The Weeknd Blinding Lights Vocal Breakdown & Analysis (Subtle Resonance Shifts, Dynamic Control)

Free Voice Lessons: chrisliepe.com/free-your-voice/
My Website: chrisliepe.com
Several of you have asked me to look at The Weeknd's vocal performances. Normally, it seems like there's more to pull out of singers that are on the aggressive or rangy side, but after going through a recent performance of Blinding Lights... There's a very interesting and frequent thing Abel does with subtle and staccato, shifting in and out of his head resonance.
It's this neat little 'bounce' from chest to head. It's a great exercise and a fun way to blend the two resonances. It's a way to use and expose the natural way all our voices work and put some art and style behind it.
So whether you dig The Weeknd's overall vibe or not, check this little trick out and see what you can do with it in your own voice!

[@geespar1]

He’s a very melodic singer with wonderful freedom in his voice, which he uses to great artistic effect, superb breakdown Chris

[@Jimmy_Kiddo]

c'mon guys, he's talking about the technique to help us sing like this, enjoy the free class and go practice!

[@chrisliepe]

Thank you and YES :)

[@Jimmy_Kiddo]

@@chrisliepe love your work and how you take time to breakdown all the subtle details.

[@purity6sic6mc]

@@chrisliepe YES!!! Spoken wisely my dude @Jimmy Kiddo. Free class/lessons by a phenomenal vocalist/musician. @Chris Liepe, you my dude, are truly a huge HUGE inspiration of mine, along with Spencer of Ice Nine Kills. Speaking of which... You should do a sing like Ice Nine Kills video. That would be dope🤘

[@thebeyonder1425]

@@chrisliepe Thanks sir, you earn new subscriber here;)

[@JohnJano]

Amazing break down! I have been singing rock and roll and heavy metal all my life, and this video makes me want to buy your course :). I am going to look into. Meanwhile, I have “a blinded by the lights” to nail, and thanks to you, I won’t take the Judas Priest approach! 😁😁😁

[@f0kxi]

Very awesome! That’s always been my ideal voice, that agile MJ/The Weeknd style, but I love when they can also add grit like MJ did. That would be mastery for me if I could ever do that

[@cr0111]

Another brilliant video. A singing coach that actually sings to demonstrate - who would have thought?!

[@MrLabodemoza]

I like how you identify the technique and placing of where the noise should be coming from. It really does encourage one to explore their own voice and what is possible. Thank You

[@mohammadqhman4855]

i came here to say Thank god he didn't adopt the "a vocal coach reacts" kind of title.. and to enjoy his content

[@Rosannasfriend]

For a wonderful breakdown of The Weeknd’s singing technique! You really made me appreciate his performance is even more than I already do. I think you did a great job!

[@slackingshark]

I love these detailed live vocal breakdowns. So helpful!

[@sixthfloormemories1566]

Interesting pick! Great singer for sure!

[@zendweller1]

Ohhh..this was an AWESOME one! Your breakdowns are just amazingly helpful, and I always get such epiphanies...much deeper understandings of vocal styling...while practising along.

[@67geetar]

Awesome as always, been singing along to the weekend a lot recently to practice my head voice, gave up smoking 4 weeks ago and I think that's helped a lot - placebo maybe - didn't think I'd ever have a head voice but it's getting there slowly, thanks mate :)

[@vagnersantos2048]

I feel like his voice is extremely light. He's probably a tenor. There's no kind of tension in his voice. And the way he uses the scales doesn't seem to be deliberate, at least for me. He's very intuitive in everything he does. I believe this is what gives his interpretations a unique touch. I recommend you guys see the latest performance of him singing blind lights on the VMA. The visual of the outdoor stage is amazing.

[@abrahamlincoln3826]

He is a countertenor

[@chrisssajin8913]

@@abrahamlincoln3826 no he is a light lyric tenor he sings most things in a strong well balanced mix voice

[@brighte2712]

@@abrahamlincoln3826 lol no way, his highest note in chest voice is C5. He's a light lyric tenor

[@NAIRxtc]

@@brighte2712 ayyo wtf are ya'll talking in secret language

[@brighte2712]

@@NAIRxtc was very sleepy when I made the comment, so I probably made one or two mistakes. The point is he is a light lyric tenor, mate.

[@katarzynanaeem9099]

Your analizing is always ever so intricate so unbelievably fun to observe. Still thinking it Id be worthy even free tutorial of yours. You have so much Creative Love in what you give to The viewers. Its a rare gift 😀

[@zimtot]

Thanks for another great vid, Chris.

[@willbaskin700]

by far best vocal coach on KZbin, I'm a full time vocalist and always learn something from Chris

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks so much! Glad you're finding value in what I'm doing!!

[@justtv1164]

Thanks Chris. I appreciate you so much man.

[@josephjamesnzowa3989]

Thanks coach..learned alot here!

