Thanks for watching folks. This was a weird video for me to make but I wanted to make a note here that I was not referring to this guy Fil as a hack or in a negative manner. I was talking about other people with channels that have almost nothing to offer but negativity and jumping onto trends for their own benefit. Some people seemed to think I was speaking ill of Fil which rhymes and sorta makes me happy when I read it back, but I wasn’t. 😄
@@derren66I’m not reacting to anything. I don’t understand what you’re saying. My students asked what I think about the Ken Tamplin being caught lip-syncing thing so, I talked about it. It’s not a surprise? Someone proved he was faking something? I know. I’ve always known. Didn’t need to prove it with software. I simply didn’t care 🤷♂️
I don't believe Fil made the video specifically to attack Ken. it wasn't a video he would've made, but he does make videos based on suggestions. (patron I think?) and someone requested Fil do Ken's live vs recorded vocals. Fil's way of analyzing imo leaves little room for error. my only involvement in music is listening. so I rely on what I believe is others expertise. I believe Fil.
I've been following Fil for 4 1/2 years. No, Fil didn't make the video with any intention to attack Ken. He does analysis videos based on suggestions/requests from his subscribers, generally on Patreon. You're right--Fil's method of analyzing leaves little room for error and I'm saying this as a musician myself.
Fil never gets personal. His analyses are objective and carefully explained. Ken's response has been an aggressive, narcissistic, gaslighting rant. His best bet was to just shut up and wait for the whole thing to blow over, but he's created his very own Barbra Streisand Effect and done far more damage to himself than Fil ever could have even if he had wanted to.
Yup. Fil's analyzes are entirely objective, and he makes videos after request of his subscribers. He even did Celine Dion's Olympic ceremony comeback. I could sympathize with why she would lip sync with all her health problems, and just making it to the stage was a great achievement. Fil is definitely biased against cheating, no matter who does it.
The original analysis video was made by Fil Henley from Wings of Pegasus. If Ken Tamplin is going to lip-sync while signing off with "the proof is in the singing" and taking people's money by claiming he's the singer's singer and the real deal, then he more than deserves the scorn and opprobrium. Worse, he released a reaction video to the "disinformation", and had an opportunity to show some contrition but instead doubled down with more denials.
Its more about his extreme narcissism than just some lip syncing. Lying about high profile people praising him and wanting him to sing for them when they didn't.
exactly. A singing tutor with no music contacts vs A singing tutor who conveniently has had all sorts of interactions with wealthy, large audience music acts? OKAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.
Extremely funny the way he always compares himself with all the great singers through rock history. Freddie Mercury, Paul Rodgers, Ronnie James Dio, Bruce Dickinson, Ken Tamplin…wait, there’s something wrong with this list.
When I've time I watch Fil. I'm also a musician in the uk. Fil is a godsend in an industry where lying, falsehood, fabrication, fraud is the norm and it's so refreshing to see someone of Fil's integrity not to mention his ability as a musician and analyst out there calling people out when they are absolutely ripping us one. From what I can see over the last year or so Fil, in his various analysees has uncovered a whole world of pitch shifting and fabrication amongst even top level performers that is staggering. It's often not the performers behind it but the 'boys in suits' - the record company pulling strings behind the band. Also his technology for discovering this is unimpeachable - it simply cannot be wrong. I sometimes work with that technology (or should I say I frankly often refuse to work with it, especially with singers!). If you simply want the truth about anything musical ? Fil is your man ...if Fil musically uncovers some dodgy shit about you ? then sorry ...you're guilty.
Im not a musician, but a real lover of music. The reason I love music so much is that I can't carry a tune or play a note. Having said that, I'm a subscriber to Fil's channel and listen to him often. I agree. He's legit. I just watched his video on Tamplin today.
Actually what makes people legends like Freddie is they just sing and they don't worry about what all this stupid technique stuff. As you sing more and more technique can help sustain your voice longer as you age and help you at times when you need it but if you look at all the legends, they are far from perfectionist. Talk to Bob Dylan, or Robert Plant, Or Freddie Mercury, you think they care what Ken Templin has to say? I left a message years ago on Ken's page that he is missing the mark and just need to learn how to sing from the soul instead of his attempting perfection approach, he deleted my comment lol.
That's a joke....to discredit the late great Freddie Mercury. Tamplin is a disgrace to music. Though I don't think Freddie would care about these supposed imperfections if he were alive today, Tamplin is in NO position to discredit him. He's proved to be a fraud, plain and simple.
@@JR-qb7qt he's technique wasn't that bad, its just he wasn't a trained singer, he was a naturally gifted singer with good instincts. Freddy's voice is still more released and open compared Ken Templin's constricted and pinched voice.
@@JR-qb7qt With respect mate you have no idea what makes those guys legends. Ken Tamplin doesn't either, but tbf his teachings have undoubtedly helped some/many people get closer even if he ultimately misses the mark and his own singing isn't 'soulful'. He deals with mechanics and undoubtedly Plant, Mercury etc had good mechanics due to instinct and luck, as well as soul.
@@rarevisionog never said Freddie’s technique wasn’t good, I’m just saying people like him sang from a different place which we all still enjoy today and that’s because he just gave it his all even if his voice wasn’t there that day. He sang live and changed his octaves if he couldn't sing it that day.
I guess when he's indicted for fraud, he can try claiming not guilty by means of religious zealousness...that while he was miming, he was being a good Christian.
Then again, history learns that the biggest liars, abusers and narcissists in the entire world are christians. Therefore, over here in Europe, christianity is long dying, America will follow.
It's the fact that he has the nerve to belittle other vocal coaches and question their legitimacy that makes this all extremely pathetic and hypocritical. Everything he does is done in such a dishonest, narcissistic way that it's difficult not to find this all hilarious and deserved.
The lips syncing part doesn't matter to me, it's the lying. He's adamant that he's singing live when he's not and that's really what's pissing people off the most. Yesterday he started insulting Fil for an old video from X factor. Like you said, he's a prick.
he's a phony salesperson that likes mugging and is easy to dislike. I admit, when I noticed him besides his grating persona, I figured he was at least a good singer for the unnaturally wide tone and intonation, which was of course digitally edited. It's not the end of the world, it's just the end of credit card flow for Mr Ken Tamplin.
I have been a karoake DJ for 25 years and I would rather have a singer who loved singing but couldn't find the right key with a flashlight than to have an egotistic fake at my shows. Fil is genuine and cares he is never rude or nasty.
I'm not mad at Ken, just disappointed. The worst part for him is that there's no graceful way out of this mess. He can either continue lying about it, or he can come clean and face the consequences. It's going to be ugly either way.
Yes, either way he's probably going to lose a lot of business. It'll be interesting to see if some of his best students like Gabriela will stick with him. They're still young and have their entire careers ahead of them. Any new videos on his channel with them will just raise questions about their own legitimacy as singers. I've seen live video of Gabriela over the years with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and she's definitely phenomenal (and I can tell she's singing completely live since it's cellphone footage and sometimes she's not completely perfect). Ken probably has helped her quite a bit vocally, but continuing to stay on his payroll will likely only be hurtful to her career at this point.
His problem is that this was not one or 2 little mistakes. He would have to come clean about many years of lip syncing a guitar miming, and even admit his method does not give the results he claims. So he would rather brush the rest under the carpet, in order to keep most of his remaining believers. If he came clean completely, there would be nobody left.
@@Durwood71 I think his star students are legitimately good, but honestly I'm not sure just how aware they actually are of his live lip-syncing. As I wrote above, Gabriela's live singing in particular seems legit (you can find her live performances with TSO and some other things all over TH-cam, including when she was on the Czech Idol thing before she even worked with Ken), so I just wonder if she and some of the others will stick around. Ken just posted a video of her covering Aerials. I mean, it's pretty great singing as usual from her, but she really needs to ditch the Ken stuff and do her own thing as many people appear to be commenting.
The big issue with Ken is his claim that by using his technique people will be able to maintain their range and power over the long term, and the fact that he’s been lip syncing to vocal tracks he recorded long ago show that this is not true at all. So he’s been defrauding everyone that has been buying his courses and paying him for lessons for years and years at this point.
He can really play guitar. There are videos from the 80s of him playing and it is definitely live since he makes a few mistakes every once in awhile. It is not perfect.
@@JayDMac-n7nthe guy has always claimed that he sings live, and the premise of his vocal coaching is just that. Except that is not what he does. What he does is use a track from 1990, so that is 34 yrs old and he claims that it’s live to sell people a product which obviously doesn’t work or he would still be able to perform live wouldn’t he? Look at Robert Smith from The Cure! Still sounds exactly the same way that he did when he was 20 and he’s around 66.
I totally agree with you! I told him right out if you had just said “okay guys I might have cheated a lil bit cause I was nervous, sick etc. and didnt want to disappoint anyone. Im sorry.” Nothing would have came of it and all of this would be over right now. Instead hes not only denying it but replying to comments with a clip of this guy Fil going on Xfactor and not getting picked which I think is just mean! I told him “this guy didnt say anything about you personally. He was asked to analyze something. He did and your upset cause you got caught doing what you were doing. Your argument is with a software program that doesnt lie. Its not the guys fault he exposed you! He wasnt doing it for money or anything else and if you had done what I just suggested NONE of this would be happening now.” Of course he deleted all of it but whats happening to him is his own fault at this point. Hes the one perpetuating the lie. You reap what you sow man!
