Throat Singing Covers

Throat singing is an ancient vocal technique. It originates from indigenous cultures like the Tuvan, Inuit, and Mongolian traditions. This technique has recently captured the imagination of global audiences in unexpected ways.

This unique art form is characterized by its ability to produce multiple pitches simultaneously. It has transcended its cultural roots. It has become a powerful tool for reimagining modern and classic songs. In this article, we’ll explore how these covers celebrate the depth of throat singing while introducing its magic to new audiences, reshaping how we think about both the technique and the songs themselves.

What is Throat Singing?

Throat Singing Covers are a broad and beautiful genre of cover songs. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Throat singing is “a range of singing styles.” In these styles, a single vocalist sounds more than one pitch simultaneously. They achieve this by reinforcing certain harmonics (overtones and undertones) of the fundamental pitch. In some styles, harmonic melodies are sounded above a fundamental vocal drone.”

Throat singing was organically called overtone singing in Western literature. Then it was later calledthroat-singing (a translation of the Mongolian term höömei). It is a beautiful singing style. This style shows the versatility and range of the human voice. It also reflects our love and admiration of variety.

“Throat-singing necessitates activating different combinations of muscles to manipulate the resonating chambers of the vocal tract under sustained pressurized airflow from the stomach and chest. As with operatic singing, the technique requires years of training to master,” reads the Britannica Encyclopedia.

“Every time that we use our voice, we have a fundamental frequency,” Aaron Johnson, a speech and language pathologist at New York University’s Voice Center explains to PRI that throat singers have an amazing grasp of the sounds produced and further intensifying those sounds.

“They’re making adjustments within the tube above the larynx, a little above the vocal folds, which is the back of the throat and the space in the mouth. And by adjusting the lips and the height of the larynx, which is where the vocal folds are, and changing the tongue position, they can then resonate and amplify that harmonic, which then again sounds as a separate pitch that’s happening.”

It’s a style of singing that’s used throughout the world. It’s prevalent in different cultures, including Mongolia, Russia (the republics of Khakassia, Tyva, Altay, and Buryatia), South Africa, Canada, China, Inner Mongolia, and Tibet.

Variations of Throat Singing

Each of them has its own variations, styles and traditions.  Western Mongolia styles are identified by specific body parts. These parts are manipulated for the pitch and timbre of the throat singing. Examples include the throat, palate, and tongue. Western Khalkha throat singing uses rather deep bass without a distinct melody. 

Playlist of Throat Singing Covers

Across the world, this genre of music has been revived by younger generations. Older generations are also bringing the traditions forward again. There are fantastic covers that combine the traditions of throat singing with modern songs.

“Numb” originally by Linkin Park, Covered by KUULAR

This cover of Linkin Park’s “Numb” is a tribute to each member of the band and specifically Chester Bennington. This song incorporates aspects of Tuvan throat singing. It highlights the power of Kuular’s voice. It also emphasizes the strength of Linkin Park’s lyrics!

“Game of Thrones” Originally from the HBO Series Game of Thrones, Nomadic metal cover by Tengger Cavalry Official

Combining Central Asian and Mongolian folk music with metal, Tengger Cavalry Official has created a new genre called Nomadic Metal! Taking the popular theme song to Game Of Thrones and presenting it as Nomadic Metal. It’s a chilling and beautifully haunting cover!

“Silver for Monsters” Originally from Witcher 3 Original Soundtrack, Covered by Akdeniz Erbaş

Coming from The Witcher franchise, this is an amazing cover of “Silver for Monsters“. If you haven’t listened to the original, there’s the link! Using dombıra and throat singing, Akdeniz Erbaş brings a new level of magic to this magical franchise.

“Firestarter” Originally by Prodigy an acoustic cover by Ra Djan

Brought to you by Ra Djan, this cover of “Firestarter” is leading more into the grunge side of throat singing. The original by Prodigy was quite edgy. Adding in Ra Djan’s throat singing added a whole new level of edge! Djan performed this cover to honor Keith Flint. He was the vocalist of Prodigy and sadly passed away due to suicide last spring.

“Run to the Hills” Originally by Iron Maiden, Covered by Tanya Tagaq and Damian Abraham

Combining Tanya Tagaq and Damian Abraham‘s amazing vocals into one single cover seems like it’s too good to be true. Trust me, it’s even better than you can imagine. Tanya Tagaq is a Canadian Inuk throat singer from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Damian Abraham is the punk vocalist for the band Fucked Up. Together, they make this Iron Maiden cover of “Run To The Hills” beyond amazing. It’s dark, energetic and hauntingly beautiful!

Final Thoughts

By infusing modern melodies with the primal, resonant tones of throat singing, artists bridge cultural and musical divides. They create works that are both rooted in history and forward-looking. Throat singing continues to inspire cross-cultural collaboration and experimentation. Its resurgence not only preserves a rich heritage but also presents it on a global stage.

Let us know what you think in the comments below!!!