The Ultimate 90s Anthem
When Linda Perry wrote What's Up?, she didn't just write a song; she wrote a revolution of emotion. The track is famous for its simple chord structure (A-Bm-D-A) repeated throughout the entire song, placing the entire burden of interest on the vocalist.
To sing this successfully, you need to master the art of the "build up." The song starts intimate and ends in a massive, stadium-filling roar. Here is your roadmap to nailing the performance.
AI Coach Tip: Diaphragm Support
Many singers strain their throat on the "Hey, hey, hey" chorus. The power must come from your core (diaphragm), not your neck muscles. If your neck veins are popping, you are pushing too hard.
Phase 1: The Storyteller (Verses)
The opening lines "25 years and my life is still..." sit in the lower range (around E3-A3). The goal here is conversational clarity. Don't add too much grit yet.
The Technique: Use a "speech-level" singing approach. Keep the larynx neutral. Think of yourself telling a secret to a friend in a quiet room.
Phase 2: The Climb (Pre-Chorus)
On the line "And I try, oh my god do I try," the pitch begins to ascend. This is the transition zone. You need to start mixing your chest voice with nasality (pharyngeal resonance) to help the sound travel higher without breaking.
- Resonance: Aim the sound "forward" into the mask of your face.
- Vowels: On "Try," modify the vowel slightly towards "Ah" (Tr-ah-ee) to keep the throat open.
Phase 3: The Belt (Chorus)
This is the moment everyone waits for. "And I say, HEY..." hits a strong C#5. This is a full chest belt for Mezzos or a high mix for others.
To achieve Linda Perry's signature sound, you need to drop your jaw. A vertical mouth shape creates more space in the back of the throat, allowing for a fuller, louder sound that isn't shrill. Embrace the "cry" in your voice—that emotional breaking point is what gives the song its soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest/mix note is a C#5 (on the word "Hey"). There are ad-libs that may go higher depending on the live version, but C#5 is the target note.
Cracking usually happens when you carry too much "weight" (chest voice) up without proper breath support. Try lightening the sound slightly or adding a "yell" quality with strong abdominal support.
The song is in A Major. The guitar is often tuned standard, using a capo on the 2nd fret (playing G shapes) or played with barre chords A, Bm, D.
