ALIEN VOICES? OVERTONES??

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I hope this observation on how they sing helps you figure out how the voice works better, so you can learn how to make smart choices in your own voice.
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[@crashlee9585]

Brought to you by turn signals. "Thank you turn signals" Me on the road lol

[@CallMeCaroline]

Dad Joke for the win!

[@aamerican5033]

*Can you please check out Roadtriptvs I Don't Care Singoff?* It's really amazing, you'll love it! Their range and Harmonies are crazy

[@karismakris]

In other words, no one in the Greater Seattle area sponsored this video. 😜

[@crashlee9585]

@@karismakris or Florida.

[@innerslothamonggus9070]

1:35

[@flkmm2002]

So glad this is sponsored by people who use turn signals! We’re a small community that has to stick together 💛

[@amandaagnew6787]

As someone who walks, I just want to say thank you. It's really nice that there are people out there who let me know that they're turning so I won't be ran over when crossing the road :) you guys are my heros!

[@dannerduncan]

Currently trying to figure out how to replace my 98 Camry hazard relay cause my blinkers don't work. If anyone wants to help a brotha out. Doesn't help that I deliver pizza. Sorry people about my no-blinker-ass.

[@SweepsSlotswithSarah]

It's amazing how something that is a standard feature in every car is so infrequently used. There are people who could probably tell you every little thing about the bluetooth/navigation systems in their cars and use them obsessively but never take advantage of a simple turn signal switch.

[@siriusthecat]

@@amandaagnew6787 please, I respect pedestrians for walking, so I try to make it as easy as possible for you-- A turn signal user

[@groggyfroggyfpv6868]

I use signals even when no one is around.

[@ChantelleLT]

Polyphonic voices are so interesting to me. I don't know how to sing any note, let alone two simultaneously.

[@sippigrrrl]

Chantelle Lee You and I are exactly the same. We should take a road trip and see how quickly our “harmonic” “singing” shatters all of the windows in the car!

[@ChantelleLT]

@@sippigrrrl when and where?

[@komotopic]

So the second one is using his tongue hard palette and lips to make a space for the 2nd note to whistle through

[@redsnowpenguin]

Want to see polyphonic singing integrated artistically instead of in standalone technique showcase? These guys do it in rock n roll form: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXbi4ioZad4nKc

[@DrumL3000]

none of you guys aware of this ?_? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHScgpttZZ6al9U

[@Breauner]

lalah: ooooohhhh~~ sam: 👁️👄👁️ lalah: ooOhHhHhH sam: ye idk how shes doing that lol

[@peacelovemetal5197]

I'm glad you are honest enough to say that you don't understand how the polyphonic singing works yet did your best to explain what you know anyway. Massive respect for that! Great video and analysis as always, too!

[@chillyruse]

1:28 Thoughts while editing: "They won't google it..."

[@ahmadsyaifullah6513]

Lmao 🤣🤣🤣

[@ahmadsyaifullah6513]

He just changed his mind 🤣

[@TheCutiepie2004]

I did, but it is helpful that he's explaining it

[@jerryqueer]

made it to 1k likes OWO-

[@davidtilling2614]

Sam: ... Alien: Ooooooh Sam: ...I dont know how shes doing that

[@grimhko]

David Tilling she sound like thoses zombies from black ops zombies

[@karchkiraly1232]

@@grimhko lol, i understand that joke.

[@ijustreallylikeramenokay7626]

Sam is usually so nice and pure and then sometimes he suddenly has so much sass out of nowhere and I love it

[@Vallavender333]

I tried to to alien sing and I straight up sounded like a vacuum cleaner 😂

[@SarahLouiseKarbowy]

Vance Corsey I tried also and physically choked 😂

[@jamescrum3108]

i tried the whistle tones and my mom barged in my room thinking that i was in pain

[@MeeYeeWeeWee]

@@jamescrum3108 I tried whistle notes and my cat looked like she wanted to kill me later

[@HandriaTubal]

🤣

[@камонкамон]

AHAHAHHA

[@mariwatersflowersayyy2823]

Gesh you're so likeable, Sam. I want to take a voice class now.

[@ericmoody3944]

He seems like such a nice guy, I would definitely take lessons from him.

