The Ultimate Folk-Pop Vocal Workout
Released on his debut album Wanted on Voyage, "Cassy O’" is a high-energy track that highlights George Ezra's signature deep, resonant voice. Unlike many pop songs that rely on high belts, this track stays firmly in the chest register, making it a fantastic choice for Baritones and Bass-Baritones.
The main challenge isn't the notes—it's the delivery. The verses are rapid-fire, requiring agile tongue movement and impeccable breath support. Let's break down how to capture that driving folk energy.
AI Coach Tip: Relax Your Jaw
When singing fast lyrics like "Well I was travelling through the island...", tension in the jaw will slow you down. Keep your jaw loose and rely on the tip of your tongue for consonant articulation.
Phase 1: The Verses (Speed & Diction)
The verses move at roughly 133 BPM. Ezra uses a very rhythmic, almost percussive singing style here to match the acoustic guitar strumming.
The Trap: Running out of breath. Because the lyrics are continuous, you need to identify specific "catch-breath" moments. Try breathing quickly through your mouth after every second line to keep your tank full without breaking the flow.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Tone Color)
When the hook "Cassy O’, Cassy O’, please don't leave" hits, the melody opens up. This is where you switch from percussive singing to melodic singing.
- Vowel Shape: George Ezra has a very warm, round tone. On the "O" sound in "Cassy O’", drop your jaw vertically and round your lips. Avoid a wide, smiley "Ah" shape, which will thin out your voice.
- Volume: Increase your volume here, but do it by increasing abdominal support, not by squeezing your throat.
Phase 3: The Low End (Resonance)
The song dips down to G2, which is quite low for the average male singer. To make these notes audible and rich:
Don't push your chin down to "reach" for the low note. Keep your head level. Focus on "Chest Resonance"—place your hand on your chest and try to maximize the vibration you feel there while singing the lower verses.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest note is approximately an E4. This is very accessible for most male voices without needing to switch into falsetto.
Use the Singing Coach AI app to slow the backing track down to 75% speed. Master the articulation there first, then gradually speed it up.
Yes, but tenors may find the low G2s in the verses quiet. You might need to focus more on breath support to project those low notes, or transpose the song up +2 semitones.
