Join us for an exciting new episode of How I Learned to Scream, featuring Mike Hranica from The Devil Wears Prada as our latest guest. This episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the journeys of your favorite rock and metal vocalists, exploring how they evolved into the artists we admire today. Every journey begins with a spark of inspiration, and we delve into their first experiences with extreme vocals, recounting those pivotal moments when they tried it themselves and discovered their unique sounds.

We also explore the reactions from family members during their early days, the crucial techniques for preserving vocal health while on tour, and valuable advice on dos and don’ts before a performance and while on stage. Additionally, we take a moment to highlight the often-overlooked technique of cupping the microphone.

Mike Hranica’s Journey into Extreme Vocals and His Initial Attempts

Mike Hranica recalls, “Some of the first screamy vocals I encountered were in BMX videos,” although he isn’t exactly certain of his age during this discovery. He shares, “Hearing ‘Phoenix Ignition’ by Thrice marked my first encounter with screaming in music. My appreciation for heavier music grew with the intensity of the vocals; the more aggressive it became, the more I was drawn to it.”

When recounting his initial attempts at screaming, Hranica adds, “The first time I really tried it was in my friend’s car during our late-night drives home from local shows, blasting Bleeding Through and everyone belting out their best screams.” He humorously remembers how his friend eventually bought an inexpensive microphone, plugged it into his guitar amp, and recorded himself screaming on his flip phone, sharing it with friends, saying it now seems “so silly.”

“The two tracks I learned to scream to were ‘The Red Wedding’ by The Bled and I attempted ‘Voodoo’ by From A Second Story Window once,” he explains, noting that these were the songs he felt most comfortable screaming along with.

Understanding the Art of Enunciation and the Technique of Cupping the Microphone

Mike Hranica’s technique involves cupping the microphone, which has become a signature aspect of his performance style. He tends to hold his hand over the top, leaving a bit of space to scream into. While he acknowledges this method, he also expresses that he finds it visually cooler to hold the microphone lower, likening it to an ice cream cone.

Despite some criticism regarding this technique, Hranica emphasizes that there are far more pressing issues in live performances. “There’s a significant amount of other blatant cheating happening in the industry, particularly with the use of backing tracks. Honestly, I believe that cupping the mic is the least of my concerns regarding the authenticity of live music,” he asserts.

Boom. His candidness sheds light on the ongoing debates surrounding live performance integrity.

Essential Tips: What to Avoid Before a Show and While Performing, According to Mike Hranica

Mike Hranica shares his top advice on performance preparation, stating, “For me, the most crucial rule is to avoid alcohol on stage. While I do enjoy a drink before going on as a way to relax, I’ve learned the hard way that too much beer leads to disastrous results like constant vomiting. I’ve found that what I eat before a show is significantly more crucial than any warm-up routines; it’s best not to consume anything close to showtime,” Hranica advises.

He emphasizes, “Absolutely no wine before a performance. I made that mistake once, and it was a lesson learned. Having a stomach and throat full of wine while trying to scream is a recipe for disaster,” he recalls, describing that experience as “burning alive.”

For even more insights from Mike, be sure to watch the full episode below.

Discover How Mike Hranica from The Devil Wears Prada Mastered the Art of Screaming

Exciting Updates on The Devil Wears Prada in 2025

This year, The Devil Wears Prada successfully wrapped up a spring North American headlining tour and recently released their latest single titled “For You.”

The band describes the song as, “A love story unfolding through the perspective of someone hopelessly devoted to a partner who is unable to reciprocate. It captures the essence of desperation intertwined with blind loyalty — a powerful, cinematic anthem for the heartbroken. This represents The Devil Wears Prada at our most expansive, featuring our largest chorus to date and marking a bold evolution in our sound. We’re not just pushing boundaries; we’re redefining them.”

Don’t miss the chance to watch the captivating music video below.

Touring resumes this month, with a return to the stage scheduled for August 6 in Mexico. The Devil Wears Prada will embark on a journey through South America, followed by performances in Australia and South Africa, culminating in a return to the states for the Warped Tour festival in Florida this November.

For ticketing information, be sure to visit the band’s official website.