The Indie-Pop Workout
Released on Grouplove's debut album Never Trust a Happy Song, "Itchin’ on a Photograph" is a masterclass in tension and release. For singers, the challenge isn't necessarily technical agility (like runs or trills), but rather stamina, breath control, and the ability to sell the emotion.
The song builds from a near-whisper to a stadium-sized anthem. Let's break down how to handle the vocal delivery without losing your voice by the final chorus.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Distortion
Christian Zucconi uses a gritty tone in the chorus. To emulate this safely, think of "compression" rather than screaming. Engage your core muscles to push air, but keep your throat relaxed.
Phase 1: The Verse (0:00 - 0:54)
The song opens with "I'm itching on a photograph." The delivery here is intimate and almost spoken. You should be in your lower chest register, but keep the sound light.
The Trap: Because the verse is quiet, singers often lose pitch support. Ensure you are still supporting the notes with your breath, even at low volume, so you don't go flat on "Yeah, I'm scratching on a thermostat."
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build (0:54 - 1:12)
The line "It's getting closer now" signals the energy shift. The drum beat picks up, and so should your intensity. Gradually open your mouth wider on the vowels to increase resonance naturally.
- Rhythm: The delivery becomes more staccato here. Lock in with the snare drum.
- Volume: Don't go to 100% volume yet. Save your top gear for the chorus. Think of this as a crescendo from 40% to 70%.
Phase 3: The Chorus (1:12 - 1:40)
This is the payoff. The vocal line jumps up to the higher chest register (A4). The lyrics "Yeah, yeah, yeah!" require full commitment. Use a "forward placement"—aim the sound at your front teeth—to cut through the heavy guitars.
The rasp in the original recording adds character. If you can't do this naturally, singing it cleanly with high energy is better than forcing a growl and hurting your cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal hits a sustained A4 in the chorus. In the backing vocals and ad-libs, the falsetto reaches higher, but the core belt stays around G#4/A4.
Yes, though the chorus sits high in the chest voice. You may want to transpose it down -1 or -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app to make the sustained high notes more comfortable.
Primarily sung by Christian Zucconi, but Hannah Hooper provides crucial harmonies and counter-melodies. The app allows you to practice either part.