In hindsight I'm very glad that I didn't purchase his course back when I started out with singing. Not necessarily because of his teaching but more because I don't like his singing style at all anyway. Very glad that there are people like you or Chris Liepe out here actually helping people without having them pay a fortune!
He is a snake oil salesman. There are a lot of con artists in the sales industry, and we must be critical of where we leave our hard-earned cash. I'm not a fan of smear campaigns either, but the truth must come out.
I learn from Chris Liepe too and your lessons and explanations have really helped bring it all together. Techniques i was having a hard time understanding are finally making sense. I'm very happy to have found your channel. Thanks for everything you do!
2:00 nah, bro. Everyone has a right to publish their thoughts online, in books, public talks, whatever. I literally cherish the idea of totally free speech because it allows everyone to say what they believe but the prob is that many people cannot do that for fear of being harmed by people who disagree with them on various issues so they keep quiet. I really don't think anyone is doing vids on KT to get views. Seriously. If they did vids on something mega-popular, then okay. KT? please.... so state your stuff and it's all good. After dozens of vids it can seem to be just rehashing or kicking a dead horse but just between you and I..... I wouldn't cry if this topic went viral! haha
Sterling Jackson has to be diplomatic because we know who he is. Most of the 'free speech' that presents as online criticism, hate, whatever is 'free' because it's anonymous. Your opinion may be vaiid, but as TruthSurge, you know that revealing your opinion isn't that totally 'free' when one needs a pseudonym.
"I literally cherish the idea of totally free speech..." Really? You'd be fine with people spreading baseless lies about you that cost you your job, your family and your friends? Don't think so!
Lip syncing to the same vocal track (he made 34 years ago in 1990) but portraying to the audience that he was singing LIVE in both the 2020 internet feed and in the 2024 onstage performance, has made a lot of people feel that they’ve been scammed.
The problem for me with Ken Tamplin is his tone. His tone sucks and I believe he knows it. If a singer doesn't have good tone, it's really hard to make it in the business. I've watched a lot of singing coach and almost none of them have a successful singing career.
Well, and you don't see a lot of singers with a successful coaching carreer. To be good at something doesn't mean you know how to teach it to someone else who's different from you. And teaching can be more rewarding than touring (depending on the style you choose to sing and the country you live in).
@Frip36 his tone and style of singing sucks. Even if he sings at the right pitch. An example of people who have good tone but limited range is Bryan Adam's, Bruce Springsteen, Brian Johnson, and Rod Stewart. Ken Tamplin has a nasally Steve Erkel sound.
Tamplin seems to be hanging his hat on this idea that he isn't lip synching, because he's actually singing along with a prerecorded vocal track. But if all we hear is the prerecorded vocals, its a distinction without a difference. He's a self righteous scold, he's getting the pile-on treatment because he's a hypocrite.
I did a lesson with him in about 2016 and I got this sense that he had a huge ego. I also felt like it was kind of suspicious that right off the bat he apologized for his voice not being up to par due to fires near his home or being sick. I can’t remember which one it was. Another thing which I found a bit off was that he asked me what I found useful from a previous teacher of mine (Ron Anderson) and when I was answering his question he cut me off and told me to stop. He also told me to flex my abs really hard like I was doing a sit up while holding back my airflow and being super nasal and bright. This never felt right to me to be so tense. I tried his methods but I just could never feel right flexing my abs so hard while singing. I bought his course and tried his methods for years despite not liking Ken’s sound. I honestly think my voice got a lot better sounding when I stopped practicing scales and thinking so much about technique and rather focusing on the sounds I wanted to make regardless of whether I’d hurt myself or not. I dont wanna shit on anyone but this is my honest experience.
Ahh sorry man. It’s amazing to hear from people consistently that he seemed pompous and arrogant during lessons especially at such a high price point. Glad you found your way regardless 😊
I don't think it makes people a hack for criticizing him/using his name to get their video out there. I'm thankful people are taking the time to do it, so others steer clear of his potentially harmful advice. Also, he's just so popular, that it's a good thing so many are doing it, so potential young singers will see the critique videos instead of his garbage. There's people that have claimed to have had vocal damage after taking his courses. Which, granted that could be on them for misconstruing Ken's advice, but since Ken is platforming himself on using these extreme techniques for singers endurance/ability to tour...he should probably be a little more clear with "hey, these things can still harm your voice" or something, idk.
100% there’s nothing wrong about making videos about people at all lol Humans talk about other people’s work in every single media and way before the internet, I don’t understand why some consider it a taboo
I had found you through Chris Liepe and everything you explain has clicked with me the most out of anyone else on youtube. I'm a baritone and was frustrated with not being able to reach certain notes, your explanations made the most sense. I have found almost all of your videos beneficial in some way and thats a sign of a great singing coach. I hope you continue doing what you do for others because even if there are bigger channels getting the views. They don't have the same authenticity and ways of teaching like you. Keep it up.
It's hilarious that he is claims he is in the same league as Lou Gramm let alone Paul McCartney! What makes a great musician is you can recognize them in two notes!
Totally agree... Chris Liepe's and your channel are both great because you guys are just real about being human and you show that vocal training is this cool journey of working towards more of a moving target. I love your warmups and insights, Sterling. Thank you!
This is by far the most "Human" response Ive heard on this subject... Thanks for the constructive criticism and honesty on the topic. Great stuff and liked and subbed.👍
My goodness, you're kind of all over the map with this video. It's not good to criticize others to get views, but Ken's a 'prick' and full of himself and kind of a jerk. Fil, from WINGS OF PEGASUS was the one who did the video exposing Ken's lip-syncing. So people, follow Fil. He doesn't voice his opinion, just does the analysis and let's the results do the talking.
I've been following Fil for 4 1/2 years. He's completely objective and thorough with his approach and honest with his analyses. He analyzes videos by request from his followers. That's how Ken eventually got exposed...not just by Fil but other people. Yet I believe Fil really put this out in the open. I've heard some saying that goes something like, "It's best to be honest because eventually your lies will catch up to you."
This is my first time watching you on TH-cam, and you asked our thoughts. My thought is that you sound like a knowledgeable, forthright, and honest artist and I plan to watch more of your videos because those are qualities I admire (which are so rare nowadays). I am also a fan of the channel that started this -- because a viewer asked the opinion of the host and he acceded to this request objectively but the backlash started the controversy (as I understand it). So, I thank you for your explanations and I look forward to checking out much of your other content.
I personally want to thank Ken for giving us a fun, low-stakes internet drama for me to escape this crazy, scary world right now. Between wars, hurricanes, elections, chemical fires...I can't believe people care this much about all this, but, yeah, I needed this. I'm watching all the content. Thank you!
My vocal coach has a phd in voice from University of Texas, she’s a top flight soprano and she charges me $65 an hour. Helped me achieve subharmonics consistently and improved my range to E1 to C4.
Thing is that we can find lipsynced or heavily edited portions of his vocals on those videos where he is "live" at his studio, where he "proves" his chops.
What bothers me more is that in every video the comment section is totally biased. There’s no place for criticism or disagreement. I can tolerate him saying that he can sing like Sinatra or making fun of Mercury or legendary singers but have the balls to accept criticism on your comment section
So does it not bother you that he puts these iconic artists down while claiming to be better himself?? I would want any coach of mine to be honest and to have integrity. Without that, how can you have trust and faith in whoever is teaching you? You need to look at yourself and why it doesn’t bother you that you that your vocal coach has no integrity has no credibility. You need to have those traits yourself if you ever want to succeed mate! 😂 WOW!!!
@7:20 I feel the same way, ken sounds like he's straining and reaching for notes he shouldn't be. If he stays in his lane like we all should then we'll sound our best
Great video! This really could apply to any youtube instruction videos honestly. Like you said, it's the internet, so anything goes. Keep doing what you are doing! Found your videos when I was working on my own cover of "Like a Stone" a long time ago and followed off and on since. Also, your song Colostrum is one of my favorite vibes lately. 🤘
Honestly kens videos helped me out a lot when i was starting but i never bought his course. I also watched a lot of you and chris liepe and took in as much information as i could about the different ways to do things. I definitely dont think hes a hack but i wouldnt take lessons from anyone because i enjoyed figuring things out myself and feeling the progress. You, chris, and ken all helped me hit notes i thought were impossible for me but are now easy. So thanks for that!
I got his course as a complete beginner and it did seem to help to build some kind of foundation. Some things you just need to figure out on your own though. I tend to search in many places nowadays. The distortion thing was never well explained, like you mentioned. I still have zero distortion. I'd say the course overall was helpful to me. It probably helps if you have a naturally higher voice. I have read a lot of comments from baritones that say they did not get anywhere with KTVA and decided to take other routes. As for KTs vocals I have personally never liked the sound when he goes high. He should probably stop at a G4 where the tone is still good. When he is singing A4-C5 it often sounds pinchy and unnatural. His Michael Jackson cover (The Way You Make Me Feel) sticks out as particularly terrible. He stated he is a baritone, but he keeps doing light tenor stuff which does not seem to fit his voice at all IMO. He is either pinching or shaving off too much muscle mass so that it sounds unnatural. He is also full of himself and obsessed with achievements, which is annoying. The fact that he would not come clean on the 2024 miming is really disappointing and negative for the entire KTVA brand. Engaging in hatred and adding things which are not true just to bash KT does not help either. I think Fil's approach is the best one. Using objective data. Tamplin will not be able to get past that barrier, which is probably the reason why he (so far) hasn't addressed Fil's research directly.
