We asked the National frontman and newly minted solo artist about his approach to singing.
Voice Notes is a new column where we ask artists how they developed their vocal approach.
But with future bandmate Scott Devendorf on guitar, he belted out Irene Caras Flashdance… What a Feeling.
Credit: Chris Sgroi
It was so stupid, recalls Berninger, 49, laughing.
Those familiar with the Nationals brand of brooding, ornate indie rock might see the through line.
Its just me writing.
“I wasn’t a very good singer, but I sang anyway,” recalls Matt Berninger of performing in church as a kid.Frank Hoensch/Redferns
It was amazing," he says.
I worked just up the street from the Mercury Lounge, Berninger says.
We were hungry for all of it, he says.
Still, he says, he never really compared himself to his peers as a singer.
As the National’s fanbase grew, Berninger’s intensity as a performer started gaining traction.
When I was on stage I used to mumble, but that was sort of the character.
I couldnt open my eyes.
I didnt know what to do with my hands.
Melody, just like every instrument, is an emotional thing.
I dont think of it as a technical thing.
