A Celebration of Soul and Freedom
"Brand New Day" is more than just a musical number; it's the exuberant climax of the 1978 film The Wiz. Written by Luther Vandross, this track celebrates liberation with an infectious blend of gospel, R&B, and disco. It features the legendary vocal interplay between Diana Ross (Dorothy) and a young Michael Jackson (Scarecrow).
Singing this song effectively requires incredible stamina, breath control, and the ability to maintain a bright, resonant tone while dancing or moving. Let's break down the key vocal phases of this masterpiece.
AI Coach Tip: The "Smile" Technique
To achieve the bright, piercing quality of Diana Ross's vocals, try singing with a slight smile. This lifts the soft palate and naturally brightens your tone without forcing the throat to tighten.
Phase 1: The Awakening
The song begins with Dorothy realizing her freedom. The opening lines, "Everybody look around," should be sung with clarity and a growing sense of wonder. Start in a comfortable chest voice but keep the placement forward—right in the "mask" of your face.
The Challenge: Avoid sounding too heavy or somber. The diction needs to be crisp to cut through the building instrumentation.
Phase 2: The Groove (MJ & The Chorus)
When the beat drops, Michael Jackson's vocals enter with his signature rhythmic precision. This section is all about the groove. You must lock in with the beat. The "Can't you feel a brand new day?" lines require punchy, staccato delivery.
- Syncopation: Be careful not to drag behind the beat. The song drives forward relentlessly.
- Tone: Keep it light and agile. This is where the Soul/R&B style shines.
Phase 3: The Gospel Climax
As the song reaches its peak, the key modulates and the choir expands. This is a test of your upper mix belt. You will be singing sustained high notes (E5s and above for sopranos/tenors) over a dense musical texture.
To survive this section, engage your diaphragm deeply. Do not rely on throat tension for volume. Instead, use "twang" and resonance to project. Imagine your sound beaming out of your forehead to reach the back of the room.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the celebratory anthem from the 1978 film adaptation of The Wiz, starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
The song was written by Luther Vandross, who was a key vocal arranger and background singer on the project before his solo fame.
The melody frequently sits in the upper 4th and 5th octave. For male singers (Tenors), this requires a strong mixed voice. You can transpose the track down in the Singing Coach AI app if needed.