Perhaps Mr Tamplin could use your advice and be objective when criticising the best and claiming to be a superior vocalist? I’m sorry, but him bagging on Freddy, is just not nice. It’s mean spirited, but then claiming to be better than that artist is just insane. Tell me who you would prefer to listen to? Freddy or Ken? And if you honestly think Ken, then I pity your soul 😂 Tamplin will never be in the same league as the ones he has put down, he knows it and doesn’t like it, so it makes him feel better about himself to demean other’s talent, when he just doesn’t have their talent to begin with.
@@karenglenn6707 I don't view Tamplin as a great vocalist at all. Decent perhaps, if he stays in his natural range. That's my opinion. He seems to have some kind of personal problem. Despite success with the academy, he needs to boast and tell everybody how he would have done things. It's annoying.
I started learning singing through Ken Tamplin. Then I started learning with Chris Liepe. So my foundation was through Ken's style. It made me very shouty and I never developed head voice. I didn't really pursue distortion because Ken said it's dangerous without a proper foundation. I did become decent at singing through Ken's course, but only at chest voice levels. That only goes so far. Tonality wasn't a big part in the beginning and I had a hard time learning. I think Chris Liepe's introspection helped a ton. And mixing videos from you Sterling have helped quite a bit. But like you said it's all a journey. I appreciate your content and honesty.
Back in the early days of TH-cam I watched some of Ken's videos and seriously contemplated signing up for his course. But if anything I would say the videos ended up dissuading me from going forward. I couldn't do what he did and it seemed as if you had to be genetically built to even use some of those techniques and be a "real" rock singer. That's why I have a great appreciation for the work you - and Chris Liepe - do. I think you not only make singing more accessible but also go into the "psychology" of singing. It's not a matter of sounding exactly like someone like Chris Cornell but finding your own voice and going on your own journey with it. It becomes about self-exploration and I don't think that is at the essence of what Ken Tamplin does, unfortunately. Great video with a very genuine approach to the online controversy! 🙌
Thumbnail is hilarious. I remember coming across Ken’s channel years ago and just moving on cause it didn’t feel right. I think I was lead there by searching “how does Chris Cornell hit those high notes.” 😂
Love your take on this and your general attitude, man! It's why I continue to subscribe and continue to watch your content. 🤟 Too many people have jumped on this hate bandwagon with nothing else in mind other than to sell their own vocal coaching courses. You and Chris are basically the only guys I follow seriously when it comes to vocal stuff.
BFD. He's inspired many, many people, adventure to say millions of people have been touched by his enthusiasm. When I was ready to quit singing, his kind words kept me going and it propelled me to a very high level. And I can't be more grateful for that. Hater hate and Losers lose. Musicians and vocal questions can't come close to what the good he's done for the musical community. They can nick pick all they want , but Ken Tamplin is a bad ass dude!
Fantastic video. Truthful and to the point. No hype and self promotion, just honest analysis and self deprecating with a self awareness missing in Ken's "black is really white" response to Fil.
I watched Ken’s TH-cam clips from 2015 to 2019 basically, so for about 4 years. And I must admit that a lot of his knowledge about diaphragmatic support, open throat technique, pacing yourself while singing the harder rock songs, how to use a little bit of distortion without hurting the throat etc.. all those things I just mentioned really was beneficial for me and my singing did become stronger over the years, I’m not gonna lie about that.. personally it worked for me. However, I was never particularly a fan of his “voice” so to speak, but I use to really enjoy listening to him explain how to sing certain Foreigner songs or Whitesnake songs, Dio songs and so on.. hence I love 80s hard rock metal and there wasn’t many vocal coaches explaining that style in great depth during that 2015 to 2019 period. Fast forward to 2020, this was when I started to lose some interest in watching Ken’s clips.. was when he started listening to isolated vocals from famous songs and really over analysing them, but started taking it too far and really criticising their vocals. And was saying things like “I would have sung it this way with more distortion” or “I would have sung it more smoother with some vibrato.” Etc. And I’m like “dude, that wouldn’t have worked for the song, if they sung it that way it would have probably sounded crap!” And not to mention, some of those songs that he was over analysing were HIT songs! So who cares if they didn’t use perfect vibrato on certain parts or didn’t use distortion etc. Anyway, that’s my story of exploring Ken’s journey for quite a few years 😅 but I still admire his advice on 80s rock singing and I am grateful that a lot of his implied knowledge had helped me a lot! 🙏🏽
Well done, Stirling, for such a calm and clear explanation of what you see. I think there's one thing you said several times that is going to get under Ken's skin. It is: "It's just a fear-based thing." And it will don so for the obvious reason, it is a true and perceptive observation.
Some of the videos have been bullying. That being said, Fil (Wings of Pegasus) was just a (scientific?) analysis of the pitch and vocals. Nothing wrong with that. He didn't say Ken could not sing, he was just pointing out that some of his 'live' concerts were lip synced. Ken did say Freddie Mercury was not a great singer tho. and implied he was better. WTF?
Wow, that's crazy. Even though I don't particularly like Freddie Mercury I can tell he's a great singer and performer. Everything Ken sings sounds the same like everything is one song. He had no dynamics or subtly.
Hahahaha damn u mentioned it!! I've always thought its just me finding that tongue technique weird and funny😂😂😂.. ayy remember the truth is in the singing 😅😅
@@glamgal7106 not saying the tongue technique is wrong, if it works for him then good but I just find it funny.. but the guy can actually sing tho and he's no Milli Vanilli either😆
hmmm.....a lot of people are sick of the likes of Tamplin..cheating....miming..autotune and the like....me?..i have totally had enough of these fraudsters....they are shitting on music as an art...It's dishonest..and fraudulent.
Ken is a MAGA guy so he's following after his hero Trump who follows the Ray Cohn philosophy of never admitting guilt and never calling yourself a loser!
Never took lessons from him, but his program helped me a lot. I was a total beginner. Never had any experience with vocal exercises before, and his program sort of gave me a foundation to build from. Voice grew like crazy and started getting compliments at church for my voice. Not saying it works for everyone, but it worked for me. If people have had bad experiences with him, then that is unfortunate. I like his program and would recommend it to beginners to build their foundation.
I’ll be honest i bought his course and have been practicing it every other day for three years… I have seen improvement vocally compared to before i started singing with the course. I just used the scales to warm up for singing. Now I’m wanting to explore Daniel Tompkin’s and maybe Sterling’s stuff to see how much improvement I’ll see from a truthful vocalist, one who can perform what I actually admire. Cool you pointed that out, thanks 🙏🏻
to fully know for a fact that you have improved , you might have to seek an outside consultation ,so hire a professional singer , not a vocal coach & pay them to evaluate your level or the best way to know for a fact that you are good, when you see an ad for a singer in a band or cover band audition & if you get hired you know you are good enough & accept what they tell you. Think in terms of like going on America's got talent.. you need to be evaluated. you need professional evaluation at this point. it's very possible you think you have made improvements because you convinced yourself & your improvements might be subjective when we sign up for a music school we have to audition & get evaluated & thus far we have to accept their expert opinion. Have you done this yet?
@@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShowgreat ideas! You really need an objective knowledgeable outsider. I studied the piano classically for many years, did exams at our Conservatorium and performed in public alone. The exams especially were very beneficial for me as you receive feedback when receiving your score (at least that’s how it was for me in the 70’s) I then learnt what I had to work on.
3:23 and 3:27 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! I swear, you have STUDIED KT! hahaha oh boy.... see, THIS is why you and others NEED to make these kinds of vids! I got a huge laugh from just those 5 seconds of you impersonating him as he's "singing". KT and his fake dimpled turtle mouth smile he does and when you said "effin doing this" hahahahha. man... I need to see a KT parody video!!!! someone.... hahahaha
Stirling, thanks so much, man for being a class act about Ken and telling the truth without attacking him. I knew about Ken's band Shout way back in the early 90s as a little church kid listening to Christian rock, and having learned later on how corrupt and dishonest the Christian music industry is, hearing about Ken's dishonesty wasn't surprising, although it was disappointing. Thank you again for being a stand-up dude and a gentleman. I first started watching your channel not just for your vocal lessons, but because you seemed really genuine and down-to-earth. Maybe someday I can buy you a beer. God bless, brother....
You know what is good about a video like this? This is the first video I have ever watched of yours, but I see your background decorations and I can tell we at least have the same taste in music. Subscribed. I'm going to check out your normal content.
I love ur respect for him still during the whole situation. Too many keyboard haters who not thr to only call him out but to throw hate. Ur vulnerability abt urself as a musician is also why your giving a authentic feedback. Tnx for honesty. I wish him all the best thou hopefully he can own up and be honest with especially his fans.
If you're lip syncing, then just admit it. Don't delete videos and bomb other channels with fake comments. I don't know him from Adam, but he comes off being very douchey.
For me, what worked were the la-ah warmups. Well, to an extent. It really helped with expanding my head voice and finding some distortion. However, after a while, I noticed how easily it was tiring me. I mentioned in another comment how I used to push A LOT and try to sound verry big and powerful. I think I got that from him because that seemed like the good approach- his Dio and Coverdale influences became mine too. I had an admiration for Gabriela Guncikova- I think she is his most popular female students still- and he kept emphasizing how he had her to difficult physical exercise then warmups for like 5 to 6 hours a day so that's what I did. I remember once I had a concert and I practiced that whole day before going on stage-yelling false chord distortion, screams, cleans over a full band without a microphone cause "I have to be powerful and project like crazy " and what do you know? Concert comes and I have almost no voice. That happened a few times. I would give it my all for a few hours then bam-another embarassment. Sometimes I would nail it. I remember once nailing 18 and life by Skid Row and since people were giving me compliments I thought I was on the right track. It took another couple years and actually listening critically theough a phone recording to understand how wrong it actually sounded. 😢
My personal beef against Ken Tamplin was him objectifying his female students doing covers to try gain some more views. Cuz if you go check his channel and compare his covers vs his students (only females btw) the difference on views are huge.
