How Do They Make That Weird Voice in Funk Music?

The vocoder is an instrument that is commonly used in funk music to create a robotic or machine-like sound. This effect is achieved by running the human voice through a series of filters that remove certain frequencies.

Introduction

Funk music is a genre of music that is characterized by a groove-oriented, rhythmic sound. A typical funk song includes elements such as extended vamps, drum breaks, and textural changes. Funk songs are often based on a specific chord progression, which gives the genre its distinctive sound.

One of the most distinguishing features of funk music is the “funk voice.” This is a vocal style that is characterized by its nasal quality and “squealing” sound. The funk voice is often used to sing or rap over the top of a funk beat.

So how do they make that weird voice in funk music? The answer lies in the way that the vocal cords are used. When you produce sound with your vocal cords, they vibrate at a certain frequency. This frequency is determined by the tension on the vocal cords and the air flow through them.

When you speak or sing normally, your vocal cords are relatively relaxed and the air flow is not restricted. This allows your vocal cords to vibrate at their natural frequency, which produces a clear, resonant sound. However, when you produce the funk voice, you tense your vocal cords and restrict the air flow through them. This causes your vocal cords to vibrate at a higher frequency, which produces a nasal, squealing sound.

So there you have it! Now you know how they make that weird voice in funk music!

What is funk music?

Funk is a style of music that originated in the African-American community in the mid-1960s. It is characterized by a heavy, syncopated bass line and vocals that are often sexually suggestive or humorous. Funk songs are often based on a repeated riff or groove, and they typically have a catchy hook or chorus.

The history of funk music

Funk is a genre of music that was popularized in the 1970s. It is characterized by a thick, Groove-based sound and often incorporates elements of Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop. Funk music is often danceable and often features a strong bassline. The genre’s origins can be traced back to the 1960s, when artists like James Brown and Sly & the Family Stone began to experiment with new sounds and rhythms.

In the 1970s, funk music became more popular and experimental, with bands like Parliament-Funkadelic pushing the boundaries of the genre. Funk music began to decline in popularity in the 1980s, but has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to artists like Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake.

The instruments used in funk music

Funk is a music genre that originated in African-American communities in the mid-1960s. The term “funk” refers to a style of dance music that was popularized by James Brown and other performers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Funk music is characterized by its use of extended groove-based vamps, syncopated rhythms, and call-and-response vocals.

The instruments used in funk music are similar to those used in other genres of African-American music, such as soul and rhythm and blues. The most important instrument in funk music is the electric bass guitar, which provides the primary groove or rhythm. Other instruments that are often used in funk include electric guitars, drums, horns, and keyboards.

The vocal techniques used in funk music

Funk is a genre of music that is often characterized by a synthesizer-heavy groove and paired with lyrics that are sexually suggestive or deal with other aspects of social justice. The style arose in the early 1970s out of the African American community, and has been adopted by musicians across the world.

One of the most distinctive elements of funk music is the “funk voice”, a style of singing that uses techniques such as glottal stops and gravelly voices to create a unique sound. This guide will explore some of the vocal techniques used in funk music, as well as how they can be achieved.

Glottal stops are a key element of the funk voice, and are achieved by abruptly stopping the flow of air from the lungs. This results in a “stutter” effect that is often used to emphasize certain words or syllables. Glottal stops can be difficult to master, but once you get the hang of them, they can add a lot of personality to your vocals.

Gravelly voices are another common element of funk singing, and are achieved by speak-singing in a low register. This technique gives your vocals a rough, raspy quality that can be very effective in conveying emotion. To achieve a gravelly voice, try speak-singing through clenched teeth or constricting your throat muscles.

Funk singing often relies heavily on improvisation, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and see what works for you. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create your own unique funk voice in no time!

The popularity of funk music

Funk is a type of music that was popular in the 1970s. It is a mix of soul, rhythm and blues, and jazz. Funk is known for its strong bass lines and its often strange-sounding vocals.

The popularity of funk music has waxed and waned over the years, but it has never truly disappeared. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in the genre, with new artists like Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson incorporating elements of funk into their music.

There are many different techniques that can be used to create the distinctive sound of funk vocals. One common technique is to use a vocoder. This is an electronic device that can modify the sound of a voice by changing the pitch or adding effects like reverb.

Another common technique is to use a talk box. This is an electronic device that allows the user to shape the sound of their voice by moving their mouth in different ways. The most famous user of a talk box was probably Peter Frampton, who used one on his hit song “Do You Feel Like We Do.”

Whatever techniques are used, funk vocals are usually meant to be playful and fun. They are often based around wordplay and rhyming, and they often use made-up words or sounds. This all contributes to the overall feeling of funk music: lighthearted and fun, but with a strict groove that you can’t help but dance to.

Conclusion

Funk music is a genre that is often defined by its distinctive sound. One of the most important elements of that sound is the “talk box.”

The talk box is an electronic device that allows the user to modulate their voice using the sounds of a guitar or other instrument. The result is a strange, robot-like voice that has become synonymous with funk music.

While the talk box has been around for decades, it was made most popular by musicians like Roger Troutman and Bootsy Collins. Today, the talk box is still used by many funk and R&B artists, and it continues to be one of the most distinctive elements of this genre of music.