A Masterclass in Indie-Folk Falsetto
Released on the 2011 self-titled album Bon Iver, Bon Iver, "Calgary" stands as a testament to Justin Vernon's unique vocal texturing. Unlike the belting power required for rock anthems, this song demands sensitivity, impeccable breath control, and the ability to maintain a consistent tone in the upper register (head voice) for extended periods.
The song builds slowly, layering harmonies that create a wash of sound. For a singer, the challenge is staying relaxed. Tension in the jaw or neck will immediately kill the ethereal vibe and cause your pitch to drift flat. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Soft Palate Lift
To achieve that "hollow" yet resonant sound without sounding nasal, focus on lifting your soft palate (the fleshy part at the back of your roof of mouth) as if you are about to yawn. This creates the space needed for the high notes to ring.
Phase 1: The Ethereal Verse
The track begins in E Major. The opening lines, "Don't you cherish me to sleep," sit squarely in the passagio for many male singers. You must resist the urge to pull your chest voice up.
The Trap: Being too breathy. While the style is "airy," you still need cord closure. If you let too much air escape, you will run out of breath before the phrase ends. Practice a "cry" vocal quality to keep the cords together lightly.
Phase 2: The Chorus Build (2:00 onwards)
As the drums enter and the song swells ("So it's storming on the lake"), the dynamics increase. You need to get louder, but you are still in falsetto range (hitting notes around C#5 and E5).
- Support: Engage your lower abs/diaphragm more aggressively here. Volume comes from air pressure from below, not squeezing the throat.
- Vowel Modification: Modify your vowels to be taller. An "Ah" sound should lean towards "Uh" to keep the larynx stable.
Phase 3: The Chest Voice Contrast
Throughout the song, particularly in lower harmonies and the eventual comedown, Vernon utilizes a warm, rumbly chest voice (down to B2). This provides a necessary anchor to the soaring highs.
To nail the transition, imagine the sound sliding down a slide rather than "clunking" down stairs. Keep the placement forward in the mask even as you descend in pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest sustained melody note is an E5 in head voice/falsetto. Some harmonies may touch slightly higher depending on the live arrangement.
Predominantly, yes. However, the emotional weight comes from the mix of chest voice in the lower layers and the eventual grounding of the melody in the lower register.
Cracking usually happens when the larynx shoots up. Practice the melody on a "Gee" sound first; the hard 'G' helps bring the cords together, while the 'ee' vowel encourages head resonance.