It is what it is! I enjoy singing and learning. It's like meditation for me. I've learned from Ken and yourself on watching your channels. Chris liepe and Andy Zicek also David Wu. Bohemian Vocals were awesome, too! To all the content creators, thank you for entertaining, teaching, and encouraging. More power to you all! I love the journey I'm on, and we're all in it together. Rock on everyone. 🤘
Ken is a fraud. Always has been. I've caught him, years ago lying about his past He freaked out on me in the comments. He didn't make another video for a couple months. Every time I have looked into any one of his claims, I always find it to be untrue.
I bought his course years ago and it has helped. My voice has improved quite a bit. My sound is more forward and my pitch, range, and stamina have gotten better. However, I'm still a baritone. There are certain notes I just can't hit no matter how much I work on it. I'm a worship leader and there's not much need for me to sing with a lot of distortion, so I haven't put anything into trying this. His response video didn't help at all. It seemed like he was deflecting and defending himself against arguments that hadn't even been made. Nobody ever said that he couldn't sing at all or that he was lip synching everything. I've been a big fan of his for years, so this has been a real disappointment.
What notes can't you hit? I ask because I was under the "baritone curse" mindset for so long (discovered I'm actually a lyrical spinto tenor) and didn't think life existed after G#4.
@@TomCristoforo Prior to starting the vocal course, I was stuck around G4. In isolation, I can hit up to about an E5 (if warmed up) or maybe an F5 (on a really good day). One of his level 2 workouts goes up to F#5, which I don't think I've ever been able to hit. As far as what I'd feel comfortable singing live while playing the guitar, I probably wouldn't try anything above an A4.
Great video Sterling, your honestly your vulnerability in approaching the 'problem of lip synching' is what sets you apart from Ken on this one, along with your humility. I have no problem with lip syncing, it's part of entertainment, I don't think most people do. Pitch correction is a slightly more murky area for me if I'm being honest. The good thing is you are honest about the 'early' days of your channel. Doing youtube is never easy, anyone who claims there is a "single" way to do it is a fool, needless to say you did what you needed to do to become less camera shy and come into your place of confidence, that is a nice arc and I'd much rather hear someone say that then play pretend. With this Ken situation, I think people dislike the dishonesty of this situation more than the specifics.
Well presented, sir. Yup, Fil from Wings of Pegasus did an analysis video per someone’s request (as that’s what he does on his channel) and that seems to have set this ball in motion. My takeaway is that Ken T. needs to learn the old adage “if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging!” 😂
I bought his course about 5 years ago when my old band called me up asking if I knew any singers and I asked for a try out. I remember it was very hard to get downloaded and I actually never got all of the classes downloaded. The videos were not very good quality. Hard to find any direct answers! Eventually I just quit messing with it and spent that time practicing the songs, everyday in my garage! Been fronting a band for 4+years now. Still working on distortion but Chris Liepe has helped with that. Glad I found your channel going to start watching you too 🤘
Eric Arceneaux seem pretty authentic too. I know he's not really a rock guy but his breathing techniques are pretty insightful. He uses a unique combination of classical and contemporary vocal techniques.
I do normally quote that myself, but him criticising Freddy, and saying he could do better, made me extra spicy cross. I’ve seen Freddie LIVE! And it was the most amazing musical experience of my life, so to have this shyster bagging on him actually raised my hackles. He started it first! 😂
Cancelling only works when involving some kind of violent crime. Mostly people will not care for scam, entitlement, lack of transparency and much more. People are just promoting him without knowing it. We have seem this thing happening again and again. Someone who is not so famous become even more famous after doing something awful.
I haven’t taken the KT course or any vocal course, my cousin is in a band and he took the KT course and he said it helped him a lot with his singing voice.
Tamplin is so full of himself it's ridiculous. I'm not a professional on the subject, yet I do think the guy has some vocals skills-to an extend at least-but the whole "cool wannabe legend rockstar" is giving me so much second hand embarrassment. His mannerisms and whole attitude is really annoying. Also, man... the tongue thing always pissed me off, for some reason...
There are a lot of clowns who are just doing hateful and pointless videos trying to use his name to get clicks, but you are not one of them. You offered a fair assessment.
You’re not clout chasing - you’re providing expert information / critique on a current topic in your field. Ken is a public figure making huge claims - he needs to be checked by people in his industry - who else can help protect the consumer? It’s almost your responsibility to say something - thank you! On a side note, I also bought Ken’s course. And as you may remember, I have paid for your evaluations. I got more out of your 15 minute evaluation than Ken’s entire course. You also totally woke me up about how bad my production was. You may not have 2 million subscribers but you’re having huge impacts helping artists. I just released a full album and you helped me find my proper voice and get the production levels to professional standards - I’m sure there are thousands of people you’ve helped or inspired in some small but impactful way you will never even know about. So I wanted you to know! Thanks.
Found you through KTs gossip, first time I see a video of you, great stuff. Personally I never spent a dime on a Ken’s course, but I always found the method, his speech feels like those guys from broadway. I know it because in Germany I worked very close with a real actor, he had same attitude and voice tone. Still looking for a vocal couch, I agree with your thoughts regarding the picking the right couch following a specific style
Thanks for watching folks. This was a weird video for me to make but I wanted to make a note here that I was not referring to this guy Fil as a hack or in a negative manner. I was talking about other people with channels that have almost nothing to offer but negativity and jumping onto trends for their own benefit. Some people seemed to think I was speaking ill of Fil which rhymes and sorta makes me happy when I read it back, but I wasn’t. 😄
@@derren66I’m not reacting to anything. I don’t understand what you’re saying. My students asked what I think about the Ken Tamplin being caught lip-syncing thing so, I talked about it. It’s not a surprise? Someone proved he was faking something? I know. I’ve always known. Didn’t need to prove it with software. I simply didn’t care 🤷♂️
@@SterlingRJackson same here, years ago. I also laughed at his obviously audible tongue “technique.” lol 😂
You don’t wanna do it but you’re doing it that’s called hypocrisy and here is a bit of advice you can always rely on never trust a hypocrite.
@@SterlingRJackson
We’ve always called him Ken Tampon - I think this should be a thing.
@@freekdaddy22lol you evidently misunderstood his post, I recommend reading it again.
I don't believe Fil made the video specifically to attack Ken.
it wasn't a video he would've made, but he does make videos
based on suggestions. (patron I think?) and someone requested
Fil do Ken's live vs recorded vocals. Fil's way of analyzing imo
leaves little room for error. my only involvement in music is
listening. so I rely on what I believe is others expertise. I believe
Fil.
I've been following Fil for 4 1/2 years. No, Fil didn't make the video with any intention to attack Ken. He does analysis videos based on suggestions/requests from his subscribers, generally on Patreon. You're right--Fil's method of analyzing leaves little room for error and I'm saying this as a musician myself.
I agree with you !!!!
Fil never gets personal. His analyses are objective and carefully explained. Ken's response has been an aggressive, narcissistic, gaslighting rant. His best bet was to just shut up and wait for the whole thing to blow over, but he's created his very own Barbra Streisand Effect and done far more damage to himself than Fil ever could have even if he had wanted to.
Yup. Fil's analyzes are entirely objective, and he makes videos after request of his subscribers.
He even did Celine Dion's Olympic ceremony comeback. I could sympathize with why she would lip sync with all her health problems, and just making it to the stage was a great achievement.
Fil is definitely biased against cheating, no matter who does it.
@@bjornlangoren3002 very true !!
The original analysis video was made by Fil Henley from Wings of Pegasus. If Ken Tamplin is going to lip-sync while signing off with "the proof is in the singing" and taking people's money by claiming he's the singer's singer and the real deal, then he more than deserves the scorn and opprobrium. Worse, he released a reaction video to the "disinformation", and had an opportunity to show some contrition but instead doubled down with more denials.
Yeah man. 🤷♂️
Even Bernie Madoff confessed when caught. LOL
@@SterlingRJacksoni just watched his reaction a day ago ._. After years of trying with those scales..i just need a better alternative tbh
I feel dooped fs
Its more about his extreme narcissism than just some lip syncing. Lying about high profile people praising him and wanting him to sing for them when they didn't.
This vid is me me me me me like he just keeps talking about himself not what I clicked on the vid for lol
exactly.
A singing tutor with no music contacts
vs
A singing tutor who conveniently has had all sorts of interactions with wealthy, large audience music acts?
OKAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.
Extremely funny the way he always compares himself with all the great singers through rock history. Freddie Mercury, Paul Rodgers, Ronnie James Dio, Bruce Dickinson, Ken Tamplin…wait, there’s something wrong with this list.
You're right about the narcissism. People with this character trait ( like Trump ) find it practically impossible to apologize or admit error.
