Eric Vanlerberghe’s Journey to Mastering Clean Vocals

In the latest episode of How I Learned to Sing, Eric Vanlerberghe, the lead vocalist of I Prevail, opens up about his evolution as a singer, particularly in mastering clean vocals alongside his signature screams. This marks a significant milestone for the band, especially following the recent departure of Brian Burkheiser, making Vanlerberghe the sole frontman.

Fans may recall Vanlerberghe’s previous appearance on How I Learned to Scream, making him the first vocalist to be featured twice in this insightful interview series that explores the journey of artists to the forefront of their musical careers.

With the release of I Prevail’s upcoming fourth studio album, Violent Nature, set for September 19 on Fearless Records, Vanlerberghe finds himself embracing this dual role at a pivotal moment in the band’s career.

Early Influences on Eric Vanlerberghe

Reflecting on his early inspirations, Vanlerberghe credits Metallica’s Ride the Lightning as a key influence that ignited his passion for singing during seventh grade. “Hearing the aggression but still having the melodic sense to it was so mind-blowing to me at the time,” he shares.

Another significant influence was the iconic band Linkin Park. Vanlerberghe fondly recalls, “Hearing Chester being able to go from this beautiful tone to crazy harsh vocals… I remember singing along to that a lot when I was a kid.”

Practicing Singing: From Kid to Artist

As a child, Vanlerberghe honed his craft by blasting the radio and singing along to Linkin Park’s Meteora, a gift from his grandmother. “Hell yeah, grandma!” he exclaims, expressing gratitude for the early introduction to music.

It wasn’t until college that he recorded himself for the first time, using a microphone plugged into a computer. “I heard it and I was like, ‘Oh shit, that’s what I sound like?'” he recalls, reflecting on that eye-opening experience.

Today, he continues to experiment with his vocal range. “In my truck now, I’m driving along and I hear something… just turn it up, learn the part and sing it over and over,” Vanlerberghe explains. This method has allowed him to discover new vocal techniques, including falsetto, revealing a surprising high range for someone known for guttural screams.

Vocal Care on Tour: Tips from Eric Vanlerberghe

Managing vocal health on tour is crucial for any singer, and Vanlerberghe shares that his approach is rooted in universal practices. “Rest, tea and honey, and lots of water helps,” he advises.

His pre-show routine has evolved over the years. “My pre-show warmup was a shot of whiskey and a White Claw before I walked out. Now, it’s maybe a shot of whiskey and extra water,” he mentions, acknowledging the importance of vocal care as he looks to the future.

With a decade of experience under his belt, Vanlerberghe recognizes the need to prioritize his vocal health. “I’ve been doing a little bit more warming up… just doing scales and humming have been helping a lot,” he notes.

When it comes to what not to do, he humbly admits that he would be a hypocrite to offer definitive advice. “You really need to know yourself as a singer,” he emphasizes, encouraging others to tailor their habits to fit their own vocal needs.

What’s Next for I Prevail?

I Prevail is currently wrapping up the Summer of Loud North American tour, sharing stages with renowned bands like Beartooth, Parkway Drive, and Killswitch Engage. The remaining tour dates are as follows:

• July 18 — Mansfield, Ohio @ Inkcarceration*
• July 19 — York, Pa. @ York State Fair*
• July 20 — Wantagh, N.Y. @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
• July 22 — Mansfield, Mass. @ Xfinity Center
• July 23 — Camden, N.J. @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
• July 24 — Holmdel, N.J. @ PNC Bank Arts Center
• July 26 — Bristow, Va. @ Jiffy Lube Live
• July 27 — Charlotte, N.C. @ PNC Music Pavilion

*Festival

Following the release of Violent Nature on September 19, fans can look forward to new tracks like “Violent Nature,” “Into Hell,” and “Rain,” which have already been unveiled.

To stay updated, follow I Prevail on Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook.

Conclusion

Eric Vanlerberghe’s journey from a young fan to the frontman of I Prevail showcases the dedication and evolution required to master the art of singing. With his commitment to vocal health and continuous improvement, he sets a powerful example for aspiring artists everywhere.

FAQs

What is I Prevail’s upcoming album release date?

I Prevail’s fourth studio album, Violent Nature, is set to be released on September 19, 2023.

Who are the current members of I Prevail?

Following the split with Brian Burkheiser, Eric Vanlerberghe is now the sole frontman of I Prevail.

What are some vocal care tips for singers on tour?

Common tips include resting the voice, staying hydrated with water, and using tea and honey to soothe the throat.

What influences did Eric Vanlerberghe have in his early singing career?

Metallica and Linkin Park were significant influences in shaping Vanlerberghe’s desire to sing.