How to sing Ho Hey

Mastering the Folk-Rock Anthem

Ho Hey by The Lumineers is a masterclass in simplicity and raw emotion. Released in 2012, this track drove the folk-rock revival with its stomp-and-clap percussion and gang vocals. Unlike highly polished pop songs, Ho Hey relies on a conversational tone and authentic delivery.

While the melody is simple, the challenge lies in the dynamics. You need to transition seamlessly between soft, spoken verses and a powerful, open-throated chorus. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it.

Phase 1: The Verses (Relaxed & Conversational)

The song stays in C Major. The verses ("I've been trying to do it right") sit comfortably in the lower mid-range (C3-E3). The goal here is clarity.

The Trap: Many singers try to add too much vibrato or "sing" too hard here. Keep it straight and almost spoken. Think of it as telling a story to a friend in a quiet room.

Phase 2: The Chorus (Open Chest Voice)

The dynamics lift significantly on "I belong with you, you belong with me." This requires a confident chest voice belt up to A4. It shouldn't sound pretty; it should sound urgent.

Ensure your jaw is relaxed and drop your tongue flat to create more space in the back of your throat. This "yell-singing" technique creates volume without the nasal quality of pop singing.

Phase 3: The Shout Technique

The signature "Ho!" and "Hey!" are not sung notes; they are percussive shouts. To do this without losing your voice:

• Diaphragm Support: Engage your core muscles sharply.
• Placement: Keep the sound forward in the mask (the front of your face), not deep in the throat.
• Volume: Don't scream. Let the microphone do the work. A controlled shout is safer and sounds better on a recording.

Frequently Asked Questions