[@Hamzethegoat]

Wow great breakdown and tips

[@sciexp]

Thanks for sharing this. Nice and good take away ending. I liked the comment on the pentatonic run, btw. And the song is nice, the style, it gives variety, which is good, but it's important to have a ground base, like your own zone from where you explore, you know...

[@robertmcmullen440]

Thanks Chris!!

[@johnjanousek9612]

Such an awesome tutorial!! I never noticed all the extra techniques he was using until you mentioned them. YOU ROCK!! I signed up for your course. Just waiting for next slot :)

[@chrisliepe]

Awesome! See you in the course soon!! Looking forward to working with you more :)

[@yslxo_]

*PLEASE* break down The Weeknds backstage warm up.

[@dahliafiend]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKnLm4xumpx2iLs

[@100kdiorr]

Please

[@thesho-waz6702]

👍 wow! I can get to know more artists and singing style through your videos. Specially this video helps me to practice singing techniques for falsetto voice. Thank you 🙏

[@asmrsa4693]

amazing reaction brother woww ,🔥🔥

[@stephaniekieny4031]

I would love to sing with you some day. You’re voice is so amazing.

[@sebstianpetersson3192]

Wow you are the best voice-coach ever I can understand what you mean when you explain so good I gotta lock on you more ofter🔥🔥🔥

[@bhjgejr1132]

Great vid!

[@NiniRockX]

Sorry Chris, I just have to listen to the song. So wonderful.... I get goosebumps. Let's fly away from here. I close my eyes and start dreaming

[@mariob.l6795]

Interesting video 👏🏽

[@lovbob8656]

Awsome! Thanks alot

[@jmerdsoy]

Another home run Chris.

[@MetalArcade]

Cool trick! You should make a video about Jesse Leach from Killswitch Engage's voice, specifically on the chorus to the song The Signal Fire. He seems to be able to sing notes quite high while keeping it in his chest voice instead of switching to head voice, while also keeping some metal rasp in there, and I would love to know how he pulls it off!

[@danilwhatahell]

Just wanted to sing this song and Chris arrived just right in time with the answer "how to do it" :))

[@benitoguarez2328]

as always tour videos are greatly insightful, thanks man. also could u do a video on morrissey pls?

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks so much! :)

[@illneverbealone5312]

Fantastic thank you

[@VladBogdan]

Thank you very much!

[@xo.kissland8403]

You should do his backstage warm up video

[@cirommmm]

Thank you.

[@trotty-4257]

Hey Chris! Would love it if you did a video on "Johnny Hawkins" from Nothing more, he has a few unique vocal techniques like his weird larynx tapping thing, and the way he hits the notes in "Don't Stop" is a really cool kind of distortion. thanks for all the content! ur great at what you do!

[@Scoot694]

I don’t think you have already but if you haven’t you should do a reaction to Dallon Weeke’s voice! Love your stuff!

[@patricio_argumedo]

very cool video with a strange choice of song considering the usual stuff in the channel! Do you think u could do a "sing in the style of"/analysis on Luke Spiller from The Struts? I can't quite figure out what or how even he can sing like that with such a peculiar distortion sound, I'd like to hear your take on it :)

[@adriandanks6947]

Great video. I'm currently working on this. Bit of a tip-it's surprisingly easy to play on the keyboard. It's only four chords Fm Cm Eb Bb. On the non live version the break is F3. So everything F3 and up is head voice.

[@JonathanTKL]

Great break down as usual Chris Could you consider doing a "How to sing like Kellin Quinn from Sleeping with Sirens"? Thanks for considering.

[@MrSuperFett]

Would like to see you cover mike patton

[@justtv1164]

Yessssss

[@xXZyRkOnXx]

Very good video, I got the basic things now and Im not a good singer at all

[@TedOfNod]

Hey Chris! I’d love to see you analyze Claudio Sanchez from Coheed & Cambria. 🤘

[@NOWCHYLD]

nowchyld!!!......now that what i learned

[@ironears]

This is yet another video that shows how versatile Chris can be. An absolute master! and yeah, the other guy is not that bad either;) I just love videos like this!

[@itseveary5756]

I love this video honestly plz do more of the Weeknd

[@leopoldflux5828]

Will you do a video on Miguel?!

[@vagnersantos2048]

Would you make an unpacking of the voice of Alejandro Manzano, from Boyce Avenue? I love the way he uses his voice and I guess his voice is very similar to yours.

[@curtisculley]

Hi Chris! Love this break down! Would you consider doing a how to sing like Shay Mooney? Check out I should probably got to bed by Dan & Shay the vocals are amazing!

[@limyize]

8:33 holy shit. Absolutely insane

[@chrisliepe]

Ha... Thanks!!

[@traquanjackson1503]

Can you do a video on how to sing like Kellin Quinn?