[@aamerican5033]

*Can you please check out Roadtriptvs I Don't Care Singoff?* It's really amazing, you'll love it! Their range and Harmonies are crazy

[@jessicaw3454]

Avi Kaplan’s explanation was my favorite. You could very easily hear what you were referring too and the explanation made a lot of sense!

[@komotopic]

What avi is doing is using his tongue, hard palette and lips to make a place for the air to whistle through in order to produce a second note

[@chrismartinez144]

Hmm I wonder if Sam had a bad experience with someone not using a turn signal just before he sat down to make this video

[@elvellarambles9151]

Chris Martinez wHy WoUlD yOu ThInK tHaT??

[@ysamarortega9749]

Zillah Locke I read that in Sam’s voice haha 😆

[@musichere3287]

Avi uses overtone singing in Pentatonix songs ("Aha" for example) and it really adds to the overall feeling of the song.

[@marykay5299]

He used it in their very first performance on the singoff, and none of the judges said anything about it! It sounds so cool!

[@ngardnerPV]

@@marykay5299 He used it on multiple songs in the sing off, some are just more subtle and stand out less.

[@winterhorses]

@@marykay5299 I was surprised that didn't give him props for that! I wonder if they figured someone was actually whistling. Though I'd expect Ben Folds would've caught it.

[@marykay5299]

@@winterhorses Yeah, the way the camera zooms in on Kirstin kind of makes it look like she's whistling, but it's definitely Avi

[@pentatonya1778]

Mary Kay They totally missed the boat!

[@ale5677]

What Lalah Hathaway is employing to produce that sound is actually a multiphony technique (biphony) - where two frequencies originate simultaneously on the vocal cords (different from overtone singing - Avi Kaplan). During the performance with Snarky Puppy she produced two simultaneous notes at different intervals; two times major second, minor third & major third in order to match the musical context. What's even more impressive is that you can hear that the notes produced by Lalah Hathaway contain almost no overtones of their own, they are almost sine waves; the intervals do not correspond to natural overtone intervals and are therefore harmoniously independent of each other - that alone tells me that she has 100% control over each note individually. That's some extraterrestrial vocal control. Not surprised though her father is legendary soul singer Donny Hathaway. Awesome video. 😊

[@mijalakis3]

Mariah's diction on her whistle register is amazing. I have never heard any other mainstream artist enunciate like that in whistle register.

[@eloicastellvi]

Minnie Riperton, Mariah's inspiration.

[@mijalakis3]

@@eloicastellvi yes. However Minnie never enunciated live above C6 and Mariah has even enunciated in the 7th octave and Mariah's is a bit clearer too.

[@eloicastellvi]

@@mijalakis3 No, Minnie enunciated live above C6 many times. This video shows some of those cases (I could understand what she said even though I didn't even know the lyrics beforehand :-) ): kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIaYZ4R6iNmai9E Most are just melismas, but there are words, as well. The video has a second part.

[@hippiecowgirl4231]

Check out Dimash

[@shotarolee5021]

@@hippiecowgirl4231 here come the dimash fans...

[@yeahbee8237]

You should check out "kulning" nordic folk singing similar to yodeling Traditionally used to call the cows home, earie and beautiful

[@corv1d770]

Absolutely agree

[@renee2292]

I can really tell how much of a passion this is for you. I love the technical expertise. Just a quick note: In an interview a few years back Avi was asked to explain overtone/polyphonic singing. He mentioned just moving his tongue to change the higher note. Your explanation reminded me of his explanation. :)

[@yulianamonicapetronela9834]

I'm here 'cause I saw Avi on the thumbnail!

[@wibblewobble489]

SAMES! hahahah I'd LOVE to see Sam review some of Avis new stuff! Avi is the king of music i rekon

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

Dropping this link here. It's one of the most popular live vids from his Nashville shows. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3uuZWSHbN-sY9U

[@yaninemontez5331]

Same!!

[@kathyf.2002]

Me too! Still miss Avi.

[@ashleysheree7057]

Same!

[@mariax1010]

People in area 51: *We lost a few of them!!!*

[@Danarcis]

If you're interested in more from the overtone guy, Avi Kaplan, he just came out with some new solo songs here on KZbin a few months ago.

