Mastering The Weeknd's Signature Flow
Released as the closing track on the album Starboy, "I Feel It Coming" is a masterclass in modern pop vocals with a vintage touch. Produced by Daft Punk, the song draws heavy inspiration from Michael Jackson's era, requiring a vocal approach that is less about power and more about tone placement and rhythm.
Unlike power ballads that rely on heavy chest belting, this track lives in the "pocket." The challenge lies in maintaining a consistent, breathy texture without losing pitch accuracy. Let's break down how to achieve that effortless sound.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Airflow
Singers often push too much air when trying to sound "breathy" like The Weeknd, leading to lightheadedness and flat pitch. Aim for 80% tone and 20% breath. Use the app's visualizer to check your stability.
Phase 1: The Verses (Eb3 - C4)
The verses are sung in a comfortable mid-range for most male voices, but the delivery must be clipped and precise.
The Trap: Because the notes are easy to hit, many singers get lazy with their diction. The Weeknd enunciates clearly but softens the consonants. Focus on the vowels. Keep the larynx neutral—don't let it rise even as the melody moves.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Head Voice Dominance)
The hook "I feel it coming" sits higher in the range and requires a seamless switch to head voice or a very light mix.
- Tone Color: Think "bright" but not piercing. Imagine singing through a smile to lift the soft palate.
- Vibrato: Keep the notes straight for most of the duration, adding a very slight, fast vibrato only at the tail end of phrases.
- Rhythm: You must be exactly on the beat. The production is grid-perfect; dragging behind the beat will ruin the vibe.
Phase 3: The High Ad-Libs (Eb5)
Towards the end of the song and in the background layers, the vocal range stretches up to an Eb5. This is pure falsetto territory.
To hit these notes without cracking, do not "push" from your throat. Instead, support from your diaphragm and imagine the sound resonating in the center of your forehead. If you feel tension in your jaw, you are forcing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal melody stays mostly within the 4th octave, but the background vocals and ad-libs reach a falsetto Eb5.
Yes. The verses are very comfortable for baritones. The chorus may require developing your falsetto, or you can use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track down -2 or -3 semitones.
It's all about the attack. Use "glottal onsets" sparingly and focus on rhythmic, staccato phrasing combined with a lighter vocal mass.
