Mastering the Anxiety Groove
Prey by The Neighbourhood is a standout track from the Wiped Out! album that perfectly encapsulates the band's signature blend of indie rock and R&B-influenced pop. Vocalist Jesse Rutherford delivers a performance that oscillates between rapid-fire verses and a melodic, sweeping chorus.
To sing this well, you need to master the "cool" factor. It's not about projecting power like a stadium rocker; it's about groove, rhythmic precision, and conveying a sense of nervous energy through your tone.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
The verses move quickly. Our analysis shows users often slur the line "I'm afraid that I'm gonna get stuck." Focus on crisp consonant articulation without losing the laid-back vibe.
Phase 1: The Verses (Rhythmic Flow)
The song begins with a driving beat, and the vocals enter with a cadence almost like rapping. The challenge here is breath control. The lines are long and packed with syllables.
The Trap: Running out of air before the end of a phrase. Practice taking quick, "sipping" breaths at punctuation points in the lyrics. Keep your volume moderate; this is a conversation, not a speech.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Melodic Hook)
The energy lifts as you hit the hook: "Prey... I feel like I'm prey." The word "Prey" is held longer and sits higher in the range. You want to switch from the staccato delivery of the verse to a smoother, more legato style here.
- Vowel Shape: On the word "Prey," keep the vowel slightly narrow to maintain the indie-pop tone. Don't open your mouth too wide or it will sound operatic.
- Pitch Accuracy: The melody steps down in the chorus. Ensure you don't go flat as you descend on "I feel like I'm...".
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
The bridge introduces a more chaotic, layered feel. The vocals become more urgent. You can add a little bit of "grit" or vocal fry to your voice here to match the distorted guitars in the background.
To hit the higher notes in the outro comfortably, rely on your head resonance. Imagine the sound vibrating in your mask (nose and cheekbones) rather than pushing from your throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The chest/mix voice generally peaks around G#4, though there are falsetto textures that may sit higher depending on ad-libs.
Jesse uses a lot of "slacker" enunciation mixed with R&B rhythm. Try not to over-sing. Keep your larynx neutral and focus on the rhythm of the words.
Yes! The range C3-G#4 is quite low for female voices, so you might want to transpose it up +2 or +3 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app to make it shine in your range.