@@tonynew3047Trump sucks but would you admit error if you voted for Biden last time😅
When I've time I watch Fil. I'm also a musician in the uk. Fil is a godsend in an industry where lying, falsehood, fabrication, fraud is the norm and it's so refreshing to see someone of Fil's integrity not to mention his ability as a musician and analyst out there calling people out when they are absolutely ripping us one. From what I can see over the last year or so Fil, in his various analysees has uncovered a whole world of pitch shifting and fabrication amongst even top level performers that is staggering. It's often not the performers behind it but the 'boys in suits' - the record company pulling strings behind the band. Also his technology for discovering this is unimpeachable - it simply cannot be wrong. I sometimes work with that technology (or should I say I frankly often refuse to work with it, especially with singers!). If you simply want the truth about anything musical ? Fil is your man ...if Fil musically uncovers some dodgy shit about you ? then sorry ...you're guilty.
Im not a musician, but a real lover of music. The reason I love music so much is that I can't carry a tune or play a note. Having said that, I'm a subscriber to Fil's channel and listen to him often. I agree. He's legit. I just watched his video on Tamplin today.
Ken Templin laughed at Freddie Mercury's supposed imperfections in live performances. That's the context this should be viewed in.
Actually what makes people legends like Freddie is they just sing and they don't worry about what all this stupid technique stuff. As you sing more and more technique can help sustain your voice longer as you age and help you at times when you need it but if you look at all the legends, they are far from perfectionist. Talk to Bob Dylan, or Robert Plant, Or Freddie Mercury, you think they care what Ken Templin has to say? I left a message years ago on Ken's page that he is missing the mark and just need to learn how to sing from the soul instead of his attempting perfection approach, he deleted my comment lol.
That's a joke....to discredit the late great Freddie Mercury. Tamplin is a disgrace to music. Though I don't think Freddie would care about these supposed imperfections if he were alive today, Tamplin is in NO position to discredit him. He's proved to be a fraud, plain and simple.
@@JR-qb7qt he's technique wasn't that bad, its just he wasn't a trained singer, he was a naturally gifted singer with good instincts. Freddy's voice is still more released and open compared Ken Templin's constricted and pinched voice.
@@JR-qb7qt With respect mate you have no idea what makes those guys legends. Ken Tamplin doesn't either, but tbf his teachings have undoubtedly helped some/many people get closer even if he ultimately misses the mark and his own singing isn't 'soulful'. He deals with mechanics and undoubtedly Plant, Mercury etc had good mechanics due to instinct and luck, as well as soul.
@@rarevisionog never said Freddie’s technique wasn’t good, I’m just saying people like him sang from a different place which we all still enjoy today and that’s because he just gave it his all even if his voice wasn’t there that day. He sang live and changed his octaves if he couldn't sing it that day.
My issue with him is his claim of being a Christian…then lying to the entire world!
I guess when he's indicted for fraud, he can try claiming not guilty by means of religious zealousness...that while he was miming, he was being a good Christian.
Exactly!! And a Pastor
What would be the distinction between the two...?
Then again, history learns that the biggest liars, abusers and narcissists in the entire world are christians. Therefore, over here in Europe, christianity is long dying, America will follow.
He's a MAGA type Christian so...a Christian in the sense that someone who eats a lot of steak is a vegan.
It's the fact that he has the nerve to belittle other vocal coaches and question their legitimacy that makes this all extremely pathetic and hypocritical. Everything he does is done in such a dishonest, narcissistic way that it's difficult not to find this all hilarious and deserved.
@@TomCristoforo like pointing out all of FREDDIE MERCURY’S “imperfections” ya mean! What an $&@€£¥#!
Agree! I'm a coach and he acts like he is the only good one. There are plenty of good ones!! Guys a narcissist
The lips syncing part doesn't matter to me, it's the lying. He's adamant that he's singing live when he's not and that's really what's pissing people off the most. Yesterday he started insulting Fil for an old video from X factor. Like you said, he's a prick.
What if the possible lying is lips synced as well? 🤔
If so, it bothers me even more!
His tongue position always bothered me 😂😂😂 scratching my head to understand how that helps lol
Pretty sure it doesn't. I think he just does it to stand out.
He once claimed it's an advanced singing technique that opens the throat, which always sounded odd to me because I've never seen anybody else do it.
I've asked him few times until got answer. As I remember it was about resonance.
👅👅👅
Helps with control when he is parroting someone.
Karaoke Ken. He sounds like a karaoke singer to me. Plus he has a cringy persona.
I think he swings in every direction 🌈
he's a phony salesperson that likes mugging and is easy to dislike.
I admit, when I noticed him besides his grating persona, I figured he was at least a good singer for the unnaturally wide tone and intonation, which was of course digitally edited.
It's not the end of the world, it's just the end of credit card flow for Mr Ken Tamplin.
It's Narcissistic behaviour.
I have been a karoake DJ for 25 years and I would rather have a singer who loved singing but couldn't find the right key with a flashlight than to have an egotistic fake at my shows. Fil is genuine and cares he is never rude or nasty.
@@TRANSPORTKING1988 Hopefully!
Ken's voice aged considerably, I can tell instantly when he switches to a backing track.
I'm not mad at Ken, just disappointed. The worst part for him is that there's no graceful way out of this mess. He can either continue lying about it, or he can come clean and face the consequences. It's going to be ugly either way.
Yes, either way he's probably going to lose a lot of business. It'll be interesting to see if some of his best students like Gabriela will stick with him. They're still young and have their entire careers ahead of them. Any new videos on his channel with them will just raise questions about their own legitimacy as singers. I've seen live video of Gabriela over the years with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and she's definitely phenomenal (and I can tell she's singing completely live since it's cellphone footage and sometimes she's not completely perfect). Ken probably has helped her quite a bit vocally, but continuing to stay on his payroll will likely only be hurtful to her career at this point.
I am pretty sure it would be far less ugly if he just admitted it. Still wouldn't be pleasant, but continuing to lie is never the best approach.
@@ThePoorBoy I suspect his star students are fully aware since they're all lip syncing in their own videos on Ken's channel.
His problem is that this was not one or 2 little mistakes. He would have to come clean about many years of lip syncing a guitar miming, and even admit his method does not give the results he claims. So he would rather brush the rest under the carpet, in order to keep most of his remaining believers. If he came clean completely, there would be nobody left.
@@Durwood71 I think his star students are legitimately good, but honestly I'm not sure just how aware they actually are of his live lip-syncing. As I wrote above, Gabriela's live singing in particular seems legit (you can find her live performances with TSO and some other things all over TH-cam, including when she was on the Czech Idol thing before she even worked with Ken), so I just wonder if she and some of the others will stick around. Ken just posted a video of her covering Aerials. I mean, it's pretty great singing as usual from her, but she really needs to ditch the Ken stuff and do her own thing as many people appear to be commenting.
The big issue with Ken is his claim that by using his technique people will be able to maintain their range and power over the long term, and the fact that he’s been lip syncing to vocal tracks he recorded long ago show that this is not true at all. So he’s been defrauding everyone that has been buying his courses and paying him for lessons for years and years at this point.
He’s not only lip-synching his vocals, he’s miming the guitar as well. It’s also the fact that he’s been miming since the late 80’s early 90’s.
Well, that’s what I mean by lip syncing. Yeah.
I watched a recent concert of his and Ken is indeed playing guitar.
No at all, he sings sometimes in live. But a lot of people make that do I don’t understand
He can really play guitar. There are videos from the 80s of him playing and it is definitely live since he makes a few mistakes every once in awhile. It is not perfect.
@@ricomajesticdoesn't mean he can now, you have to play every day to stay good at it
I think he will continue to keep denying that he lip syncs, because that's been the pattern over the years.
Yeah. To be honest now would totally ruin everything I’m sure.
@@SterlingRJacksonhonesty is always the best policy. There would be some people that won't take honesty well but decent people would respect it.
@@JayDMac-n7n He will turn 61 in December.
This guy needs to read my post
@@JayDMac-n7nthe guy has always claimed that he sings live, and the premise of his vocal coaching is just that. Except that is not what he does. What he does is use a track from 1990, so that is 34 yrs old and he claims that it’s live to sell people a product which obviously doesn’t work or he would still be able to perform live wouldn’t he? Look at Robert Smith from The Cure! Still sounds exactly the same way that he did when he was 20 and he’s around 66.
I totally agree with you! I told him right out if you had just said “okay guys I might have cheated a lil bit cause I was nervous, sick etc. and didnt want to disappoint anyone. Im sorry.” Nothing would have came of it and all of this would be over right now. Instead hes not only denying it but replying to comments with a clip of this guy Fil going on Xfactor and not getting picked which I think is just mean! I told him “this guy didnt say anything about you personally. He was asked to analyze something. He did and your upset cause you got caught doing what you were doing. Your argument is with a software program that doesnt lie. Its not the guys fault he exposed you! He wasnt doing it for money or anything else and if you had done what I just suggested NONE of this would be happening now.” Of course he deleted all of it but whats happening to him is his own fault at this point. Hes the one perpetuating the lie. You reap what you sow man!
@@MagsMusicfan9 100 per cent agreed
Very well stated!
In hindsight I'm very glad that I didn't purchase his course back when I started out with singing. Not necessarily because of his teaching but more because I don't like his singing style at all anyway. Very glad that there are people like you or Chris Liepe out here actually helping people without having them pay a fortune!
😊
@@kibo3370 I’m just curious. How much is his course and is it monthly or lump sum payment??
He is a snake oil salesman. There are a lot of con artists in the sales industry, and we must be critical of where we leave our hard-earned cash. I'm not a fan of smear campaigns either, but the truth must come out.
Just like his hero Trump!
@@ricomajestic this isn’t a political channel.