[@PhoenixInLove]

He is so amazing! I love all of his new music!

[@DragonsAreHungry]

Agree... Avi is just something....not from this world.....

[@theeasternraccoon4026]

Danarcis he sounds like orthodox priests.very much of byzantin music techniques

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

Here's a really popular live fan video. He is such a treat to see live. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3uuZWSHbN-sY9U

[@amandatorres2011]

Yes! Hes amazing!

[@LAN3SMUSIC]

Let me tell you... I saw Avi Kaplan do that live when he was still a part of PTX and it's absolutely breathtaking in person. It's something that you an appreciate recorded but LIVE it's a JOURNEY.

[@FreggFaerie]

Him live by himself is absolutely incredible, had the pleasure of seeing him last month and it was so worth leaving the house to see xX

[@evaniyathomas]

I swear Avi's voice control is incredible. BLOWS MY MIND EVERY SINGLE TIME

[@innerslothamonggus9070]

"When she's (Mariah is) good, she's really really good." 💗

[@mezmerized4lifejay654]

Mariah's voice is just heavenly 💙

[@reinerca]

Sam: Today's video is sponsored by people who use turn signals. Thanks turn signals! 🙃🙃 Me: Damn, Sam....who hurt you?!

[@icykickflip]

mad respect first reacted words were "IDK how she's doing that."

[@AntonioDudleyOfficial]

Sam: Thanks turn signals. Drivers in Utah:

[@SamJohnsonVoice]

Drivers in AZ: no

[@AntonioDudleyOfficial]

Sam Johnson 😂

[@TheeeDanielR]

Mariah Carey can speak in Whistler register and make verbs when singing in that register.

[@Essex626]

I'd really like to see you react to the Mongolian band The Hu. They use traditional Mongolian polyphonic singing in a hard rock to heavy metal sound. Really cool stuff.

[@micahspruth-janssen3138]

Kevin Mayfield yes please!!!!!

[@jansuro4173]

Kevin Mayfield Ahh i watched it. Awesome

[@micahspruth-janssen3138]

One of my favorite groups :-)

[@traumasystem4191]

i was just thinking about them the moment i saw "polyphonic singing". i was like oh hell yeah!

[@Synth256]

I'd like to see Sam react to a song by The Hu, as well.

[@yosaboo4393]

The first lady was Layla Hathaway, she's so iconic!

[@jibque]

This is amazing. I love learning about the weird possibilities of the voice! Thanks Sam for going for the weird, and explaining it so well as always!!

[@keepXonXrockin]

There's an video of a woman singing like this in an MRI on KZbin, Anna Maria Hefele. The way her tongue moves looks crazy.

[@tsfbaf303]

Just saw it, very interesting video

[@maddowdle]

That video randomly came up on my recommended about a week ago. I’d never heard anything like it before.

[@jasmincalifornia1]

What was the title of the video?

[@keepXonXrockin]

@@jasmincalifornia1 Sehnsucht nach dem Frühlinge, but you can just go to her channel (Anna-Maria Hefele), she doesn't have many videos.

[@gotliebj1]

Yeah, I was disappointed there wasn’t any Anna-María Hefele in this video.

[@kingofmeereen]

Mariah’s whistles are actually pretty loud

[@myfurryfam365]

That first “lady” is Lalah Hathaway, and she is amazing.

[@jeromyd94]

Mariah's whistle is actually quite amplified WITHOUT a microphone. Take a look at her recent bottle cap challenge for example! Love your videos!

[@annahill99]

my most commonly used phrase on the road is definitely a sarcastic “thanks for that turn signal, you absolute fucking muppet” so I appreciate today’s sponsor very much

[@Abc2836-r3g]

Today I was thinking "hmmm it would be interesting if a voice teacher did a video 'reacting to polyphonic sounds and overtones' " Sam Johnson, was that telepathy!? 😜😄👍

[@rowanaembers4929]

Wanna hear something amazing try searching for "Kulning - Ancient herdingcall - A farewell song to the cows"

[@jsophiamm]

YES.

[@SquishtheGeneral]

YEEEESSSSS

[@MrMorea-wi6yk]

Sam, I'd love to see you analyze some beatboxers. I think you'd find some of the things professional beatboxers can do absolutely insane. Codfish or Reeps One would be a neat place to start.

