If singing behind the headliner is not enough for you, do not attempt to sing backup. You must sing behind the star, not overpower them. If you can control your need to be the center of attention, you can learn backup singing.
This is a difficult skill to learn and is not much understood or appreciated. Similar to an instrumental accompanist, this method of singing requires that you listen very intently and be responsive . You have to begin and end the phrase exactly as the main singer does, you must breathe as they do. As a shadow is always there, so is the effective backup singer.
If you can control your place on the stage, see to it that you can see the singer at all times. To sing backup effectively, this is very, very vital to your job. You must watch the main singer always. If you are watching the singer you can see when they make a mistake or intentionally take another repeat etc. Your eyes must be glued to the singer. Be on the lookout for a simple nod of the head or gesture that may indicate a repeat or change of course.
As the singer goes, so must you. Blend to their phrasing. If you are watching the singer you can start your line slightly after they start in order to blend properly. If you are not sure of how loud they are going to be, start your line quietly and raise your level as the phrase develops. Do not pronounce consonants too hard at the start of a line. It may be advisable not to pronounce a hard consonant at all as it may produce a disagreeable conflict with the main melody.
The end of melodies are just as necessary as the beginning. As the singer approaches the end of a melody, gradually decrease your volume so you can avoid the embarrassment of ending after they do. So learn to blend phrases, listen and watch the main singer and you can be a backup singer every band wants to hire.
Tags: Backup Singing, music, sing, sing backup, singer, singing