VOCALS / BGV’ S Emily Benford
[ WM ] Tell us about how you got started singing?
[ Emily Benford ] While I have been singing my entire life, it wasn’ t until 2004 that I was introduced to the world of session / studio singing. The vocal director of the church worship team I was part of was an up-andcoming vocal contractor for major sessions in Los Angeles. He graciously took me under his wing and helped open the door for me to become a professional studio vocalist for the past 20 years! While I was pursuing that, I stayed grounded by continuing to sing on the worship team and grew as a worship leader and vocal director.
[ WM ] Who were your main vocal influences?
[ Emily ] Billie Holliday, Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston, and Marie Fredriksson( lead singer of the band Roxette).
[ WM ] Do you play an instrument( s) to accompany yourself?
[ Emily ] I play piano but prefer not to play while I sing. I find more freedom in not having to accompany myself.
[ WM ] Do you have a vocal warm-up routine? If so, tell us about it.
[ Emily ] I studied classical voice for 12 years, pop vocals for 4, and have been a vocal coach for the past 10 years. Of all the warmups I’ ve learned, my favorite is straw singing. It’ s become the quickest, most effective warmup for my voice! I recommend it to every singer I come into contact with!
[ WM ] If you lead worship sometimes as well, what is your mindset when you are leading worship compared to when you are singing as a backup vocalist?
[ Emily ] When I lead worship, the focus shifts from the song / artist / project to Jesus. My sole goal is to sing to Him and invite others to join me. I also allow myself to be completely free with my voice, which is a stark contrast from a studio project, which requires using your voice in calculated, specific ways to accomplish the right sound for the song.
[ WM ] What is your strategy for arranging the vocal parts when two( or more) BGVs are on the worship platform?
[ Emily ] I love harmonies, as they can add so much dynamic and emotion to a song, but recognize there is a time and place where they should be used. It also depends on the team’ s size and ability, but typically I will start songs unison and build to two, then threepart harmonies as it progresses. If it’ s the right song and energy, and I have the right team, I absolutely love to invert parts. If I am leading a choir, I’ ll probably jump to three-part harmonies sooner.
[ WM ] Do you also sing in a choir sometimes? If so, tell us about it.
[ Emily ] I have not sung in a church choir for many years, but I do sing in choirs for studio
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