The Atmospheric Anthem of Dream Pop
Released on M83's critically acclaimed album Saturdays = Youth, "We Own the Sky" is a masterclass in texture and atmosphere. Unlike powerful rock ballads, this song demands restraint, blending your voice into the "wall of sound" synthesizers rather than cutting through them aggressively.
Singing this track requires excellent breath management. The vocals are often washed in reverb, which can mask pitch issues during recording but exposes them mercilessly in a raw acoustic setting. Let's break down how to capture that ethereal sound without losing stability.
AI Coach Tip: Soft Onset
Avoid hard glottal attacks (a sharp click in the throat) at the start of phrases. Use a "soft onset" by letting a tiny bit of air escape before the sound begins. This creates the signature breathy M83 tone.
Phase 1: The Verse Chants
The song begins with repetitive, mantra-like phrases. The line "It's coming, it's coming now" sits in the lower mid-range. The challenge here is rhythmic precision.
The Trap: Because the melody is repetitive, singers often drift flat (below the pitch) as they run out of breath. Keep your diaphragm engaged and treat each repetition as a new thought to maintain energy.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The "Lift")
When the lyrics "We own the sky" arrive, the song opens up. This isn't a high belt, but rather a "lift" into the upper chest or mixed voice. The note needs to feel floaty.
- Resonance: Place the sound forward in your "mask" (the cheekbones and nose area) to get a bright, shimmering tone that matches the synths.
- Vowel Shape: Modify the vowel on "Sky" to be taller (more like "Sk-ah-ee") rather than wide. This helps you access head resonance easier.
- Volume: Keep it at a mezzo-forte (medium loud). Pushing too hard will ruin the dream-pop aesthetic.
Phase 3: The Outro Layers
The end of the song involves layered harmonies. The lead vocal remains steady while backing vocals climb higher into falsetto. If you are singing the lead, do not get distracted by the counter-melodies.
Focus on a legato line—connecting smooth notes with no gaps. Imagine your voice is a synthesizer pad, sustaining the note evenly until the very end of the breath.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the original track is heavy on effects, you should practice "dry" (no effects). If you can make your voice sound smooth and sustained without reverb, you have mastered the technique.
Yes. The highest chest voice notes are generally around F#4, which is a comfortable reach for most baritones using a mixed voice technique. It does not require extreme high notes.
The phrases are long and breathy, which uses air quickly. Practice specific inhale points between the "It's coming" repetitions and don't exhale all your air on the first word.
