Mastering the Indie Folk Anthem
"Hunger" by Of Monsters and Men is a masterclass in dynamic contrast. Featured on their album Fever Dream, this track balances intimate, almost spoken verses with explosive, anthemic choruses. Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir's performance relies heavily on emotional delivery and a distinctive indie-pop pronunciation.
To sing this well, you need to navigate the bridge between a breathy lower register and a powerful, forward-placed mix in the chorus. It isn't just about hitting the notes; it's about conveying the urgency of the lyrics.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Stamina
Many singers run out of breath during the chorus repetition. Our analysis suggests taking quicker, deeper breaths during the caesuras (pauses) in the verse to prepare your diaphragm for the high energy sections.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Rhythmic)
The song starts in a comfortable range for most Mezzo-Sopranos and Altos. The opening lines require a conversational approach. Avoid projecting too much here; keep the sound close and intimate.
The Trap: Because the verses are lower, singers often lose pitch clarity. Ensure you are supporting your voice even at low volumes to prevent going flat on the ends of phrases.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As the drums kick in, the vocal intensity must match. You need to transition from your chest voice into a lighter mix. The melody begins to ascend, acting as a ramp toward the chorus.
- Articulation: Focus on crisp consonants. The indie style often softens vowels, but the rhythm relies on the consonants.
- Dynamics: Gradually increase volume without shouting. Think of it as turning up a dimmer switch rather than flipping a light switch.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (High Intensity)
The chorus is where the song truly opens up. The line "I'm drowning in..." requires a confident belt up to D5. This is the emotional peak of the track.
To hit these notes safely, use "forward placement." Visualize the sound resonating in your "mask" (the front of your face/nose area). This adds the necessary brightness to cut through the heavy instrumentation without straining your vocal cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is a D5. There are some ad-libs and harmonies that may float higher depending on the live version.
It is considered intermediate. While the notes aren't extremely high, the breath control required to maintain the energy throughout the song can be challenging for beginners.
The "Indie" sound often comes from specific vowel shaping (narrowing vowels) and allowing a slight breathiness in the tone during softer sections. Use the Singing Coach AI app to compare your tone directly to the original track.
