A Masterclass in Lo-Fi Falsetto
Released as a single for his sophomore album Nectar, "Sanctuary" marks Joji's shift from pure melancholic lo-fi to a more polished, space-age pop sound. The track is deceptive; while it sounds relaxed and effortless, it requires precise pitch control and the ability to maintain a consistent tone while singing in the upper register.
The song relies heavily on texture. You aren't just hitting notes; you are creating an atmosphere. The contrast between the warm, lower-register verses and the airy, high-pitched chorus is the key to unlocking a high score.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Airflow
It is tempting to push too much air to get that "breathy" quality. However, leaking too much air will dry out your vocal cords and cause pitch instability. Keep a steady stream of air support, even when singing quietly.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Crooning)
The verses ("Go ahead and bark after dark...") sit in a lower, conversational range (around C#3). The goal here is a warm chest resonance.
The Trap: Because the pitch is low, singers often drop their energy, leading to flat notes. Keep your soft palate lifted and enunciate clearly, but softly. Think of this section as a crooner ballad.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Falsetto Switch)
The chorus ("If you've been waiting for falling in love...") jumps up to a sustained falsetto. This is the most iconic part of the song.
- The Transition: Joji often slides into notes (portamento). Don't just hit the note; glide up to it slightly to mimic the style.
- Tone Quality: This should be head voice or falsetto, not a belt. It needs to sound floaty and ethereal.
- Vowels: Modify your vowels to be narrower (e.g., sing "luv" instead of a wide "love") to make the high notes easier to sustain.
Phase 3: The Bridge
The emotional intensity builds here ("Hold me..."). You can introduce a slightly firmer vocal cord closure (mix voice) to add a bit of "cry" or yearning to the sound before dropping back into the soft falsetto for the outro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the chorus is primarily sung in a breathy falsetto. However, the verses are in chest voice. Mastering the switch (the "passaggio") is crucial.
The melody reaches up to a C#5 in the falsetto sections. If this is too high, you can use the Singing Coach AI app to lower the key by -1 or -2 semitones.
Cracking happens when you push chest voice too high. Lighten your vocal weight as you ascend into the chorus. Imagine you are singing down onto the notes rather than reaching up for them.