[@roefane2258]

Yyyeeessss!!!! I would love to see him break down that witchcraft! The few I’ve seen in person just make my jaw drop, and a few have explained how it works....but they may as well have been speaking in an alien language.

[@FatalPurpose]

I've been a drummer since I was 2 year old (I'm 26 now), but vocals have always been so interesting to me. You do a fantastic job explaining what is happening and making the complexities palpable. I also love how you say "I don't know how she's doing that..." and then you proceed to explain the shit out of it. Great job as always!

[@LostTh3Game]

When Avi is doing his overtone singing, he is actually singing "When the Lion Sleeps Tonight" during that part. Figured I'd point that out, since not many people were able to notice it.

[@donnamcmanus7360]

I love hearing unique voices & what people have discovered they can do. Your face is so expressive which makes watching your videos even better🙂

[@soaribb32]

I mean, Mariah on her prime was one of the best singers ever.

[@jonadol]

If not the best

[@vonnielaurie]

and keep in mind that she's past her vocal prime when she did that

[@hiblinks1199]

Dimash

[@josemanganipcalingjr.4805]

@@hiblinks1199 He can't speak in Whistles and Mariah's whistle is very fast/agile, and she's the only one who can do appoggiatura in Whistle register (3 notes).

[@hiblinks1199]

@@josemanganipcalingjr.4805 okay..i know we can't compare dimash and mariah carey..they have their own way..

[@Anlah]

Your reaction to the first artist made my day :). I always come to your channel. Your positivity is infectious and your critiques are always well thought out and delivered in such a great way.

[@missrosacea4275]

I can do the polyphonic thingy, it doesn't sound pretty tho. If anything it sounds low Key demonic 😅

[@GenieY23]

I'm so fascinated with your explanations Sam! I don't know anything about singing, but it is so interesting to learn about the science behind it all through your comments and analyses! Truly captivating!

[@KittyLovesGlover]

Avi reminds me of Chester. McGovern reminds me of the fith element opera. some amazing angelic voices are in Celtic Woman.

[@TheOnlyToblin]

The yodeling girls made me so happy. Damn! ^^

[@st4rpt_603]

In case of Avi Kaplan those overtones took place in some bass lines for Pentatonix..like in their sing off version of Dog Days.

[@Sun-pyrios]

Your new hair is soo gooood

[@EngineMashups]

Yessssss!!! Boi I’d love to hear more about bass voices - Tim Foust of Home Free is someone I’ve always been so fascinated with, especially how he talks about holding onto his range by working the high end as well as the lows

[@margicates553]

Engine yes! More velvety basso profundo, How do bass voices do that?! Also I’d love to hear about the scientific/genetic differences in tone and color.

[@BadBoysLover]

Yay! Thank you Sam for accepting my request! I'm so glad you took the time to make the video and explain the different voices. It's so interesting. You're the best. ^_^

[@dannybowen627]

I just love the start.. "I don't know how she's doing that." So honest!

[@sapphopique1316]

This is so instructive and precise, I love all your videos for that 😀 I used to take singing lessons when my voice was not completely shattered for some reasons..keep up the good work !

[@GHfan4life]

Mariah’s whistle register is mind blowing. Mariah and Whitney in their prime was something iconic and special

[@chuugummy975]

Avi was doing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" with his overtone, right? It's been a super long time since I've seen that vid, but I think I was able to hear it

[@shirleyfisher8313]

I love when he shows his bass lower note and really rattle the speakers

[@M3M33thousand]

Please react to Mariah Carey: Empress of the Whistle Register video 🙏🙏🙏😋

[@shindouhokage796]

Yesss

[@MDak28]

omg yes

[@crissyy3647]

Yessss

[@sitimaisarahmaarof358]

woahhh thts a long vid

[@husahallo]

Should watch the Ted Talk called "I'm a beatboxer let me show you" Super fascinating watching the vocal chords when he is beatboxing!

[@undead.rising]

The reason that I watch your channel to the exclusion of almost all others (when it comes to singing instructors) is that you really know what your talking about and explain things that no one else explains, up to and including human physiology required when singing. Love your work!

