The Art of the Ensemble Number
"Someone in the Crowd" is a standout track from the Oscar-winning film La La Land. Composed by Justin Hurwitz, this song captures the frantic energy of pre-party anxiety and hope. While it is sung by four characters (Mia, Tracy, Alexis, and Caitlin), soloists often perform it for auditions to show off versatility and acting skills.
The song requires you to be part pop star, part musical theatre actor. You need the brightness of a commercial jingle mixed with genuine emotional storytelling in the bridge. Let's break down the technique required to shine.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Articulation
The verses are incredibly fast. Singers often slur the words "invitation," "vibrations," and "situation." Keep your tongue forward and your lips active. The AI detects consonant clarity as a major scoring factor here.
Phase 1: The Upbeat Verses (0:00 - 2:00)
The song opens with high energy. The key is A Major, and the tone should be bright and forward. Imagine you are actually shouting over the noise of a hairdryer or music in a crowded room.
The Trap: Running out of breath. Because the lines are conversational and overlap ("You got the invitation..."), there are few places to breathe. Mark your breath points specifically before you start singing. Take quick "sip" breaths rather than deep lung-fulls.
Phase 2: Mia's Bridge (2:40 - 3:30)
The party slows down, and the music shifts to a more introspective, legato feel. This is where Mia sings, "Is someone in the crowd the only thing you really see?"
- Tone Change: Drop the bright "mask" resonance and move into a warmer, chest-voice dominant tone.
- Phrasing: Connect your words smoothly. Avoid the choppy staccato of the previous section.
- Emotion: This is the acting moment. The AI Coach looks for sustained notes and lack of pitch fluctuation here.
Phase 3: The Climax (3:30 - End)
The song builds back up to a massive crescendo. You will need to belt a sustained E5. This is the peak of the song and requires significant core support.
To hit the high notes without straining, think of sending the sound "up and out" through the top of your head, while anchoring your body to the floor. Do not raise your chin to reach for the note, as this constricts the vocal cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is an E5 during the final chorus sections. There are higher harmonic layers, but the lead melody peaks there.
Yes. The verses are very comfortable for Altos (G3-A4 range). The final E5 belt can be mixed or modified if a full chest belt is too high. You can also transpose the track down -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app.
Smile while you sing! This technique (lifting the zygomatic muscles) naturally brightens the tone and helps you match the "musical theatre" placement used by the cast.
