Mastering the Funk Groove
From the self-titled debut album by Wild Cherry, "I Feel Sanctified" is a masterclass in blue-eyed soul and funk. While "Play That Funky Music" gets the radio play, this track offers a deeper groove that challenges a vocalist's rhythm and phrasing.
To sing this well, you need to treat your voice like a percussion instrument. It's less about sustained, long notes and more about the "pocket"—knowing exactly when to attack the note and when to cut it off. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Phrasing
A common mistake is singing too "legato" (smooth). This song requires a "staccato" (detached) approach in the verses. Imagine you are 'barking' the notes rhythmically to match the bassline.
Phase 1: The Verse Groove
The verse sits in a comfortable mid-range for Tenors and Baritones. The challenge here is attitude. You need a bit of vocal fry or "grit" to match the dirty guitar sound.
The Trap: Rushing the beat. Funk drags slightly behind the beat. Relax into the groove and don't anticipate the snare drum. Keep your consonants sharp, especially on words that end phrases.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As the band builds intensity, your volume needs to increase. This isn't just louder; it's about intensity. You should be switching from a speaking voice into a called/shouted resonance (without screaming).
- Breath Support: Engage your diaphragm heavily here. You need short, quick breaths between phrases to maintain the energy.
- Tone: Keep the sound forward in the "mask" of your face to cut through the heavy instrumentation.
Phase 3: The Chorus Hook
The line "I feel sanctified!" is the payoff. This hits the upper part of the chest voice range (around E4-F#4). You want a full, open throat sound here.
To hit this safely, drop your jaw and modify the vowel. Instead of a tight "ee" sound on "Sanctified," think of singing a mix of "ee" and "eh". This lowers the larynx and prevents strain while giving you that big, soulful sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody peaks around an F#4 in the chest voice. There are ad-libs in the outro that may go higher depending on your improvisation.
Not necessarily. This song is actually very friendly to Baritones because it relies on power in the mid-range rather than extreme high notes. You can use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose it if needed.
Start with a clean tone and add "twang" (narrowing the epiglottis). Don't just push air to get grit, as that damages vocal cords. Practice the "fry" sound at low volumes first.