[@ft3060]

"When she´s good, she´s really really good" why do i love that sentence

[@terrifaulkner3340]

I had seen this video and am really glad that you covered it. Your explanation is brilliant as always! I love the fact that you actually analyse the videos instead of just reacting 🙂

[@silvergenx]

Interesting video to react to, but you are always the best part of the video.

[@DragonsAreHungry]

I actually don't understand a bit of what you're explaining in your videos, but I come here cause I love the way you do it. It shows that not only you know what you're talking about, but most importantly that you love what you're doing! Aaaand to see who you consider good or even great for any reason :-D Came to hear your opinion on Avi, was not dissapointed. His Change on the rise gets me every time, not talking about his PTX work... I could never understand yodeling, but now I understand it somehow better. Don't worry, I won't try it :-D

[@neaituppi7306]

I don't know if I agree with it as a party trick. Tibetan throat singing, has no words, and is essentially a meditation process for them. And it is for me. Tuvan, khoomei, Mongolian throat singing has words, and they write songs for it. It is actually a style of singing. I find the same problem with finger tapping guitar style. Peple still think it is a trick to spice up your solos, like van halen, but it is a style of playing that goes back to flamenco, and now people like Michael hedges made it into a style of writing songs, and math rock groups have continued and evolved it.

[@katrinakollmann5265]

♡♡♡

[@truthsshade3102]

When Mimi is good....shes really really GREAT!!😳🤯😁😍🥰🥰💝

[@ShelliG]

Wanted to hear you yodel... You had my like at the sponsored comment.

[@longestpossiblename]

This stuff is so fascinating. Some of these techniques I've not even heard before but for all of them I love hearing the explanation behind the way the voice works! What an amazing instrument we possess!

[@DrakenWolfwood]

Okay but how are they gonna make a compilation of alien voices and not mention Björk like wtf?

[@yeahbee8237]

Not alien just demonic

[@ina-ds7bc]

@@yeahbee8237 i-

[@ilya2148]

What does she do to be stated as an alien voice?

[@markly5460]

late but they mentioned her in the part 2

[@TKeithD]

Was so hoping you would cover this compilation! Thank you for always educating and explaining techniques throughly.

[@kingofmeereen]

I will say tho, you should watch Mariah’s SNL rehearsal for All In Your Mind. And a bunch of other acapella whistles. Her whistles get loud af

[@RBVeiga]

Hi Sam! I'm a big brazilian fan of your videos and i would love if you reacted to Andre Matos singing Shaman - Fairy Tale (live). He was a amazing brazilian singer who passed away recently... Thank you!

[@juliamacielf]

O André sempre vai ser uma das melhores vozes brasileiras (me atrevo dizer até mundiais) 💙

[@kaylynp.williams8650]

Pauses. "I don't know how she's doing that!" 🤣🤣🤣 Man Lalah Hathaway is such a beast. I love her. ❤

[@WeaponsGirl123]

Overtones are SO interesting. Thank you so much for talking about it! :D

[@atheistinalabama4206]

Sam, u are so technical with your explanations!! Could u do a video about how smoking affects a singers voice?? I'm no expert but I assume it does have an affect on the voice especially over time & I think it would help me understand the changing sound of some of my favorite artists!!! Or this could be a 💩 suggestion that just gets buried in the comment section 🤷 Much ♥️ Capt. Cool Hair 😘

[@jonahyogman6282]

It definitely damages the vocal cords, irritates them and over time can turn someone's voice husky and dry.

[@Dawn_Hannah]

He talks about it some in the video about smoking pot and having a sultry voice. It was a few videos back.

[@earthing3696]

@@Dawn_Hannah right i smoke weed, it makes my voice a little hoarse. But I don't mind the effect 🤣

[@andrewsawler777]

Hey Sam, Another great video! A couple of these singers are worth checking out for their work beyond what you see here. Seems like you are already familiar with Avi Kaplan(love him!)but you would find Lalah Hathaway and Maureen McGovern well worth your time. Hathaway is the first person featured in this video. She is a first rate singer equally at home with R&B, Gospel, Soul or Jazz. A Berklee grad and the daughter of the great Donny Hathaway. Maureen McGovern(not McGover as mispelled in the video) has had an extraordinary and long career and is comfortable singing almost anything. Her first hit, I think, was the theme to the film The Poseidon Adventure, There's Got To Be A Morning After, which must have been 1971 or 1972. She performed a sensational club act with Mel Torme and has also done several Broadway shows. She famously took over the role of Mabel in the Broadway production of The Pirates of Penzance when Linda Ronstadt completed her run; neither Ronstadt or McGovern had acted before! Both women are definitely worth a look/listen.

