The Viral Disney Ensemble Hit
We Don't Talk About Bruno is a masterpiece of musical storytelling written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Blending cha-cha-cha, hip-hop, and traditional theatrical elements, this song requires more than just hitting notes—it requires acting. It features a "madrigal" style ending where multiple melodies overlap, creating a complex polyphonic texture.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of character switching. The song rotates between Pepa, Felix, Dolores, Camilo, and Isabela, each bringing a unique vocal texture and rhythmic feel.
AI Coach Tip: Diction is Key
Dolores' verse is sung at a whisper volume but must be articulated sharply. Users often lose points here for "mushy" consonants. Keep your lips active and the sound forward, even when singing quietly.
Phase 1: Pepa & Felix (The Narrative)
The song opens in C Minor. Pepa and Felix engage in a call-and-response structure. Felix provides the grounded, rhythmic bass to Pepa's anxious, higher-pitched melody.
The Trap: Don't drag the tempo. The beat is a crisp guajira rhythm. On the line "We were getting ready," ensure you are landing exactly on the downbeat to establish the groove for the rest of the song.
Phase 2: Dolores & Camilo (Rhythm & Character)
This section is the hardest for solo vocalists.
- Dolores (The Whisper): Her verse "It's like I hear him now" is performed in a near-whisper rap style. You need excellent breath control to get through the rapid phrasing without gasping for air.
- Camilo (The Shapeshifter): His section "Seven foot frame, rats along his back" drops into a spooky, theatrical tone. Use a darker vocal coloring here and accentuate the hard consonants (C, K, T) to mimic the percussive nature of the backing track.
Phase 3: The Polyphonic Climax (2:40 - End)
The final section is a vocal montage where all characters sing their verses simultaneously. In the app, you can choose to sing the lead melody (Mirabel) or stick to one of the harmony parts.
To score high here, you must demonstrate "tunnel vision." Do not let the other vocal lines pull you off your pitch. Focus entirely on your specific melody line, which helps build the chaotic, overlapping effect intended by the composer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note varies by character, generally hitting around Eb5 in the female parts (Pepa/Isabela), though harmonies go higher.
It is a hybrid. Dolores and Camilo's parts lean heavily into rhythmic speech (rap), while Pepa and Isabela's parts are melodic singing.
Plan your breaths. In the Dolores section, take quick "sip" breaths at punctuation marks rather than deep lungfuls, which take too long.
