Mastering the "Chill Pop" Vibe
Released in 2018, Eastside by Benny Blanco (featuring Halsey and Khalid) is a masterclass in modern pop storytelling. Unlike power ballads, this song relies on a conversational, intimate delivery. It recounts a story of growing up and young love, so the vocal performance needs to feel nostalgic and genuine, not forced.
The challenge for singers is often finding the balance between the "lazy" style and actual pitch accuracy. Let's break down how to nail both the Khalid and Halsey sections.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Shaping
Halsey uses very specific "Indie Pop" vowel shapes (diphthongs). Instead of singing a pure "Oh" on "Stone," flatten your tongue slightly to create a brighter, buzzier sound. This adds character to the mix.
Phase 1: Khalid’s Verse (0:00 - 0:52)
Khalid enters with a warm, lower-register tone. The line "When I was young, I fell in love" sits comfortably in the speech range for most singers.
The Trap: Because the melody is simple, many singers go flat. Keep your breath support active even though the volume is low. Think of speaking on pitch rather than "singing" loudly. Use a legato smoothness to connect the words.
Phase 2: Halsey’s Verse (0:52 - 1:44)
Halsey matches Khalid's energy but in a higher octave or brighter texture depending on your voice type. Her diction is crisp but relaxed.
- Breathiness: Halsey often adds air to the start of her phrases. Try adding a slight "H" sound before vowels to mimic her texture.
- Rhythmic Precision: The pre-chorus lines "We can do anything if we put our minds to it" are rapid. Use a metronome or the Singing Coach AI visualizer to ensure you aren't rushing these syllables.
Phase 3: The Chorus Harmony
The chorus ("Ooh-ooh, come away with me") is the emotional peak, but it stays chill. The melody floats around C#5 (for high voices) or C#4 (for lower voices). If you are singing this solo, you can choose to belt it lightly or use a heady mix voice.
Focus on the glides between notes. The "Ooh" vowel should be narrow to keep the pitch centered. Avoid widening your mouth too much, or the tone will lose its intimacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can sing either! The melody is doubled in octaves for much of the song. Choose the octave that feels most comfortable for your voice type, or switch between them for a challenge.
The song is in F# Major. It uses a standard pop chord progression that repeats, allowing you to focus entirely on your vocal tone and storytelling.
Avoid heavy vibrato. Pop songs like Eastside use "straight tone" for most of the note, adding a tiny bit of vibrato only at the very end of phrases.
