Mastering the Eurodance Style
Released on the legendary album Europop, "Play with the Voice" by Eiffel 65 is a masterclass in rhythmic delivery and electronic vocal styling. While many associate the group with heavy autotune, singing this song well requires raw precision, excellent breath control, and the ability to lock into a groove.
Lead singer Jeffrey Jey uses a specific "straight tone" technique to match the synthesizer-heavy production. This means singing with very little vibrato, ensuring your pitch is laser-focused from the moment you attack the note. Let's break down the sections.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Tempo
The song moves at roughly 130 BPM. Beginners often drag behind the beat during the verses. Focus on shortening your consonants to keep the rhythm tight and forward-moving.
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Verses
The verses in "Play with the Voice" are delivered almost like a rap, but with a melodic center. The key here is diction. You are essentially acting as a percussion instrument.
The Trap: Slurring words together. Because the tempo is fast, it is easy to lose clarity. Practice the verses slowly, exaggerating the lip movements, then speed it up. Keep your volume consistent; don't shout, but project firmly.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Hook)
The chorus ("Play with the voice...") opens up melodically. It sits in a comfortable mid-range for Baritones and Tenors. The challenge is the contrast between the staccato verses and the legato (smooth) chorus.
- Sustain: Hold the notes slightly longer here to create a "sing-along" anthem feel.
- Breath Support: You need a full tank of air before the chorus hits to maintain power without straining your throat.
- Tone: Keep the sound bright and nasal (in the mask) to cut through the electronic mix.
Phase 3: The Electronic Simulation
To sound like the record without using a vocoder, you need to execute pitch jumps cleanly. When the melody moves from note to note, do not slide (glissando). Hit each note dead-on, like pressing a key on a piano.
This "robotic" precision is what gives the song its signature Eurodance feel. Use the Singing Coach AI visualizer to ensure your pitch line is flat and stable, not wavy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The melody generally tops out around F#4 or G4 depending on ad-libs. It is very accessible for most male voices.
No. While the original recording is processed, you can emulate the style by removing vibrato and focusing on precise, "stepped" pitch changes.
Plan your breaths. Mark the lyrics where there is a natural pause (usually every 4 bars) and take quick "sip" breaths rather than deep, slow inhales.