Trump 2024 MAGA
I learn from Chris Liepe too and your lessons and explanations have really helped bring it all together. Techniques i was having a hard time understanding are finally making sense. I'm very happy to have found your channel. Thanks for everything you do!
same story here! :D
2:00 nah, bro. Everyone has a right to publish their thoughts online, in books, public talks, whatever. I literally cherish the idea of totally free speech because it allows everyone to say what they believe but the prob is that many people cannot do that for fear of being harmed by people who disagree with them on various issues so they keep quiet. I really don't think anyone is doing vids on KT to get views. Seriously. If they did vids on something mega-popular, then okay. KT? please.... so state your stuff and it's all good. After dozens of vids it can seem to be just rehashing or kicking a dead horse but just between you and I..... I wouldn't cry if this topic went viral! haha
Sterling Jackson has to be diplomatic because we know who he is. Most of the 'free speech' that presents as online criticism, hate, whatever is 'free' because it's anonymous. Your opinion may be vaiid, but as TruthSurge, you know that revealing your opinion isn't that totally 'free' when one needs a pseudonym.
"I literally cherish the idea of totally free speech..."
Really? You'd be fine with people spreading baseless lies about you that cost you your job, your family and your friends? Don't think so!
Lip syncing to the same vocal track (he made 34 years ago in 1990) but portraying to the audience that he was singing LIVE in both the 2020 internet feed and in the 2024 onstage performance, has made a lot of people feel that they’ve been scammed.
Wings of Pegasus analyzed the songs and showed the evidence to support it.
I laughed out loud when I saw the tongue thumbnail.
😂
👅👅👅
The problem for me with Ken Tamplin is his tone. His tone sucks and I believe he knows it. If a singer doesn't have good tone, it's really hard to make it in the business. I've watched a lot of singing coach and almost none of them have a successful singing career.
he did once sell a lot of albums. Who knows what happened since the 2000s
Well, and you don't see a lot of singers with a successful coaching carreer.
To be good at something doesn't mean you know how to teach it to someone else who's different from you.
And teaching can be more rewarding than touring (depending on the style you choose to sing and the country you live in).
"Those who can, do; those who can't, teach."
When you say tone, is it the same as timbre?
@Frip36 his tone and style of singing sucks. Even if he sings at the right pitch. An example of people who have good tone but limited range is Bryan Adam's, Bruce Springsteen, Brian Johnson, and Rod Stewart. Ken Tamplin has a nasally Steve Erkel sound.
Tamplin seems to be hanging his hat on this idea that he isn't lip synching, because he's actually singing along with a prerecorded vocal track. But if all we hear is the prerecorded vocals, its a distinction without a difference.
He's a self righteous scold, he's getting the pile-on treatment because he's a hypocrite.
I did a lesson with him in about 2016 and I got this sense that he had a huge ego. I also felt like it was kind of suspicious that right off the bat he apologized for his voice not being up to par due to fires near his home or being sick. I can’t remember which one it was. Another thing which I found a bit off was that he asked me what I found useful from a previous teacher of mine (Ron Anderson) and when I was answering his question he cut me off and told me to stop. He also told me to flex my abs really hard like I was doing a sit up while holding back my airflow and being super nasal and bright. This never felt right to me to be so tense. I tried his methods but I just could never feel right flexing my abs so hard while singing. I bought his course and tried his methods for years despite not liking Ken’s sound. I honestly think my voice got a lot better sounding when I stopped practicing scales and thinking so much about technique and rather focusing on the sounds I wanted to make regardless of whether I’d hurt myself or not. I dont wanna shit on anyone but this is my honest experience.
Ahh sorry man. It’s amazing to hear from people consistently that he seemed pompous and arrogant during lessons especially at such a high price point. Glad you found your way regardless 😊
I don't think it makes people a hack for criticizing him/using his name to get their video out there. I'm thankful people are taking the time to do it, so others steer clear of his potentially harmful advice. Also, he's just so popular, that it's a good thing so many are doing it, so potential young singers will see the critique videos instead of his garbage. There's people that have claimed to have had vocal damage after taking his courses. Which, granted that could be on them for misconstruing Ken's advice, but since Ken is platforming himself on using these extreme techniques for singers endurance/ability to tour...he should probably be a little more clear with "hey, these things can still harm your voice" or something, idk.
100% there’s nothing wrong about making videos about people at all lol
Humans talk about other people’s work in every single media and way before the internet, I don’t understand why some consider it a taboo
Anybody who claims to be a "vocal coach" and lip synchs or uses backing tracks is a fraud, plain and simple.
Yup, you hit the nail right on the head.
Or troll genius.
I had found you through Chris Liepe and everything you explain has clicked with me the most out of anyone else on youtube. I'm a baritone and was frustrated with not being able to reach certain notes, your explanations made the most sense. I have found almost all of your videos beneficial in some way and thats a sign of a great singing coach. I hope you continue doing what you do for others because even if there are bigger channels getting the views. They don't have the same authenticity and ways of teaching like you. Keep it up.
It's hilarious that he is claims he is in the same league as Lou Gramm let alone Paul McCartney! What makes a great musician is you can recognize them in two notes!
That's absurd if he thinks that.
And he criticises Freddie Mercury. That alone is enough to prove that he is a fraud.
Ken's voice is quite recognisable, though easily confused with a pig being butchered
@@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x My neighbour has a cage full of cockatoos and other parrots. They make such racket that I often think Ken is visiting him.
Totally agree... Chris Liepe's and your channel are both great because you guys are just real about being human and you show that vocal training is this cool journey of working towards more of a moving target. I love your warmups and insights, Sterling. Thank you!
This is by far the most "Human" response Ive heard on this subject... Thanks for the constructive criticism and honesty on the topic. Great stuff and liked and subbed.👍
The world needs people like Ken. It makes for great comedy.
My goodness, you're kind of all over the map with this video. It's not good to criticize others to get views, but Ken's a 'prick' and full of himself and kind of a jerk. Fil, from WINGS OF PEGASUS was the one who did the video exposing Ken's lip-syncing. So people, follow Fil. He doesn't voice his opinion, just does the analysis and let's the results do the talking.
Well Said.
Fil is objective but thorough in his vocal analyses. I have complete respect for Fil, something I can't say about Ken T.
I've been following Fil for 4 1/2 years. He's completely objective and thorough with his approach and honest with his analyses. He analyzes videos by request from his followers. That's how Ken eventually got exposed...not just by Fil but other people. Yet I believe Fil really put this out in the open. I've heard some saying that goes something like, "It's best to be honest because eventually your lies will catch up to you."
ken?
Its funny cuz ive always thought his tenique was terrible and wondered how anyone could like his voice or think he was good
Ken Tamperin has a lovely tongue how dare you
And don't forget his constant reminders that he's related to Sammy Hagar. I don't think Sammy has gushed over Ken in any interview I've ever seen.
Sammy said he met Ken one time in his entire life.
This is my first time watching you on TH-cam, and you asked our thoughts. My thought is that you sound like a knowledgeable, forthright, and honest artist and I plan to watch more of your videos because those are qualities I admire (which are so rare nowadays). I am also a fan of the channel that started this -- because a viewer asked the opinion of the host and he acceded to this request objectively but the backlash started the controversy (as I understand it). So, I thank you for your explanations and I look forward to checking out much of your other content.
I personally want to thank Ken for giving us a fun, low-stakes internet drama for me to escape this crazy, scary world right now. Between wars, hurricanes, elections, chemical fires...I can't believe people care this much about all this, but, yeah, I needed this. I'm watching all the content. Thank you!
Commenting before watching to let you know your thumbnail is excellent.
Edit: I always love your realistic, measured approach to subjects like this.
😂
My vocal coach has a phd in voice from University of Texas, she’s a top flight soprano and she charges me $65 an hour. Helped me achieve subharmonics consistently and improved my range to E1 to C4.
Nice to hear that! Is it posssible to ask for her name/links?
Thing is that we can find lipsynced or heavily edited portions of his vocals on those videos where he is "live" at his studio, where he "proves" his chops.
What bothers me more is that in every video the comment section is totally biased. There’s no place for criticism or disagreement. I can tolerate him saying that he can sing like Sinatra or making fun of Mercury or legendary singers but have the balls to accept criticism on your comment section
His comment section makes me feel like I joined a cult.
So does it not bother you that he puts these iconic artists down while claiming to be better himself?? I would want any coach of mine to be honest and to have integrity. Without that, how can you have trust and faith in whoever is teaching you? You need to look at yourself and why it doesn’t bother you that you that your vocal coach has no integrity has no credibility. You need to have those traits yourself if you ever want to succeed mate! 😂 WOW!!!
@7:20 I feel the same way, ken sounds like he's straining and reaching for notes he shouldn't be. If he stays in his lane like we all should then we'll sound our best
Great video! This really could apply to any youtube instruction videos honestly. Like you said, it's the internet, so anything goes. Keep doing what you are doing! Found your videos when I was working on my own cover of "Like a Stone" a long time ago and followed off and on since. Also, your song Colostrum is one of my favorite vibes lately. 🤘
Thank you 😊
Honestly kens videos helped me out a lot when i was starting but i never bought his course. I also watched a lot of you and chris liepe and took in as much information as i could about the different ways to do things. I definitely dont think hes a hack but i wouldnt take lessons from anyone because i enjoyed figuring things out myself and feeling the progress. You, chris, and ken all helped me hit notes i thought were impossible for me but are now easy. So thanks for that!
