Accents in music

[StrawberryBlond 14,820]

It's a well-known fact that most people don't sing the same way they talk. Especially if they come from outside America, their accent tends to change. It can become deeper, higher, older, younger, depending on the song they're singing. Because most of the world's most popular singers come from America, we are socialised into thinking that an American accent is the default way of singing, hence, a lot of non-Americans are not even sure of what their real singing voice sounds like because all they've ever done is copy American artists voices in their respective songs. And not to mention, so many really young girls are singing like grown divas because they've copied this style from a very young age. Girls of 10 and younger sounding like Mariah Carey. This is of course, a really acquired taste.

Then there are also cases like that of white rappers taking on a black accent, usually American black accents, though British black accents can happen too. They are accused of culturally appropriation. But is it really any different from changing your voice to do regular singing? No one makes a big deal when non-Americans sound American when they sing. There isn't really even any controversy when whites sound black when they sing soul music. But suddenly, when they rap in a black accent, everyone goes nuts. How is that any different from singing in a black accent? There are very understandable reasons why a white person would change their accent to rap, none of which are offensive reasons. Rap has built up a specific sound in speech, so any accent that steps outside this very narrow perimeter can be laughed at or thought of as weird. Also, you just don't get rap from people in international accents making it big, so changing your accent is seen as the key to acceptance. And naturally, if you've lived around lots of black people all your life or have moved to an area with a high black population, it's very natural to pick up the accent without even noticing. Some native accents sound really bad when rapping too. My Scottish one sounds flat and monotone, like I've barely graduated past normal talking, just awful. Change it and suddenly, it actually sounds credible.

Myself, I've always Americanised my accent when singing (and rapping, the very rare times I indulge in that). It can be very difficult to find my real voice, and when I do, it's very hard to maintain it when it's someone else's song. I've always had quite an ear for accents, found them very easy to impersonate. I can also feed off them very easily. I've always had a very polished accent considering I come from just outside Glasgow and am working class (just the way my parents raised me and my mum's very prim and proper). But when I'm around people who have a very heavy, unapologetic working class drawl, I can easily fall right into it. It can work in reverse too. I can be talking for 2 minutes to an English person with a very posh, plummy accent and before I know it, I'm catching their accent subconsciously! I think it comes down to evolutionary survival technique. We adapt to those around us to ensure that no one sees us as an outsider and so we can all relate to one another.

So, what are your opinions on accents used in singing, rapping and in general? Do you change yours? If so, why?

[Killa 17,461]

Not all is accent, but placement. Though the placement of the voice, which isnt the most cientific term, but the current one.

Also registers, soul music usually singers use more of a mix voice, and a more fuller sound.

The music usually asks for it. And yes, you'll have a hard time singing it or rapping, cause you associate it, your body naturally works on those memories

The other day i didnt comment, but it's not so wromg Iggy Azalea sings with an accent. It's not her accent, but well it probably comes to her naturally when singng.

Anyways, the more natural, the better. Your voice will sound the best the more closed to speech as possible

[Gardevoir 9,822]

It's really interesting. I always had difficulties with catching words from artists when they're singing, even tho in normal talk I would pick it up easily.

Also the change in voice of Lana Del Rey when she's singing comparing to when she's talking. Marina And The Diamonds etc. It's interesting. 

[Squeeshy Keety 9,908]

9 minutes ago, StrawberryBlond said:

Some native accents sound really bad when rapping too. My Scottish one...

Hey Lil' mamma like really, really is that him

 

I done seen you before what you got on them big rims

[Kanyeee West 2,204]

I just can't stand when people try to copy American accent in their daily life and in music , I guess different accents are what makes speeches beautiful , Like I'm Turk and Persian and when I talk English,Turk and Persian people can somehow recognize my accent and intonation by the way I talk.  

[StrawberryBlond 14,820]

On 28/03/2017 at 10:37 PM, Killa said:

The music usually asks for it. And yes, you'll have a hard time singing it or rapping, cause you associate it, your body naturally works on those memories

The other day i didnt comment, but it's not so wromg Iggy Azalea sings with an accent. It's not her accent, but well it probably comes to her naturally when singng.

Anyways, the more natural, the better. Your voice will sound the best the more closed to speech as possible

You should be able to sing with whatever voice comes most naturally to you and the most comfortable. As long as you aren't physically damaging your voice, what does it matter? If it sounds good, you must be doing something right.

On 28/03/2017 at 10:38 PM, Emigrante said:

It's really interesting. I always had difficulties with catching words from artists when they're singing, even tho in normal talk I would pick it up easily.

So true, the amount of mishears I make in lyrics is incredible. Some really are un-printable! But some really are seriously weird to the point where I wonder why on earth I thought it was what it was in the first place. I thought Dionne Warwick was asking "Do you know the way to sandal's egg?" when I first heard Do You Know The Way To San Jose? and I wasn't even a kid at the time!

On 28/03/2017 at 10:42 PM, Squeeshy Keety said:

Hey Lil' mamma like really, really is that him

 

I done seen you before what you got on them big rims

Wondered what kind of joke you were making there! Thought you were making a come-on!