[@cadens6170]

hey could you react to julian casablancas from the strokes/the voidz? he has a very weird voice but it works perfectly to the song.

[@jimir6109]

can you a cover for this song or save your tears?? pls

[@localbadderz8885]

Hi could you please react to the Weeknd knowing, the zone and house of balloons. He sung completely different compared to how he sings now. I prefer the way he sung back then.

[@khanf13]

how was it different

[@reav5812]

he always did that Chest and Head voice

[@donsentoz]

What mic do you use in this video?

[@Tuhnytte]

The Weeknd prolly watching this video and thinking wtf is he talking about?😂

[@chrisliepe]

Yep, most likely!

[@parmym.7177]

🤣

[@gluckspilz6775]

Nice Video again though pop is not my favourite direction. Would be lovely to see an analysis of Tom Araya or in case of pop of Michael Jackson.

[@VladFreimann]

Thank you Chris! I tried getting closer to The Weeknd’s mixed voice sound with two approaches you teach, Goofy approach worked better. Still, I hate the sound of my voice above E4-F4. Is there a possibility to send you a little sample of me singing to get your comment? Being a student who bought all of your vocal courses :)

[@chrisliepe]

YES, this is a privilege you have as my student. Do it through my course email :) Looking forward to hearing you sing!

[@darb6808]

Great video! I would love to see your take on Aaron Lewis! He's done multiple great performances, including his cover of "Black" by pearl jam with Corey Taylor, and pretty much anything of his that he performs live, especially "Mudshovel", "So Far Away", or "Layne", or his cover of "Nutshell" by Alice In Chains.

[@jericholegend6576]

Hello sir chris, is the weeknd using twang in his higher mix?

[@dukess2697]

More important than how does The Weeknd sing is how can he sing?

[@bigpenguin1348]

I was wondering if you know how the weeknd did that vocal effect when he says "night" 4:25

[@drikbar9726]

How about a vocal breakdown of Chad Kroeger from Nickelback?

[@icedtrooper]

Joey Belladona from Anthrax please!!!

[@moto563]

Could you please do a vocal breakdown for Tory Lanez and Bryson tiller.

[@stevengrantofthegiftshop1549]

Please react to and analyse Faouzia. She's a Moroccan/Canadian very talented singer, and she's only 20!!!

[@Rosannasfriend]

I second this!

[@gearsoftime5780]

Might be a dumb question but are there things to care for your voice after singing, a cool down.

[@chrisliepe]

Check this one out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3vTqWNmr69mbKM

[@dystopia2386]

A vocal comparison Sting vs Abdel would be very instructive…

[@reav5812]

which course is the best for that type of Singing ?

[@chrisliepe]

My Discover Your Voice course! :)

[@catsara9114]

I have to admit that I did not know (believe) he is that good live or even a good singer. 😬 The weeknd seems to be a lyrical tenor (in classical categories), very versatile and he has a unique tone.

[@ronevlogstv]

bruh do you do one on one coaching?

[@chrisliepe]

Yep! Chrisliepe.com

[@user-ty6lj3wq6d]

Can you turn on the translation function? I don't know English very well, but I want to learn it😂

[@lukasbarnes4905]

Hi Chris This is lukas I would like to sing like the weekend since am new here to sing like the Weekend i would like to sing not just like him but I need to sing just like him?

[@chrisliepe]

Anyone can learn to 'sing like' the weeknd... NOBODY will sound just like him... And every one of our goals as singers should be to discover what our voice can really do in light of the inspirations we care with us from our favorite singers. Imitation can kill your voice... but inspiration empowers it!

[@stefanvangaal]

Hey Chris, I suddenly realised who I'd love to see a Sing Like... video for: I don't know if they are as well known in America as they are in Europe, but James Dean Bradfield from Manic Street Preachers is an incredible singer. Versatile, great range and such power in his higher range. He's certainly got an edge to his voice, though you would not call it screaming. I've been trying to figure this out for quite some time now, and always falling short. Just an example of a great song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipeooImurpyJerM

[@sambucca98]

His clean tone is so hard to fucking replicate its so fucking frustrating

[@raktim.9759]

Man you gotta breakdown more pop and ballet styles. The Writings on The Wall by Sam Smith live is craving for your attention.

[@chrisliepe]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@juanchopolo131]

Chris Liepe a video about John legend or Michael Bublé would be really cool

[@geespar1]

Juancho Polo Michael Buble’s a crooner, not really Chris’s kind of thing!

[@juanchopolo131]

geespar1 he has some middle mix stuff, and Chris started doing almost exclusively rock, but he did metal and pop, to be honest I thinks it’s just a matter of time for him to do rap

[@chrisliepe]

@@geespar1 Always up for a challenge :) I've got more crooner in me than meets the ears :)

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Great song, nice voice, no question. To really understand his voice I believe we need to hear him fully live minus the effects. I don't think this performance was completely live. If we took off the effects, I think we would hear his voice resembling something similar to Aaron Neville's.

[@yslxo_]

He has countless live performances on youtube. Search Weeknd Backstage Warmup

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

@@yslxo_ In Backstage, he's still got effects on his voice and an acoustically live room.

[@rafaeljannotti3002]

@@VIDEOHEREBOB he is using just delay and reverb, it doesn´t change the tone of the voice in any significant way.

[@mcx930]

For me it's very hard to hit the light mix notes. My voice cracks everytime I try it

[@chrisliepe]

Cracking is a support issue. Have you joined my free course in the video description yet?

[@mcx930]

@@chrisliepe I actually didn't, but I would like to

[@mcx930]

The thing is that I have no problem belting out high notes, but I can't access mix voice because every time I crack

[@chrisliepe]

@@mcx930 Yep, that's totally normal! Learning how to moderate air intensity by using your support in a certain way is going to help you not crack! It'll also help you learn how to lean into cracks that do happen for more amazing, more aggressive sounds!

[@mcx930]

@@chrisliepe thank-you Chris you're great

[@r.i.p.4485]

Something's wrong with the mic, you can hear a buzz after words like tetonitis ringing. Yes I know that's not how you spell it.

[@skljskljsklj4119]

could you do a video about riffs,and explain how it should feel.I don't know why but every time i sing from my diaphragm I am unable to sing them properly.My voice feels slow.

[@chesterzulueta981]

This is such a hard song to sing especially bc it’s high & fast tempo need to catch breathe and have good breathing technique

[@prior2915]

this guy needs to be my teacher..

[@rosenbergtoni]

Johnny Sins)?0

[@xaptronic]

i thought that youtube video was on a tv in the studio lol

[@jaizen2023]

I’m so sorry and thank you for all your knowledge but if you’re gonna do an analysis LET THE ARTIST SING THEIR SONGS EVEN IN THE INSTRUMENTAL PARTS PLEASE!!! Yes, I am a musician and have been for a long time until I broke my neck, and I had one saying it could be cover bands it could be a tribute act . If you’re going to cover the artist, You either sound exactly like them or do not insult them by doing it at all And I don’t see how I’m wrong or insulting in saying that

[@chrisliepe]

I'm going to stop and start. I'm going to try things with my own voice. I do this because this video and the content in it is allowed to be used only because it qualifies for FAIR USE. If you want to listen to the song without interruptions, just go listen to the song. If you're here for the insights... GREAT.. Stop complaining! And I completely disagree with you. Let's not try to sound like the artist. Let's do our own thing while be inspired by the artist and make new art! All the best covers are way different than the original.

[@jaizen2023]

@@chrisliepe where if tis is how you react to somebody with opinion on your own video, I’d hate to think what your like to meet real life its that was a harmless opinion. Can you treat me like I’m some f$&@in idiot. In my point was cover band and other artist I didn’t say you did I moron

[@quangquach3888]

Why all bald people are talented

[@jsl8905]

I have no idea what he sounds like. The Weeknd always sings through a filer of melodine and autotune.

[@gabrileo8]

Is this really live??? Sounds like auto tune

[@chrisliepe]

Normally, I hear autotune and it grates on me, especially on live performances, but I'm not hearing it in this one. But I can't be sure :)

[@sixthfloormemories1566]

Mostly sounds like prerecorded backing vocals blended in during the chorus.

[@yohanandz]

@@sixthfloormemories1566 yeah hes singing over a +1

[@gabrileo8]

Sixth Floor Memories You are right. Maybe thats the case here

[@dahliafiend]

He does use autotune one record often but for the sound not because he needs it. Hear is how sounds without any effects or a mic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKnLm4xumpx2iLs

[@bdegrds]

He uses autotune most of the time. C'mon Chris your better than this dont pander to appeal to the younger generation.

[@chrisliepe]

hehe :) It doesn't sound like he's using autotune in this performance does it?

[@yohanandz]

ignorant comment seriosuly. the weeknd is a great singer

[@spirefactsyt5559]

Yes... unfortunately, this live is very autotuned and edited.

[@bdegrds]

@@chrisliepe theres alot of sound effects on that voice chris, you know that. Dont trade your passion for glory.

[@rileyjames4952]

@@chrisliepe on one hand, he probably does have live auto tune on, at least to mild effect but also it shouldnt matter. Auto tune is like supersoldier serum, it makes the good become great, not the bad become good. And it can even be used as another creative tool to be used to someones disposal. I'm not being funny, if I had to choose between a naff performance with energy, a performance with no energy that's perfect, or that middle ground where the performer maybe doesnt have to worry 'too' much about making it perfect and they can maybe move around a bit and bring the energy, I'm picking the auto tuned performance.