voice, and what's not. That's also the most critical point about the whole thing. If your guitar breaks, you just buy a new one. You can't replace your voice that easily; it's a permanent part of your body. Therefore, it's very important that the voice is treated and cared for like an extremely expensive instrument.
And if I may advertise a bit: A singer colleague, Chris, recently wrote an eBook with a guide and heaps of useful shouting tips for beginners and advanced students, which you can check out here. Plus, you can just write to smaller bands or singers directly, they're usually nice and open for chats. You can of course write to me too. I enjoy helping anyone I can and also get opinions from other singers because no one has THE perfect technique, and you can always get better.
Your tip for aspiring frontmen?
The biggest hurdle is your own self-confidence, overcoming the challenge of presenting yourself and also dealing with having to listen to a lot. My dad used to ask if I was sick because of the sounds I was making. An acquaintance's aunt once heard a song and asked if the heater was broken. She didn't even understand the singing; I sounded like a screeching heating pipe to her. Of course, there are also a bunch of people who don't get the music, look at you weird, and make fun of you. You're not playing an instrument, you're 'just screaming'. You have to ignore such people, they're dull-minded and too narrow-minded to engage with something that's not 'normal'. In reality, they're afraid of you and envy you because you just stand up and do what you really want, saying things they wouldn't dare to say.
III. Dave from ANNISOKAY
"Try it out, dare to take the microphone and let your power out!"
How did you get into shouting?
Ever since I was 12, I've been listening to music with screaming vocals and always found the action on stage very fascinating. At 20, I decided to make music myself and quickly found people who wanted to start a band with me. Fun fact for you: I didn't start with the microphone, but on the electric bass, which I consider under the category of 'Been There, Done That' – I was terrible. But even during various jam sessions, I would occasionally grab the microphone to try it out, laying the foundation for my musical work in Annisokay. What came out of the speakers not only pleased me but also my band guys at the time. I hung up the bass on the spot and became the new frontman of the band.
Do you think anyone can learn to shout?
Absolutely – NO! However, I believe that anyone who wants to try shouting should definitely give it a go. It's advisable to try it out in a rehearsal room with a system and microphone. Ideally, you have a band, or sing the songs of your favorite band. But even when shouting in a band, it's not just about yelling into the mic. To really work with your voice, it takes more than just shouting at the microphone. If you're unsure, just stop by the local singing teacher, and yes, even they have useful tips and tricks that will make your life at the mic easier. But folks, don't pressure yourselves into sounding like your favorite singer right away. A craft takes time to learn!
Your tip for aspiring frontmen?
YouTube tutorials can show you how to do it, but you will only learn it in the rehearsal room with a band! Try it out, dare to take the microphone, and let your power out!
IV. AK Fallbrawl from FALLBRAWL
"Just do it, the rest will follow naturally. Music is created in the making, not planned."
How did you get into shouting?
Well, I learned to play guitar at 15 and then did some backing vocals in some band project, which looking back was total crap. It was that kind of school band-let's try everything-stuff before I even got into harder music. Hardcore has always been the scene where I met many friends, so it happened that I started a band where I 'shouted'. That's how my friends from Fallbrawl even noticed that I could do it and they asked me to join them when they needed a frontman. You can pretty much track my development through the albums and EPs we've made. I never wanted to make those deep distorted voices because I wasn't into that, but I eventually realized it sounds cooler and suits me better.
Do you think anyone can learn to shout?
I learned it, so I guess anyone can. But it also doesn't really matter how someone sings or whether they have a technique or not—as long as something comes across and the attitude is right. Just do it, the rest will come naturally. Music is created in the making, not planned, at least in my world.
Your tip for all aspiring frontmen?
I recommend learning an instrument and not starting with the aim of becoming a singer. That way, you have a better feel for what's possible instrumentally. Being able to play guitar and drums, at least the basics, is absolutely helpful. Otherwise, just go full throttle. I don't see myself as the 'shout guru' writing a book on how to get better, everyone just needs to see what works and what doesn’t. But to say at least something: shouting quieter often sounds just as good as really loud and it's easier on the voice. So always stay relaxed.
V. Daniel from LIGHT YOUR ANCHOR
"Your voice is an instrument. Like in sports, if you warm up, you're less likely to get injured."
How did you get into shouting?
When we had our first hardcore band back then, I was too bad at guitar, but I desperately wanted to do something. The microphone was still available. It was definitely hard to stand on stage and play the 'entertainer', as I am quite shy. But that changed after a few shows. Vocally, I sounded back then like a slightly altered version of Bon Scott – for the Despised Icon kids, that's the old singer of AC/DC ;) Thankfully, that has changed.
Do you think anyone can learn to shout?
Sure, anyone can. Grab a mic and start. Let your emotions out. I think that's the hardest part about it. It was no different with Light Your Anchor. Maybe having a bit of musicality and rhythm helps…
Your tip for all aspiring frontmen?
Your voice is an instrument. It's like sports. If you warm up, you're less likely to get injured. I do some warm-up exercises before every show and also in the studio to prepare the vocal cords and diaphragm. Breathing exercises and such simple things as push-ups help a lot. And drink a lot. For me, it's green tea with honey. But there’s plenty of help and tips available, for example on YouTube.
You heard them: Drink plenty, warm up, YouTube, and above all: just DO IT!
