The Ultimate Funk Rock Anthem
"Play That Funky Music" is a staple of 70s funk rock. Released by Wild Cherry in 1976, it combines a driving guitar riff with a vocal performance that is all about attitude, rhythm, and grit. Unlike a ballad where sustain is key, this song requires a percussive vocal approach.
To sing this well, you need to lock in with the drums and bass. The vocal melody sits comfortably in the speaking range for the verses but demands high energy and a solid belt for the chorus. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Focus on Rhythm
The biggest mistake singers make here is dragging the tempo. The vocals on the verse are staccato and punchy. Our analysis shows that anticipating the beat slightly (singing on the front edge) improves your groove score.
Phase 1: The Verse (0:00 - 0:48)
The song kicks off with that iconic guitar riff in E. When the vocals enter ("Hey, do it now..."), you aren't just singing notes; you are telling a story. The pitch centers around E3 and G3.
The Trap: Being too melodic. This section needs to sound almost conversational, with a "street-smart" attitude. Use glottal stops to cut your words short, mimicking the funky guitar strumming pattern.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus & Chorus (0:48 - 1:24)
As the band builds, the vocals lift. The line "and they was dancin' and singin'..." climbs up the scale. You need to switch from the laid-back verse style to a driving chest-mix.
- The Hook: "Play that funky music white boy" is the centerpiece. It requires a strong, forward placement. Ideally, you want a bit of vocal fry or "grit" to match the rock guitar tone.
- Breath Control: The chorus repeats several times. Take quick, deep breaths between the phrases to maintain the intensity without getting winded.
Phase 3: The Bridge Breakdown
The energy shifts. The instrumentation creates space, and the vocals become more isolated. This is your chance to improvise. The "Yeah, yeah" ad-libs should be punchy and can slide up to higher notes (A4) if you have the range.
Remember, funk is about the "one" (the first beat of the measure). Ensure your vocal attacks land heavily on the downbeat to keep the audience moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody hits a solid G4/A4 during the high energy sections. However, there are ad-libs and screams that can go much higher depending on your interpretation.
Not necessarily, but "grit" helps. You can achieve this safely by using "twang" (narrowing the epiglottis) rather than grinding your vocal cords. The Singing Coach AI app visualizes this tension to keep you safe.
It is in E Major, specifically utilizing an E9 vamp which gives it that distinctive funk sound.