I got his course as a complete beginner and it did seem to help to build some kind of foundation. Some things you just need to figure out on your own though. I tend to search in many places nowadays.
The distortion thing was never well explained, like you mentioned. I still have zero distortion.
I'd say the course overall was helpful to me. It probably helps if you have a naturally higher voice. I have read a lot of comments from baritones that say they did not get anywhere with KTVA and decided to take other routes.
As for KTs vocals I have personally never liked the sound when he goes high. He should probably stop at a G4 where the tone is still good. When he is singing A4-C5 it often sounds pinchy and unnatural. His Michael Jackson cover (The Way You Make Me Feel) sticks out as particularly terrible. He stated he is a baritone, but he keeps doing light tenor stuff which does not seem to fit his voice at all IMO. He is either pinching or shaving off too much muscle mass so that it sounds unnatural.
He is also full of himself and obsessed with achievements, which is annoying. The fact that he would not come clean on the 2024 miming is really disappointing and negative for the entire KTVA brand.
Engaging in hatred and adding things which are not true just to bash KT does not help either. I think Fil's approach is the best one. Using objective data. Tamplin will not be able to get past that barrier, which is probably the reason why he (so far) hasn't addressed Fil's research directly.
Perhaps Mr Tamplin could use your advice and be objective when criticising the best and claiming to be a superior vocalist? I’m sorry, but him bagging on Freddy, is just not nice. It’s mean spirited, but then claiming to be better than that artist is just insane. Tell me who you would prefer to listen to? Freddy or Ken? And if you honestly think Ken, then I pity your soul 😂 Tamplin will never be in the same league as the ones he has put down, he knows it and doesn’t like it, so it makes him feel better about himself to demean other’s talent, when he just doesn’t have their talent to begin with.
@@karenglenn6707 I don't view Tamplin as a great vocalist at all. Decent perhaps, if he stays in his natural range. That's my opinion.
He seems to have some kind of personal problem. Despite success with the academy, he needs to boast and tell everybody how he would have done things. It's annoying.
I started learning singing through Ken Tamplin. Then I started learning with Chris Liepe. So my foundation was through Ken's style. It made me very shouty and I never developed head voice. I didn't really pursue distortion because Ken said it's dangerous without a proper foundation.
I did become decent at singing through Ken's course, but only at chest voice levels. That only goes so far. Tonality wasn't a big part in the beginning and I had a hard time learning. I think Chris Liepe's introspection helped a ton. And mixing videos from you Sterling have helped quite a bit. But like you said it's all a journey. I appreciate your content and honesty.
Back in the early days of TH-cam I watched some of Ken's videos and seriously contemplated signing up for his course. But if anything I would say the videos ended up dissuading me from going forward. I couldn't do what he did and it seemed as if you had to be genetically built to even use some of those techniques and be a "real" rock singer.
That's why I have a great appreciation for the work you - and Chris Liepe - do. I think you not only make singing more accessible but also go into the "psychology" of singing. It's not a matter of sounding exactly like someone like Chris Cornell but finding your own voice and going on your own journey with it. It becomes about self-exploration and I don't think that is at the essence of what Ken Tamplin does, unfortunately.
Great video with a very genuine approach to the online controversy! 🙌
Thumbnail is hilarious. I remember coming across Ken’s channel years ago and just moving on cause it didn’t feel right. I think I was lead there by searching “how does Chris Cornell hit those high notes.” 😂
He mimes while performing live which is different than trying to be perfect on vids. He mimes everything
When you say "mime" do you mean lip synching?
Love your take on this and your general attitude, man! It's why I continue to subscribe and continue to watch your content. 🤟 Too many people have jumped on this hate bandwagon with nothing else in mind other than to sell their own vocal coaching courses.
You and Chris are basically the only guys I follow seriously when it comes to vocal stuff.
BFD. He's inspired many, many people, adventure to say millions of people have been touched by his enthusiasm. When I was ready to quit singing, his kind words kept me going and it propelled me to a very high level. And I can't be more grateful for that. Hater hate and Losers lose. Musicians and vocal questions can't come close to what the good he's done for the musical community. They can nick pick all they want , but Ken Tamplin is a bad ass dude!
He's a liar.
Fantastic video. Truthful and to the point. No hype and self promotion, just honest analysis and self deprecating with a self awareness missing in Ken's "black is really white" response to Fil.
I watched Ken’s TH-cam clips from 2015 to 2019 basically, so for about 4 years. And I must admit that a lot of his knowledge about diaphragmatic support, open throat technique, pacing yourself while singing the harder rock songs, how to use a little bit of distortion without hurting the throat etc.. all those things I just mentioned really was beneficial for me and my singing did become stronger over the years, I’m not gonna lie about that.. personally it worked for me. However, I was never particularly a fan of his “voice” so to speak, but I use to really enjoy listening to him explain how to sing certain Foreigner songs or Whitesnake songs, Dio songs and so on.. hence I love 80s hard rock metal and there wasn’t many vocal coaches explaining that style in great depth during that 2015 to 2019 period. Fast forward to 2020, this was when I started to lose some interest in watching Ken’s clips.. was when he started listening to isolated vocals from famous songs and really over analysing them, but started taking it too far and really criticising their vocals. And was saying things like “I would have sung it this way with more distortion” or “I would have sung it more smoother with some vibrato.” Etc. And I’m like “dude, that wouldn’t have worked for the song, if they sung it that way it would have probably sounded crap!” And not to mention, some of those songs that he was over analysing were HIT songs! So who cares if they didn’t use perfect vibrato on certain parts or didn’t use distortion etc. Anyway, that’s my story of exploring Ken’s journey for quite a few years 😅 but I still admire his advice on 80s rock singing and I am grateful that a lot of his implied knowledge had helped me a lot! 🙏🏽
Well done, Stirling, for such a calm and clear explanation of what you see.
I think there's one thing you said several times that is going to get under Ken's skin. It is: "It's just a fear-based thing." And it will don so for the obvious reason, it is a true and perceptive observation.
Some of the videos have been bullying. That being said, Fil (Wings of Pegasus) was just a (scientific?) analysis of the pitch and vocals. Nothing wrong with that. He didn't say Ken could not sing, he was just pointing out that some of his 'live' concerts were lip synced.
Ken did say Freddie Mercury was not a great singer tho. and implied he was better. WTF?
Wow, that's crazy. Even though I don't particularly like Freddie Mercury I can tell he's a great singer and performer. Everything Ken sings sounds the same like everything is one song. He had no dynamics or subtly.
Hahahaha damn u mentioned it!! I've always thought its just me finding that tongue technique weird and funny😂😂😂.. ayy remember the truth is in the singing 😅😅
I've been trained by vocal coaches, one of them trained opera singers. Not one used a tongue technique. In Ken's case, the truth is in the fakery.
@@glamgal7106 not saying the tongue technique is wrong, if it works for him then good but I just find it funny.. but the guy can actually sing tho and he's no Milli Vanilli either😆
hmmm.....a lot of people are sick of the likes of Tamplin..cheating....miming..autotune and the like....me?..i have totally had enough of these fraudsters....they are shitting on music as an art...It's dishonest..and fraudulent.
Ken is a MAGA guy so he's following after his hero Trump who follows the Ray Cohn philosophy of never admitting guilt and never calling yourself a loser!
@@ricomajestic trump 2024?MAGA
Agree, nothing but fakes and liars @@ricomajestic
love your desk setup, you should do a video on gear
Never took lessons from him, but his program helped me a lot. I was a total beginner. Never had any experience with vocal exercises before, and his program sort of gave me a foundation to build from. Voice grew like crazy and started getting compliments at church for my voice.
Not saying it works for everyone, but it worked for me. If people have had bad experiences with him, then that is unfortunate. I like his program and would recommend it to beginners to build their foundation.
Always knew there was something off about that dude.
thank you, for the input SJ...
Great insight into this. Btw ….your thumbnail for this video 😂😂😂😂
I’ll be honest i bought his course and have been practicing it every other day for three years…
I have seen improvement vocally compared to before i started singing with the course. I just used the scales to warm up for singing. Now I’m wanting to explore Daniel Tompkin’s and maybe Sterling’s stuff to see how much improvement I’ll see from a truthful vocalist, one who can perform what I actually admire. Cool you pointed that out, thanks 🙏🏻
to fully know for a fact that you have improved , you might have to seek an outside consultation ,so hire a professional singer , not a vocal coach & pay them to evaluate your level or the best way to know for a fact that you are good, when you see an ad for a singer in a band or cover band audition & if you get hired you know you are good enough & accept what they tell you. Think in terms of like going on America's got talent.. you need to be evaluated. you need professional evaluation at this point. it's very possible you think you have made improvements because you convinced yourself & your improvements might be subjective
when we sign up for a music school we have to audition & get evaluated & thus far we have to accept their expert opinion.
Have you done this yet?
@@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShowgreat ideas! You really need an objective knowledgeable outsider. I studied the piano classically for many years, did exams at our Conservatorium and performed in public alone. The exams especially were very beneficial for me as you receive feedback when receiving your score (at least that’s how it was for me in the 70’s) I then learnt what I had to work on.
Thank you for your very balanced and insightful video!
