Vocaloids and Japanese virtual vocal performance: the cultural heritage and technological futures of vocal puppetry

Jackson, Louise and Dines, Mike ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9706-979X (2016) Vocaloids and Japanese virtual vocal performance: the cultural heritage and technological futures of vocal puppetry. In: The Oxford Handbook of Music and Virtuality. Whiteley, Sheila and Rambarran, Shara, eds. Oxford University Press, Oxford. ISBN 9780199321285, pbk-ISBN 9780190061906. [Book Section] (doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199321285.013.6)

Abstract

Notions of illusion are an inherent part of the traditional theatrical practice and experience of Japan, and it is contended here that these notions of illusion normalize the creation of synthetic, virtual performance avatars that front the sampled vocaloid software. In contrast to the rather Western fixation on the authenticity of the human voice (whoever is seen and heard to be singing should be the actual owner of the voice and physically connected to it in some realm of reality) this chapter holds the idea to account by exploring the world of the Japanese vocaloids in the context of Asian theatrical practices: specifically examining the use and conceptualization of puppet theatre (Bunraku) to raise questions over the cultural location of vocaloid software and the emergence of the “virtual” voice/artist.

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