Mastering the Future Bass Anthem
Released in 2015, "Roses" marked a pivotal shift in pop music, blending indie vocals with future bass drops. While it lacks the operatic complexity of rock ballads, it presents a unique challenge: maintaining character. The vocalist, ROZES, uses a distinct "indie" vocal fry and breathy delivery that requires careful air management.
The song is sung in the key of E Major. It stays relatively contained within the mid-range, but the challenge lies in the rhythmic phrasing and the emotional build-up into the drop. Let's break down how to capture that vibe.
AI Coach Tip: Stylistic Pronunciation
To get a high style score, soften your consonants. Instead of a hard "T" or "D", let the words flow into one another. "Taking it slow" should sound almost like one continuous word.
Phase 1: The Verse (0:00 - 0:48)
The opening lines, "Taking it slow, but it's not typical," sit in the lower end of the female register (E3-G#3). The goal here is intimacy. You want to sound conversational, almost like you are whispering to someone next to you.
The Trap: Many singers lose pitch accuracy when singing quietly. Ensure you have proper diaphragm support even when singing at a low volume to prevent going flat.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (0:48 - 1:12)
The energy builds here. The line "Say you'll never let me go" is the hook of the song. It repeats, climbing slightly in intensity but not necessarily in pitch. This section requires a consistent chest-mix.
- Rhythm: The delivery is slightly syncopated. Don't rush the beat. Sit "in the pocket" of the groove.
- Tone: Keep the tone bright but airy. If you push too much chest voice, it will sound too aggressive for the genre.
Phase 3: The Drop and Bridge
While the drop consists mostly of vocal chops (sampled vocals), the bridge brings the melody back. The repetition of "I'll be your daydream" needs to feel dreamy and ethereal. Use your head voice here if the chest mix feels too heavy.
The final chorus requires stamina. You've been singing in a breathy tone for three minutes, which expels air faster than a clean tone. Take deep, low breaths during the instrumental breaks to reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody tops out around B4 in chest/mix voice, though there are harmonies and ad-libs that reach up to E5.
Yes. The range is not extreme, making it a great song to practice style, timing, and tone control without worrying about high belts.
Relax your jaw and allow a little bit of air to escape with the note. Avoid sharp, musical-theater style diction. Think "lazy" pronunciation while maintaining pitch.
