The Ultimate Synth-Pop Anthem
"Celebrate" by Empire of the Sun is a vibrant, high-energy track from their album Ice on the Dune. Lead singer Luke Steele employs a very specific stylistic approach to his vocals: bright, nasal, and cutting. Unlike a traditional ballad, this song demands that you keep your energy up from the very first beat to the final fade-out.
To sing this well, you need to be comfortable in your upper register and unafraid of using a "twangy" tone. The song is less about perfect classical technique and more about style, projection, and vibe.
AI Coach Tip: Forward Placement
Luke Steele sings very "forward" in the mask (the area around the nose and cheekbones). If you sing this from the back of your throat, it will sound dull. Smile while you sing to brighten the tone naturally.
Phase 1: The Verses
The verses are rhythmic and somewhat spoken-sung. The key here is diction. The electronic beat is precise, so your vocals must be too. Do not drag the ends of your phrases.
The Trap: It's easy to get lazy with articulation here. Ensure consonants like 'T' and 'K' are crisp so they cut through the heavy synthesizer mix.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As the song builds toward the hook, the pitch rises. You need to start mixing your chest voice with your head voice here. If you pull too much chest weight up, you will fatigue before the chorus hits.
- Breath Support: Engage your diaphragm. The lines become more continuous, requiring steady airflow.
- Tone: Keep it light but piercing. Think of a laser beam rather than a heavy hammer.
Phase 3: The Chorus Hook
The repeated line "Celebrate" is the centerpiece of the track. This sits high in the range and requires a committed, celebratory energy. It is often sung with a strong head voice or falsetto reinforcement.
Don't be afraid to sound a bit "nasal" here—it's part of the genre. If you try to make the sound too round or dark, it will clash with the bright electronic instrumentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal melody reaches up to a G#5 in falsetto/head voice during the most intense sections and ad-libs.
Focus on "twang." Narrow your epiglottic funnel (make a "nye-nye-nye" sound) to get that bright, piercing quality that cuts through the synth layers.
You are likely pushing too much air. High notes require *faster* air, not *more* air. Try singing the chorus quietly first to find the coordination, then add volume.