He's definitely been "Tamplin" with his videos😂😂😂
Hahahaha. First one of these. Well done 😂
Lol awesome
3:23 and 3:27 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! I swear, you have STUDIED KT! hahaha oh boy.... see, THIS is why you and others NEED to make these kinds of vids! I got a huge laugh from just those 5 seconds of you impersonating him as he's "singing". KT and his fake dimpled turtle mouth smile he does and when you said "effin doing this" hahahahha. man... I need to see a KT parody video!!!! someone.... hahahaha
Your nails are sparkly, sparkles are cool. You do you friend. Thanks for contributing your viewpoint. Onwards and upwards. 👍😁
Ah thanks. 😊
I agree with your take on this 100% -I´ve just found your channel with this video, I'll be cheking you out
Stirling, thanks so much, man for being a class act about Ken and telling the truth without attacking him. I knew about Ken's band Shout way back in the early 90s as a little church kid listening to Christian rock, and having learned later on how corrupt and dishonest the Christian music industry is, hearing about Ken's dishonesty wasn't surprising, although it was disappointing. Thank you again for being a stand-up dude and a gentleman. I first started watching your channel not just for your vocal lessons, but because you seemed really genuine and down-to-earth. Maybe someday I can buy you a beer. God bless, brother....
Your creativity really stands out!
Thanks for posting this. So many people are jumping on the band wagon, but I think it is so helpful to point out the human side.
I like your content. I got a recommendation from the comment section of Fil's channel. New sub!
for someone who claims he doesn't like to talk dirt on somebody, you overcome your disgust pretty well 🙂
You know what is good about a video like this? This is the first video I have ever watched of yours, but I see your background decorations and I can tell we at least have the same taste in music. Subscribed. I'm going to check out your normal content.
I've got to agree with everything you have said. Great video, and keep up the great work.
I love ur respect for him still during the whole situation. Too many keyboard haters who not thr to only call him out but to throw hate. Ur vulnerability abt urself as a musician is also why your giving a authentic feedback. Tnx for honesty. I wish him all the best thou hopefully he can own up and be honest with especially his fans.
If you're lip syncing, then just admit it. Don't delete videos and bomb other channels with fake comments. I don't know him from Adam, but he comes off being very douchey.
For me, what worked were the la-ah warmups. Well, to an extent. It really helped with expanding my head voice and finding some distortion. However, after a while, I noticed how easily it was tiring me. I mentioned in another comment how I used to push A LOT and try to sound verry big and powerful. I think I got that from him because that seemed like the good approach- his Dio and Coverdale influences became mine too. I had an admiration for Gabriela Guncikova- I think she is his most popular female students still- and he kept emphasizing how he had her to difficult physical exercise then warmups for like 5 to 6 hours a day so that's what I did. I remember once I had a concert and I practiced that whole day before going on stage-yelling false chord distortion, screams, cleans over a full band without a microphone cause "I have to be powerful and project like crazy " and what do you know? Concert comes and I have almost no voice. That happened a few times. I would give it my all for a few hours then bam-another embarassment. Sometimes I would nail it. I remember once nailing 18 and life by Skid Row and since people were giving me compliments I thought I was on the right track. It took another couple years and actually listening critically theough a phone recording to understand how wrong it actually sounded. 😢
My personal beef against Ken Tamplin was him objectifying his female students doing covers to try gain some more views. Cuz if you go check his channel and compare his covers vs his students (only females btw) the difference on views are huge.
dude, i love your wholesomeness, and i just watched the beginning of the video. i might just stick around for that reason.
It is what it is! I enjoy singing and learning. It's like meditation for me. I've learned from Ken and yourself on watching your channels. Chris liepe and Andy Zicek also David Wu. Bohemian Vocals were awesome, too!
To all the content creators, thank you for entertaining, teaching, and encouraging. More power to you all!
I love the journey I'm on, and we're all in it together.
Rock on everyone. 🤘
Ken is a fraud. Always has been.
I've caught him, years ago lying about his past
He freaked out on me in the comments.
He didn't make another video for a couple months.
Every time I have looked into any one of his claims, I always find it to be untrue.
I bought his course years ago and it has helped. My voice has improved quite a bit. My sound is more forward and my pitch, range, and stamina have gotten better. However, I'm still a baritone. There are certain notes I just can't hit no matter how much I work on it. I'm a worship leader and there's not much need for me to sing with a lot of distortion, so I haven't put anything into trying this.
His response video didn't help at all. It seemed like he was deflecting and defending himself against arguments that hadn't even been made. Nobody ever said that he couldn't sing at all or that he was lip synching everything. I've been a big fan of his for years, so this has been a real disappointment.
What notes can't you hit? I ask because I was under the "baritone curse" mindset for so long (discovered I'm actually a lyrical spinto tenor) and didn't think life existed after G#4.
@@TomCristoforo Prior to starting the vocal course, I was stuck around G4. In isolation, I can hit up to about an E5 (if warmed up) or maybe an F5 (on a really good day). One of his level 2 workouts goes up to F#5, which I don't think I've ever been able to hit.
As far as what I'd feel comfortable singing live while playing the guitar, I probably wouldn't try anything above an A4.
Great video Sterling, your honestly your vulnerability in approaching the 'problem of lip synching' is what sets you apart from Ken on this one, along with your humility.
I have no problem with lip syncing, it's part of entertainment, I don't think most people do. Pitch correction is a slightly more murky area for me if I'm being honest.
The good thing is you are honest about the 'early' days of your channel. Doing youtube is never easy, anyone who claims there is a "single" way to do it is a fool, needless to say you did what you needed to do to become less camera shy and come into your place of confidence, that is a nice arc and I'd much rather hear someone say that then play pretend.
With this Ken situation, I think people dislike the dishonesty of this situation more than the specifics.
Well presented, sir. Yup, Fil from Wings of Pegasus did an analysis video per someone’s request (as that’s what he does on his channel) and that seems to have set this ball in motion. My takeaway is that Ken T. needs to learn the old adage “if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging!” 😂
Amen to the old adage.
What if it's an escape route underneath something to get out?
@@55Porterthat can take years of digging tho lol and then he finds himself in china? or so? haha
Honesty is the best policy. Somebody once said that, and I believe it to be true.
Can't we just all agree that Ken is one of the greatest vocalists of our time?
I bought his course about 5 years ago when my old band called me up asking if I knew any singers and I asked for a try out. I remember it was very hard to get downloaded and I actually never got all of the classes downloaded. The videos were not very good quality. Hard to find any direct answers! Eventually I just quit messing with it and spent that time practicing the songs, everyday in my garage! Been fronting a band for 4+years now. Still working on distortion but Chris Liepe has helped with that. Glad I found your channel going to start watching you too 🤘
Eric Arceneaux seem pretty authentic too.
I know he's not really a rock guy but his breathing techniques are pretty insightful. He uses a unique combination of classical and contemporary vocal techniques.
I was taught as a child,
“If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all”
Kids are not tough that anymore.
“When words are no better than silence, one should keep silent” - Kwai Chang Caine.
I do normally quote that myself, but him criticising Freddy, and saying he could do better, made me extra spicy cross. I’ve seen Freddie LIVE! And it was the most amazing musical experience of my life, so to have this shyster bagging on him actually raised my hackles. He started it first! 😂
I just love your and a guy name Toni linke video because you guys are actually help full for grit vocal!!!!!❤
Ken himself will benefit more from the hate videos than anyone else. I guarantee it.
I think he's actually going to start losing a lot of business.
No, previously he had a lot of negative videos blocked, can't keep that up when there's an avalanche.
@@ThePoorBoy Sure. Ok. Watch and learn.
Cancelling only works when involving some kind of violent crime. Mostly people will not care for scam, entitlement, lack of transparency and much more. People are just promoting him without knowing it. We have seem this thing happening again and again. Someone who is not so famous become even more famous after doing something awful.
@@yuriperez1221 Exactly. It's good to see someone else who actually gets it.
Did you ever watch Fil? He was always respectful and would never call someone a hack.
That’s because I wasn’t talking about Fil. I know this 😊
I haven’t taken the KT course or any vocal course, my cousin is in a band and he took the KT course and he said it helped him a lot with his singing voice.
Tamplin is so full of himself it's ridiculous. I'm not a professional on the subject, yet I do think the guy has some vocals skills-to an extend at least-but the whole "cool wannabe legend rockstar" is giving me so much second hand embarrassment. His mannerisms and whole attitude is really annoying. Also, man... the tongue thing always pissed me off, for some reason...
There are a lot of clowns who are just doing hateful and pointless videos trying to use his name to get clicks, but you are not one of them. You offered a fair assessment.
You’re not clout chasing - you’re providing expert information / critique on a current topic in your field. Ken is a public figure making huge claims - he needs to be checked by people in his industry - who else can help protect the consumer? It’s almost your responsibility to say something - thank you!
On a side note, I also bought Ken’s course. And as you may remember, I have paid for your evaluations.
I got more out of your 15 minute evaluation than Ken’s entire course. You also totally woke me up about how bad my production was.
You may not have 2 million subscribers but you’re having huge impacts helping artists. I just released a full album and you helped me find my proper voice and get the production levels to professional standards - I’m sure there are thousands of people you’ve helped or inspired in some small but impactful way you will never even know about.
So I wanted you to know!
Thanks.
Hey Brad. That’s awesome! Congrats. I appreciate the kind words man. 😊
Totally agree with you.
Found you through KTs gossip, first time I see a video of you, great stuff. Personally I never spent a dime on a Ken’s course, but I always found the method, his speech feels like those guys from broadway. I know it because in Germany I worked very close with a real actor, he had same attitude and voice tone. Still looking for a vocal couch, I agree with your thoughts regarding the picking the right couch following a specific style