From Copy To Original: How to Make a Cover Song Your Own
When you sing a cover, it’s easy to feel like you have two options:
Copy the original exactly, or
Sound like you’re making it up as you go
But there’s a sweet spot in between: making the song your own—without losing the heart of it.
In this episode, Coach Juliana and I break down real-world coaching tips to help you make any cover feel authentic, artistic, and true to your voice.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to watch/listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast or YouTube
Pick the Right Song for Your Voice
🎙 Juliana: "Know your comfy range first—where your voice shines the most. Your Prima Voce."
Before you even start arranging, you have to pick a song that fits your voice.
If a song constantly pushes you to your extremes—too high, too low, too heavy—you’re fighting an uphill battle. And remember, you can always adjust the key of the song if it's too high or too low! Think of it as buy shoes in the right size. If you're a size 8, you wouldn't want to walk around in shoes that are a size 6, right? It's the same thing for songs. Adjust the key of it until it fits your voice just right.
There are many tools that you can use to adjust the key of songs. If you use Chrome as your browser I recommend downloading the extension "Transpose", which let's you adjust the key of any YouTube video! Alternatively you can download the app "Moises", which also let's you adjust the key of any track AND you can even make your own karaoke tracks by muting the vocals!
✅ Tip: Choose songs that sit comfortably in your Prima Voce (your sweet spot) and/or adjust the key of the song until it fits your voice perfectly.
That’s where your voice naturally sounds and feels the best. And it’ll be easier to personalize the song when you're not just struggling to survive it.
Speak the Lyrics First
🎙 Juliana: "Sometimes I just speak the words out—casually—before singing them."
We need to remember that singing is all about expression and story telling. So when we’re working on making some changes to a song to make it our own, we should always make changes that support the story of the song.
One of the fastest ways to connect to a cover emotionally? Speak the lyrics like you would in real life.
✅ Tip: Try saying the lyrics out loud like you're talking to a friend.
Notice where you naturally pause, breathe, or emphasize certain words. Then bring some of that natural phrasing into your singing. This helps the song feel more conversational, honest, and less robotic.
Play with Phrasing and Timing
🎙 Lara: "You're allowed to shift how long you hold a phrase—or where you breathe."
The original artist’s phrasing isn’t the only way.
You can adjust timing slightly to make the story fit your voice better.
✅ Tip: Slow down or speed up phrases just a little to match your emotional intention.
Take a beat longer on a line that hits hard
Breathe earlier if a line feels crowded
Stretch or compress timing to add your personal touch
Sustain notes for longer (or cut them short!)
Just be careful that you don’t start over singing the song… Holding out phrases and notes for too long and not leaving any pauses and breaks can make the song sound too full and busy. Don’t be afraid to leave room.
Think of it like storytelling, not karaoke.
Talking about Karaoke - if you’re familiar with Kelly Clarkson you might have heard her do “Kellyoke” - Kelly singing covers. Just listening to her covers is a masterclass in making a song your own.
Don't Be Afraid to Sound Different
🎙 Juliana: "The goal isn’t to sound like the original—it’s to sound like YOU."
Many singers worry that if they change too much, people won’t recognize the song. But actually—that’s what makes covers interesting. If we wanted to hear the exact same version as the original, we would just listen to the original… Give us a reason to listen to your version instead!
✅ Tip: Let your natural tone, breathiness, strength, softness, and phrasing show up in the song.
You don’t need to imitate the original. You need to interpret it. Because your voice telling their story still matters.
It's Okay If It Feels Different Every Time
🎙 Juliana: "How you sing a song might shift depending on the day, your energy, even your mood—and that’s okay."
While it’s a good idea to rehearse a song one specific way (to help your voice get used to this new version), you don’t have to lock yourself into one interpretation forever.
✅ Tip: Stay flexible.
One day you might sing it a little lighter. Another day you might lean into more power. Let yourself respond to the moment. It keeps your performance alive and interesting. You might also find yourself singing in a way that you actually prefer over the version you usually do!
🎧 Want to Hear the Full Conversation?
Making a cover song your own is about freedom, awareness, and trusting your artistry.
In this episode, we walk through how to pick better songs, how to rework phrasing naturally, and how to stop worrying about sounding “right” and start focusing on sounding real.
Prefer Listening To The Podcast On Your Favorite Platform? Listen Below.
