Mastering the Funk Groove
Released on the 1976 album Electrified Funk, "What in the Funk Do You See" showcases the tighter, grittier side of Wild Cherry. While often overshadowed by their mega-hit, this track is a masterclass in rhythmic singing and vocal attitude. Rob Parissi's delivery is punchy, staccato, and full of soul.
To sing this track effectively, you need to treat your voice like a percussion instrument. It's not just about the melody; it's about the attack and decay of every note to lock in with the drum and bass groove.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Syncopation
A common mistake users make is dragging behind the beat. Funk requires you to be "on top" of the beat. Our analysis engine penalizes late phrasing heavily in this genre.
Phase 1: The Verse Groove
The verses sit in a comfortable mid-range for Tenors, but the challenge is the staccato phrasing. You want to clip your words slightly rather than singing long, legato lines. Think of the vocal delivery as "bouncing" along with the guitar riff.
The Trap: Over-singing the vowels. In funk, consonants are your friends. Use hard 'K' and 'T' sounds to drive the rhythm forward.
Phase 2: The Grit & Attitude
Wild Cherry's sound is defined by a "blue-eyed soul" texture. This means you need a bit of grit in your chest voice. To achieve this safely, engage your diaphragm for support and add a little "cry" or "whine" into your tone.
- Resonance: Keep the sound forward in the "mask" (the front of your face). If you sing this too far back in the throat, you'll lose the cutting power needed to compete with the brass section.
- Volume: Don't shout. The grit comes from compression, not just volume.
Phase 3: Ad-libs and Dynamics
As the song progresses, the vocals become looser. You'll hear shouts, "Yeahs!", and jumps into head voice. These shouldn't feel calculated; they need to feel spontaneous. When practicing with the Singing Coach AI, try to match the pitch of these ad-libs first, then focus on matching the raw energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal belts up to an A4 in chest mix, with falsetto ad-libs reaching higher. It sits well for Tenors but can be transposed for Baritones.
Use pharyngeal resonance (the "twang" or "witchy" sound) combined with strong breath support. Do not squeeze your throat; the distortion should feel consistent and pain-free.
Yes. The Singing Coach AI visualizer shows exactly where your notes land relative to the beat, helping you perfect that tricky funk syncopation.
