How to Do the Silverstein Scream

Photo by Miles Pfefferle

The Canadian post-hardcore punk band Silverstein is widely known for its distinctive vocals. Music critics have coined this particular musical style as "screamo" and include other popular acts like From Autumn to Ashes, Mayday Parade and The Starting Line in the category. The signature characteristic of screamo bands is an unusual method of screaming called screamo screaming or inward screaming. While this type of scream takes some practice, it is not particularly complicated.

Instructions

1. Inhale deeply through your mouth, then exhale through your mouth. Repeat this process a few times while constricting the muscles in your neck.

2. Tighten the muscles in your windpipe as you continue the breathing pattern. Raise your tongue in the very back to help restrict the size of the windpipe.

3. Try to make a vocal sound. Breathe from the pit of your stomach and start out with some groans. The sound should be somewhat like a pig oinking or squealing. If necessary, inhale slightly through your nose--but breath mostly through your mouth.

4. Listen to others do the Silverstein scream and try to mimic their style. In the Resources section, you'll find a link to several Silverstein music videos as well as a YouTube channel with several instructional videos about screamo screaming.

5. Continue practicing the technique, gradually increasing your volume as you begin to feel more comfortable and more in control of your breathing. After some practice, you should be able to scream at the top of your lungs while inhaling deeply and quickly through your mouth, which is the signature Silverstein scream.

Tips & Warnings

• Practicing this technique is generally not harmful as long as you do not put excessive strain on your vocal cords. However, if you have a respiratory condition that makes breathing difficult or you are prone to hyperventilating, the deep breathing required for this technique may be hazardous to your health; consult your physician before attempting the Silverstein scream.