Mastering the Art of Intimacy
Recorded live on a rooftop at 6:00 AM, "Cherry Wine" captures a raw, unpolished vocal performance that is technically challenging precisely because of its simplicity. Unlike powerhouse rock anthems, this song requires vulnerability. Hozier's performance sits in the "pocket" of the beat, often slightly behind the guitar to create a relaxed, soulful feel.
To sing this well, you must resist the urge to project loudly. The magic lies in the texture of your voice. You need to access a warm, resonant chest voice for the lows and a gentle, breathy mix for the highs.
AI Coach Tip: Control Your Airflow
Many singers run out of breath on lines like "The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine." Our analysis suggests taking smaller, silent "sips" of air between phrases rather than large gasps, preserving the intimate mood.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Conversational)
The song starts in the lower Baritone register. The opening lines require a "speech-level" approach. Don't try to sing them operatically; speak them on pitch. The challenge here is clarity.
The Trap: Because the volume is low, pitch accuracy often suffers. Ensure you are fully supporting your breath even when singing quietly (mezzo-piano) to keep the pitch from going flat.
Phase 2: The Chorus Swell
The chorus, "The way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine," lifts melodically but stays grounded in emotion. Hozier uses a technique called a "cry" in his voice—a slight tilting of the thyroid cartilage that adds an emotive, yearning quality to the tone.
- Open Hand: On the words "Open hand or closed fist," emphasize the vowels. Keep the jaw relaxed and vertical.
- Blood Rare: Be careful with the "R" sound in "rare." American English speakers tend to harden the R; try to keep it soft and vowel-heavy for a better tone.
Phase 3: The High Ad-libs
Towards the end, Hozier adds vocal runs that touch on the upper range (G#4). These should not be belted. They should be sung in a "heady mix"—mostly head voice resonance with just enough cord closure to not sound wispy. This creates that haunting, ethereal quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
The melody generally tops out around E4/F#4, but ad-libs can reach up to G#4. It is very comfortable for Tenors and manageable for Baritones.
No, but the rhythm is tricky. The guitar uses a syncopated fingerpicking pattern. If you are singing with the backing track in our app, focus heavily on counting the 4/4 timing to stay locked in.
You might be using too much "twang" or compression. "Cherry Wine" needs a "breathy onset" (allowing a little air through before the cord closes) to match Hozier's style.
