By Narayan Saimbi
Music is a wonderful thing. There is a nigh infinite spectrum of genres and thus there is a nigh infinite spectrum of potential audiences. Some music is universal, some is unsurprisingly not. However, I came across a genre known “vocaloid music” recently and stumbled down a rabbit-hole that went further than I could have ever imagined.
I came across this genre of music when researching for a trip to Japan. I wanted to get a grasp of what to do in places like Tokyo and Kyoto, how to get around the country and most importantly, what cultural expectations I should put in place for each city that I’m going to. I ended up going down a wormhole of Youtube videos about Japan, slowly but surely learning bits and pieces about where I would be going. Overall, it seemed like there was nothing too overwhelming.
That all changed when I came across Vocaloid “artist” Hatsune Miku. I had heard of this technological phenomenon a few years ago but I simply brushed it off as a fad 5-minute headline and nothing more. But I could not have been any more wrong. This was my introduction to Vocaloid music and there was no turning back.
What is Vocaloid?
Vocaloid is a computer software, where music producers can input a melody and have a synthesised computer-generated vocal sing it back to them. Of course, the producers can tweak and adjust the parameters of the program as they see fit but the general starting premise is always the same. Put your ideas into the program, see what it spits out. The same for any music production software but Vocaloid is slightly different. Vocaloid has achieved something that most music programs can never do- it has gained a cult following all through the marketing decision to make the software branding as human as physically possible.
Let’s take it back to Hatsune Miku- a vocal option within the Vocaloid program that has been modelled after the look of a Japanese Idol. If I’m being completely honest, I don’t think I could have ever prepared myself for the sheer amount of cultural significance that this Vocaloid artist has curated in Japan. Since the program’s (or “her”) release in 2007, the Miku brand has generated around $120 million for development company Crypton Future Media and has sold out multiple shows in both Japan and worldwide. There is an incredibly large global audience for this genre of music, an audience and genre that I would never have come across if not for the research for my trip.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In terms of the music itself, it has a lot of appeal. Of course, the star is the Vocaloid program, with its eclectic collection of virtual artists that skyrocket some songs to unheard levels of popularity and cultural significance (I’m looking at you, “World is Mine”). However, outside of that one program, most tracks in this genre are filled to the brim with fantastic production. Transient drums that effortlessly cut through the mix, layered synth patterns that hook you in both with melody and chordal accompaniment. There is also a lot of “ear candy” within the songs in this genre, providing subtle sounds and tones in each track that constantly keep the listener engaged and wanting more. Even though all of these songs have the same program as their base, the versatility of the software itself (and the skill of the producers utilising it) make each track feel new and stand out from one another. The music is perfect for both high and low energy, for both easy listening and periods of focus. I will admit, I have added quite a few tracks to my gym playlist after getting into this genre. I can also say that they have not disappointed in the slightest.
So, if any of this has an appeal to you, I would recommend you check it out. Be warned, the depth of Vocaloid music is as far down as you can reach, so I would recommend finding a pre-made playlist of songs to start with before curating your own. I also understand that this will definitely be something strange for most people. And in a world of poorly used AI, I realise that the use of computer programs to do vocal work may raise some alarm bells and red flags. But Vocaloid is not an “AI program” in the way that we think of it now. I think of it as more of a digital talkbox- the creativity lies in the person using the tool, not the generative nature of the tool itself.
Give it a try. Whether you love it, or you hate, you’ll have at least heard something new. And in this day and age, very few music genres can promise you that.
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