[@cofiddle]

Man there are some beat boxers that will leave you puzzled lmao

[@neaituppi7306]

I have done throat singing, Khoomi, which produces two or more sounds. I am male, and I only heard male singers do that, but this may be what it sounds like when females do it. I suspect they are doing it with the same process. I had to keep practicing it, even though I didn't know how it was done, I just did it by feel, and I found there is two ways to do throat singing. One way, fucks up your voice, the other way it is fine.

[@trueblueedits4673]

No one: First Girl: OoOOöáAaaAáö

[@russia1305]

what you said at 5:50-6:20 is the exact reason i started training in khoomei or "throat singing" as its called in english and the sygyt or overtones is my absolute favorite part of it they are so addicting, but the way it works is simple you start with a fundamental note and like a sculptor as that note is leaving your vocal chamber into your mouth you sculpt the overtones ontop of it with your tongue. i would reccommend anyone trying to learn overtone singing to learn how to constrict your vocal chords first this style is called khoomei it is the easiest style to learn and should be a great jumping off point to other things such as fry vocals, overtones, and many more

[@animefreakalright]

First time i hear sam say he doesn't know how these vocalists are doing the thing lol 👍🏻

[@rubikbbx]

That first thing is fairly simple... us beatboxers call it Polyphonic voice, i actually have a tutorial about it on my channel (Double voice tutorial) I kinda explain it as whispering a head voice, and slowly bring out a voice, very airy though. Other people explain it as voice cracking, but continuously

[@gladysdingus8966]

Tuvian throat singers do this, they create air flow from their mouth and their nose which produces two notes.

[@LaHoraMaker]

Dear Sam, you should check documentary "Genghis Blues"! It follows an American blind bluesman that learns Tuvan overtone singing by hear. He is then invited to participate into the national contest in Tuva meeting some of the most talented overtone singers. He then mixes Tuvan voices with blues in very incredible way!

[@laxulu]

*the aliens in area 51 are QUAKING*

[@ShelbShock]

I went to a concert last night and the opening act was a solo vocalist accompanying himself with a standup bass and I had your voice in my head the whole time telling me when he was singing near his bridge and when he prepared himself to flip into his head voice and the sound choices of his vowels. I love your videos and I'm really learning a lot!!

[@LornaEGL]

The man reminded me of bagpipes, they have the note that never changes and then the notes of melody at the same time

[@SweepsSlotswithSarah]

Thanks for uploading this Sam, been waiting for you to react to/analyze this video for a while now!

[@TheLegendOfOblivion]

React to Anna-Maria Hefele and her polyphonic singing. She is truly an 'alien' voice.

[@GoricaNikolin]

Love the way you explain everything, it's very helpful. Keep up the excellent work!

[@extendedlimits]

"Today is sponcered by people who use turn signals, thanks turn signals!" *Subscribes instantly*

[@EmptyKingdoms]

