Heidi Shepherd Discusses Clean Vocals in Butcher Babies’ New Single “Sincerity”

Misconceptions About Vocal Techniques

In a recent interview with The Adventures Of Pipeman, Heidi Shepherd, the frontwoman of Butcher Babies, addressed the common misconception that growling and singing are mutually exclusive. Reflecting on the band’s latest single, “Sincerity,” which was released in November, she stated, “It’s a weird misconception. I was a singer before I was a screamer. I was classically trained.” She expressed amusement at how people are often surprised by her clean singing abilities, remarking, “When people will actually hear my clean vocals, they’re, like, ‘Oh my gosh. What? Oh, you can sing.’ I’m, like, ‘Well, I am in a band.'”

The Importance of Vocal Training

Shepherd emphasized the significance of proper technique when it comes to growl singing, cautioning that lack of training can lead to severe vocal damage. “There’s a technique that we learned along the way, and, yeah, if you don’t do it correctly, you could damage yourself permanently,” she noted. She takes her vocal health seriously, especially during tours where she alternates between clean singing and growling. “I’ve always gone back and forth between the cleans and the screams. I think before it hasn’t been as highlighted as it was with ‘Sincerity,'” she added.

About “Sincerity”

The single “Sincerity” marks a significant release for Butcher Babies, being their first since the departure of co-founding vocalist Carla Harvey. Directed by Shepherd and guitarist Henry Flury, the music video showcases the band’s evolution in sound and emotion. Upon its release, Shepherd shared, “Over the last decade and a half, Butcher Babies has become known for our aggression and soaring melodies. This new release is no different. Diving into real-life experiences and expectations while exposing the rawest part of our souls, this single is bound to invoke an emotional rollercoaster between looking toward the future with hope while reminiscing of past losses.”

Upcoming Releases and Collaborations

Future music from Butcher Babies will be released through Judge & Jury Records, a label co-founded by renowned producer Howard Benson, known for his work with acts like My Chemical Romance and Seether. The instrumentation for “Sincerity” was crafted at Benson’s West Valley Recording Studios in Woodland Hills, showcasing a meticulous approach to their sound.

Band Lineup and Recent Performances

Butcher Babies currently consists of Heidi Shepherd on vocals, Henry Flury on guitar, Ricky Bonazza on bass, and Devin Nickles on drums. The band performed their first concert following Harvey’s departure on July 27, 2024, at the Stonehenge festival in Steenwijk, The Netherlands. In the fall of 2023, they successfully completed a European tour during which Harvey sat out due to undergoing emergency eye surgery.

Celebrating Milestones

In July 2023, Butcher Babies released a double album titled “Eye For An Eye…” and “…’Til The World’s Blind,” commemorating the tenth anniversary of their acclaimed debut album, “Goliath,” which was released in 2013 through Century Media Records. Their previous album, “Lilith,” released in 2017, marked the band’s first work with drummer Chase Brickenden, who joined after Chris Warner’s departure in 2016.

Conclusion

Heidi Shepherd’s insights into her vocal approach highlight the complexities and misconceptions surrounding metal vocals. With “Sincerity,” Butcher Babies not only continue to evolve their sound but also reinforce the importance of vocal training and technique in their music career. As they move forward, the band remains committed to showcasing both their aggressive and melodic sides, promising an exciting future for their fans.

FAQs

What is the main theme of Butcher Babies’ single “Sincerity”?

The main theme revolves around real-life experiences, emotional struggles, and the juxtaposition of hope for the future while reflecting on past losses.

Who produced the single “Sincerity”?

The single was produced by Howard Benson and Neil Sanderson at West Valley Recording Studios.

What changes has Butcher Babies experienced recently?

The band recently saw the departure of co-founding vocalist Carla Harvey and has continued to perform and release new music as a four-member group.

What is the significance of Butcher Babies’ double album released in 2023?

The double album, titled “Eye For An Eye…” and “…’Til The World’s Blind,” celebrates the tenth anniversary of their debut album, “Goliath.”