If you have ever listened to “Fame Is A Gun” and wondered how Addison Rae creates that haunting, breathy vocal quality, you are in the right place.
This song is packed with interesting vocal choices, from falsetto to mixed voice, and breaking it all down can help you understand what is really happening in the voice and how you can recreate these sounds yourself. Let’s dig into the technique behind this powerful track.
Understanding Falsetto in Fame Is A Gun
Right from the opening lines of “Fame Is A Gun,” Addison Rae sings predominantly in falsetto. This is a vocal register where the arytenoids (the small structures that open and close the vocal folds) rock back, causing the vocal folds to become stiff and produce a hollow, airy quality. The result is a sound that feels light and ethereal, which fits perfectly with the mood of the song.
One important thing to keep in mind when singing in falsetto is volume control. Even though the sound may feel quiet from your perspective as the singer, it can actually project quite loudly at higher pitches. To stay on pitch and avoid straining, you want to keep the sensation of singing relatively soft rather than pushing for volume.
Short Breath Phrases and Breath Pressure
Addison Rae uses short, punchy phrases throughout “Fame Is A Gun,” and there is a reason for that. When singing in a breathy register like falsetto, a lot of air escapes through the vocal folds with each phrase. That means you need to replenish your breath frequently to maintain consistent sound quality. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Keep your phrases short so you can refuel your breath between lines.
- Feed the voice with steady, controlled breath pressure rather than one big push of air.
- Be aware that increased breath flow can cause your pitch to go sharp, so aim to keep the sound feeling light and controlled.
Singing Falsetto on Higher Notes
When Addison Rae reaches up to the E5 in “Fame Is A Gun,” things get a bit more demanding. To sustain falsetto at that pitch, you actually need a fair amount of tongue tension and a high larynx position.
If the area above the vocal folds is not engaged, the sound can become unstable and break. For a louder falsetto or an intensely breathy tone at higher pitches, you may need to gently squeeze the upper part of the larynx, which involves engaging the tongue root as well.
Here are a few things to focus on when working with high falsetto notes:
- Maintain a high tongue position to support the sound.
- Allow the larynx to sit in a slightly raised position.
- Use short, sharp bursts of breath rather than long, sustained pushes.
- Avoid overworking the abdominal muscles; focus instead on using the internal abdominal muscles for support.
Falsetto vs. Thin Fold and Mixed Voice
One area worth exploring if you want to sing like Addison Rae is the difference between pure falsetto and a thinner vocal fold closure. While falsetto gives a beautifully hollow and airy sound, it can be tiring to sustain for an entire song.
Moving into a slightly more closed vocal fold position, such as a breathy thin fold or even a light chest voice, can add more tone and warmth to the sound without losing that delicate quality.
Toward the end of “Fame Is A Gun,” Addison Rae actually shifts from falsetto down into thicker vocal folds, creating what many vocal coaches call mixed voice. It is a lighter version of chest voice that blends smoothly with the falsetto quality she uses throughout the rest of the song.
This kind of transition is a great technique to explore in your own singing, as it gives you more dynamic range and helps reduce vocal fatigue.
Glottal Onsets and Finding Your Chest Voice
Another detail worth noting in “Fame Is A Gun” is the use of glottal onsets in falsetto. A glottal onset is a slight “click” at the start of a note created by the vocal folds coming together before the air passes through. Addison Rae uses this sparingly, and it adds a subtle edge to what is otherwise a very soft vocal delivery.
If you find yourself stuck in falsetto and are not sure how to access your chest voice, working on glottal onsets is a great starting point. Here are a few steps to practice:
- Start by speaking a word on a comfortable pitch and notice how your vocal folds engage.
- Gradually add pitch to your speaking voice while keeping that same sense of engagement.
- Practice switching between falsetto and chest voice on simple scales to build awareness of the difference.
Performance and Artistic Choice
Beyond technique, one of the standout elements of “Fame Is A Gun” is how Addison Rae pairs her vocal delivery with her performance. She is a fantastic dancer, and her movement on stage complements the breathy, understated vocal style she uses.
It is a great reminder that singing is not just about the sound you make; it is about how you present yourself as a whole performer. You do not have to do what everyone else is doing. Finding your own artistic identity and committing to it is what makes a performance memorable.
Key Takeaways for Singers
Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your vocal skills, “Fame Is A Gun” by Addison Rae offers some valuable lessons. Focus on understanding how falsetto works in your own voice, experiment with different levels of vocal fold closure, and pay attention to how breath management affects your tone and pitch.
Most importantly, remember that singing is a physical skill. It is all a muscle, and with the right guidance and consistent practice, anyone can learn to sing.
If you want to learn more about how you can learn to implement these singing techniques into your own voice, let’s sit down for a chat and discuss if the vocal academy is the right fit for you. You can join us here.