Backing vocalist

Backing Vocal ( engl. = backing accompaniment, backing, support, additive;. Engl vocal = voice ) or accompanying vocals are one or more secondary voices that support in modern rock and pop music, the vocals ( melody, Lead Vocal).

These side voices are sung by a Backing Vocalist (accompanying singers ). While the lead singer is singing the lead vocal of a piece, he is accompanied by a backing singer. Often this will be complemented by further backing voices, up to a full choir. In recordings of the lead singer can also assume by the technique of vocal overdubbing himself the role of backing vocalists.

Function of backing voices:

• Certain points of the piece to be emphasized, such as the refrain or chorus.
• The lead vocal is to be awarded more wealth and assertiveness against the instruments.

Musical options:

• The accompanying singers amplified at certain locations (often the refrain or chorus ) the main melody by having them sing along in the same tone of voice ( unison) or an octave higher or lower.
• The main voice is harmonized by the accompanying voices.
• The main voice is complemented by reef -like interjections. (Example: Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight and the Pips )
• The by- voice enters the main voice in dialogue. (Example: Somebody to Love by Queen)

Possibilities of the distinction between lead and backing voices:

• Physiological: by vocal color, vocal character and articulation
• Sound technical: by depth stepping on volume, frequency, stereo, and effects level

In general, the backing singers are quieter than the lead singer, in order not to drown. Stepping on the stage own backing singers on these are usually in the back of the stage. Therefore, the backing singers are also referred to as a background or background singer.

In many bands, the band members perform the backup vocals, while they play their own instruments.

Examples:

• In the band Queen, Freddie Mercury was the lead singer. Although he occasionally played the piano or guitar, he sang the lead vocal. The backup voices took over Brian May (guitar) and Roger Taylor (drums). In recordings Mercury added and the backup voices.

Synonyms: Backup Vocalist ( engl. backup = backup, monitoring, support); Background Vocalist (English background = background)

With background vocals (English ) refers to those vocals, which takes place in the musical background. This background vocals may differ from the lead vocals on three possible levels: