Mastering Charli XCX's Hyperpop Sound: A Comprehensive Vocals Tutorial

Welcome back, producers and engineers! If you've been following along, you’re well on your way to perfecting your vocal productions. Today, we will dive into the creative and bold effects that shape Charli XCX's unique hyperpop sound, particularly from her track "Forever." In this advanced tutorial, we will explore:

• iZotope Nectar: Achieving that aggressive, robotic tuning.

• Morphoder: Crafting synthetic textures and iconic vocal transformations.

• Multiple Reverbs & Delays: Building immense space and rhythmic movement.

  
  

Let’s jump in!

How to sound like - Charli XCX

Understanding Hyperpop

Hyperpop blends pop music with electronic, experimental, and avant-garde elements. Charli XCX stands out as a key figure in this genre, celebrated for her innovative production techniques and vibrant vocal stylings. For example, her hit "Forever" utilizes a slew of vocal effects to create an immersive soundscape, making it an excellent reference for our tutorial.

Characteristics like pitch-shifted vocals and playful sound design define hyperpop. In fact, a recent survey of music trends showed that hyperpop has grown by over 28% in popularity among young listeners in the past year. Understanding the specific tools and techniques used in "Forever" will enable you to elevate your own productions and create a hyperpop sound that speaks to listeners.

iZotope Nectar: Achieving Aggressive, Robotic Tuning

A pivotal aspect of Charli XCX's vocal sound lies in pitch correction and vocal effects. iZotope Nectar is an essential tool for creating that aggressive, robotic tuning that typifies hyperpop vocals.

Setting Up iZotope Nectar

1. Insert Nectar on Your Vocal Track: Start by adding iZotope Nectar to the vocal channel in your DAW.

   
   

2. Select the Pitch Module: Open the Pitch module and choose the key of your track. Ensuring this alignment is crucial for effective pitch correction.

   
   

3. Adjust the Pitch Correction Settings: Set the correction speed to a fast value (about 10-20 ms) to achieve that robotic sound. You may also explore the "Pitch Drift" feature to introduce unique character to your tuning.

   
   

4. Use the Harmony Module: To create a rich, layered sound, utilize the Harmony module to add harmonies. Start with intervals like thirds or fifths to enhance the vocal texture.

   
   

Fine-Tuning the Vocal Sound

Once the pitch correction is in place, refine your vocal tone:

• Add Saturation: Turn on the saturation feature in Nectar to inject warmth and grit into the vocals. A study on frequency response showed that vocals processed with saturation can increase perceived loudness by over 3 dB.

  
  

• Experiment with Compression: Set your compressor to a ratio around 4:1 with fast attack and release settings to maintain a steady vocal level.

  
  

• Use De-essing: If your vocals contain sharp sibilance, apply the de-esser module to minimize those frequencies while maintaining clarity.

  
  

Following these steps will help you replicate that signature Charli XCX vocal sound—bold and polished.

Morphoder: Crafting Synthetic Textures

Morphoder is a powerful tool for generating the synthetic textures prevalent in hyperpop. This plugin enables unique vocal manipulation, perfect for achieving the signature vocal transformations in "Forever."

Setting Up Morphoder

1. Insert Morphoder on Your Vocal Track: Position Morphoder after Nectar on your vocal track.

   
   

2. Choose Your Carrier Signal: Blend your vocal signal with a carrier signal, such as a synth or another vocal track. Test different sounds to find the ideal texture.

   
   

3. Adjust the Formant Settings: Use the formant controls to shift the tonal quality of your vocal. A small shift can yield dramatic effects, creating an otherworldly sound.

   
   

Creating Unique Vocal Effects

To design distinctive vocal effects with Morphoder, focus on:

• Experimenting with the Mix Control: Adjust the mix balance between the vocal and carrier signal. A 50/50 mix often produces intriguing textures.

  
  

• Using the Envelope Follower: This feature allows modulation based on vocal dynamics, adding rhythmic movement to your effects.

  
  

• Layering Multiple Instances: Don't hesitate to layer different instances of Morphoder with varying settings to achieve a complex, rich vocal sound.

  
  

Using Morphoder allows you to create synthetic textures that will elevate your hyperpop tracks.

Multiple Reverbs & Delays: Building Immense Space

Creating depth and space is essential in hyperpop. Charli XCX frequently employs multiple reverbs and delays to weave an immersive sound landscape. Here’s how to incorporate this technique into your productions.

Setting Up Reverb

1. Select Your Reverb Plugin: Choose a reverb you like. Options like Valhalla Room, FabFilter Pro-R, or the built-in reverb in your DAW work well.

   
   

2. Create a Reverb Send: Set up a send to a reverb bus instead of applying it directly to your vocal. This grants better control and flexibility.

   
   

3. Adjust the Reverb Settings: For spaciousness, set a longer decay time (2-4 seconds). Modify pre-delay to create a sense of distance between vocal and reverb.

   
   

Adding Delay for Rhythmic Movement

1. Insert a Delay Plugin: Choose a delay plugin that fits your aesthetic. A basic delay or a more elaborate tape delay can suit the style.

   
   

2. Set the Delay Time: Match the delay time to your track’s tempo. Use quarter notes or eighth notes for rhythmic variety.

   
   

3. Experiment with Feedback: Increase feedback to specify how many repeats you want. High feedback settings can significantly enhance the atmosphere.

   
   

Combining Reverb and Delay

To produce a lush vocal sound, integrate both reverb and delay:

• Use Different Sends: Route your vocal track to various reverb and delay buses for a dynamic soundscape.

  
  

• Automate Parameters: Automating reverb and delay levels throughout your track adds movement and retains listener interest.

  
  

• Layer Different Reverb Types: Experiment with diverse reverb types (plate, hall, room) to introduce an appealing tonal diversity.

  
  

By mastering multiple reverbs and delays, you can create expansive space and nuanced rhythmic movement in your hyperpop productions.

A digital audio workstation showcasing vocal effects for hyperpop music

Final Touches: Mixing and Mastering

After applying all vocal effects, it's time to mix and master your track. Here are some essential tips to ensure your hyperpop vocals shine:

Mixing Tips

• Balance Levels: Ensure your vocals blend well with the mix. Adjust faders to achieve a harmonious level between vocals and instrumentals.

  
  

• Use EQ Wisely: Apply EQ to carve out vocal space. Cut unnecessary low frequencies and boost the presence range (around 3-5 kHz) to increase vocal clarity.

  
  

• Check in Mono: Always check your mix in mono to ensure vocals remain clear. This step can help spotlight any phase issues that could muddle your sound.

  
  

Mastering Tips

• Use a Limiter: Add a limiter to the master bus to control overall loudness. Aim for competitive loudness while retaining dynamics.

  
  

• Final EQ Adjustments: Make any last-minute EQ tweaks to ensure balance across different playback systems.

  
  

• Reference Tracks: Compare your mix with popular hyperpop tracks. This process will help you identify areas needing refinement.

  
  

Following these mixing and mastering tips will ensure that your hyperpop vocals are crisp and ready for release.

Wrap-Up

In this tutorial, we examined critical tools and techniques for capturing Charli XCX's hyperpop vocal sound from "Forever." By using iZotope Nectar for vocal tuning, Morphoder for synthetic textures, and embracing multiple reverb and delay techniques, you can create distinctive vocals that resonate well in the hyperpop genre.

Remember, experimentation is key! Don’t hesitate to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of your vocal production. With dedication and creativity, mastering the hyperpop sound is totally within reach.

Happy producing!