• Now, when you quickly discuss overtones, we must add a lot to that. • Every _(integer) multiple of 2_ times the fundamental frequency will take us to an octave _above_ the fundamental. • Every _division_ of the fundamental frequency by a(n integer) multiple of 2 will take us to a lower octave. • This is a psychoacoustic phenomenon pertaining to the _homo sapiens_ species as far as we know, let us call it _auditory spacing._ • So our auditory spacing is organized under a base of 2. We can mathematise that as saying it is organized under _logarithm base 2_ aka _log2(x)_ (read as: logarithm of number x on base 2). Check out logarithms on-line, it's basic mathematics, I won't explain here. • What does it matter, though? • Well, if you know your mathematics, you will notice that _only odd numbers give us new harmonic resources._ • What does it matter? (you ask yourself again) • The _natural harmonics_ (aka overtones) of a given fundamental frequency are a (theoretically) infinite series of natural numbers (viz., positive integers) multiplying the fundamental frequency. So, e.g.: *1f* = fundamental *2f* = first octave above it *3f* = new note _a_ = _just fifth_ above first octave (aka a just twelfth) *4f* = two octaves above the fundamental *5f* = new note _b_ = _just third_ above the second octave *6f* = 2 * 3f = first octave _of_ new note _a_ *7f* = new note _c_ = _harmonic seventh_ above the second octave over fundamental *8f* = third octave of fundamental and so on… • Now what does it matter? (you ask yourself once more) • Well, if you've noticed upon reading, the _really_ new notes (the odd multipliers) are NOT the notes we often call by the names of "perfect fifth" or "major third" or "major seventh" - this is due to western (harmonic and melodic) instruments' *tuning / temperament.* Our system of _dividing an octave in 12 equally (aurally) spaced intervals_ is a _flattening,_ more appropriately a *reduction of dimensionality,* of a _2-axes system:_ famously known as _pythagorean tuning,_ or more appropriately a _rank-2 tuning / temperament._ Rank just means how many coordinates, how many inputs, one must provide before reaching any destination - think of a cartesian plane. Now, our western 12-tone system - we could call it _12 equally spaced intervals of the second harmonic (or first octave)_ - renders fairly well the 3rd harmonic (think of full HD, 4k, 1080p, whatever), we have a very decent _perfect fifth_ interval in our music, but everything beyond that is hugely fake (historical music, like baroque or classical or early romantic had better rendering of other odd harmonics than we ever do, in others words: if Beethoven heard our pianos today, he would call us mad and spit on our faces). That is why imitating arabic, persian, turkish, indian, etc., music sounds terrible in our instruments (the indian case actually affords a complicated discussion, but let us leave it at that). Persian medieval music, for example, uses the 7th, 11th and even 13th harmonics, so not a single "arabic scale" can actually sound [sic] arabic (correctly: persian) in our guitars, no matter how hard we try (bending strings can approximate those sounds, but is fairly unaffordable as a practice). So when Lalah Hathaway reinforces those higher harmonics, it sounds fairly "alien" because they actually are alien to all our instrumentation for (at least) the past two whole centuries now! *P.S.:* that is also why the notation on Avi Kaplan's overtones is extremely inaccurate (because the way we interpret the notation is inaccurate in regards to the harmonic/natural series). *P.P.S.:* Avi Kaplan's overtones are clearer too because his fundamental is really low, so the higher pitches stay within a comfortable listenable range.

[@abel6147]

Would love to see you reacting to more Mariah (for example, her Vanishing SNL rehearsal)

[@kimschultz6735]

You are brilliant. You are the guru of voice! Your knowledge is very impressive.

[@surgeeo1406]

I wasn't expecting that intro! 😂

[@RurczakKurczak]

I think the technique Lalah Hathaway is using is not based on overtones. It's rather some weird throat mechanics. You can also hear much air in her voice while doing it. Phil Minton uses a similar technique and he does it not only with "u" vowel and his voice sounds less breathy. Here at 11:39 he's showing it much. I think the "u" vowel is more about esthetics. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXS2ZamLrtJjlZo

[@nathanielzook7834]

A better way to produce what Avi did is a hard rr sound going into an Ee sound. Jake Runestad, a modern day composer does this In a few of his songs and especially in a song called ner ner highly recommend checking it out!

[@edvfya9922]

07:31that last part sounds so nice, I love her reaction right after like "Yeah I just KILLED IT!"

[@Suijiro99]

1:35 that little crack tho😂😂

[@dflosounds]

Great video! I feel like you really nail the analytical perspective while also appreciating the artistic effects of these vocals. You aren't putting them on a pedestal as some "inhumanely talented gods", and you also aren't completely negating them as flashy show-offs. If I may toss in another suggestion for a reaction video, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Unaware by Allen Stone (specifically the "Live from his Mother's Living Room" video). I think he has some of the most beautifully controlled head voice I've heard in a male vocalist.

[@terileebruyere3482]

People who can't do this: What instrument do you play? People who can do this: the vocal cords.