The Ultimate Funk Rock Anthem
Wild Cherry's "Keep on Playin’ That Funky Music" is a masterclass in rhythm and attitude. Written by Rob Parissi, the track combines a rock-solid guitar riff with soulful, punchy vocals. Unlike a ballad where sustain is key, this song requires "pocket" singing—locking your vocals tightly with the 16th-note funk groove.
The vocal challenge here isn't necessarily extreme range, but rather stamina and stylistic delivery. You need to sound gritty and energetic without shouting yourself hoarse. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Timing
A common mistake is rushing the verses. The bassline drives this song. Listen to the snare drum and place your consonants precisely on the beat. Being slightly "laid back" creates that cool funk feel.
Phase 1: The Verses (Storytelling)
The verses ("Once I was a boogie singer...") are sung in a conversational, almost spoken-word style, but pitched. The key here is articulation. You want a crisp, staccato delivery.
Technique: Keep your chest resonance strong. Don't let the voice get too breathy. Imagine you are telling a story to a crowd in a loud room—project forward, but keep the vowels short.
Phase 2: The Chorus (High Energy)
The hook "Play that funky music..." is iconic. This section sits higher in the range (around G#4) and requires a confident belt. This is where the rock influence kicks in.
- Breath Support: The chorus repeats constantly. You need deep diaphragmatic breaths between phrases to maintain the power.
- Vowel Modification: On words like "white boy" or "die," modify the vowel slightly towards "Ah" to keep the throat open while belting.
- Repetition: The challenge is consistency. The last chorus needs as much energy as the first.
Phase 3: The Ad-libs and Grit
Toward the end of the song, you'll hear shouts and ad-libs ("Lay down the boogie!"). To achieve this grit safely, use your "twang" (narrowing the epiglottis) rather than pushing air from your throat. If you feel tickling or coughing, you are squeezing too hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody hits a G#4 consistently in the chorus. There are ad-libs that may go higher depending on the version, but the G#4 is the core "belt" note.
Yes. The range is very accessible for most male voices (Baritones/Tenors). It is excellent practice for rhythm and confident projection.
It's all about accents. Accentuate the first beat of the phrase and cut the ends of your words short. Use the Singing Coach AI app to visualize your rhythmic accuracy.
