Mastering the 80s Synth-Pop Aesthetic
Released on The 1975's critically acclaimed A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships, "It’s Not Living (If It’s Not with You)" blends euphoric 80s guitar pop with darker lyrical themes. For a vocalist, the challenge lies in maintaining high energy and rhythmic precision while navigating the B Major key.
Matty Healy's vocal performance is characteristically conversational yet melodic. To sing this well, you need to find the balance between speaking the verses and singing the choruses with a bright, forward placement.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
The verses are wordy. When singing "Danny ran into some complications," focus on crisp consonants. Lazy articulation will cause you to drag behind the beat. Keep it punchy.
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Verses
The verses sit in a comfortable mid-range for most singers (around E3-F#4). However, the rhythm is relentless. You need to treat the voice almost like a percussion instrument here.
The Trap: Running out of breath. Because the lines are continuous, you must snatch quick breaths at the end of each phrase. Do not wait until you are empty to breathe.
Phase 2: The Chorus Lift
The energy spikes at the chorus: "It’s not living if it’s not with you." The melody jumps up, requiring a brighter tone. This is not a heavy rock belt; it is a "mix" voice. Keep your cheeks slightly lifted (like a smile) to help brighten the resonance.
- Resonance: Aim the sound towards your hard palate (the roof of your mouth).
- Dynamics: The chorus should be significantly louder than the verses, but without shouting.
- Vowel Shapes: Narrow your vowels on high notes to prevent strain.
Phase 3: The Bridge and Outro
The bridge ("Collapse my veins wearing beautiful shoes") brings a melodic variation. It sits slightly lower but requires emotional intensity. The song concludes with repetitive hooks. Ensure you maintain pitch accuracy right to the fade-out, as stamina often drops here.
To capture Matty's specific style, try using less vibrato on the ends of notes. A straighter tone fits the retro synth-pop vibe better than a classical, wobbling vibrato.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest chest/mix note in the main melody is a G#4. There are background harmonies that may reach higher.
It is rated "Medium" difficulty. While the range isn't extreme, the rhythmic phrasing and the stamina required to keep the energy up for 4 minutes make it a challenge for beginners.
Focus on a bright, nasal-free tone and very specific British-influenced diction (even if you aren't British, softening the 'r' sounds helps match the style).
