Vocaloid software is a software that enables users to synthesize singing by inputting lyrics and melodies on a computer. Songs are made by real music producers that use the Vocaloid program, which acts as an instrument for them. To create a song with this software, a producer inputs melody and speech using synthesizing technology. The software is able to change pronunciation and tone on the voice.
First developed by Yamaha, the first engine was launched in March 2003. There are multiple Vocaloid editions, which all have multiple voicebanks. Voicebanks, used for speech, are made by using recorded samples of singers. Some of these voicebanks have character avatars to help them sell.
Many fans liked having the character avatars that were attached to the voicebanks, to the point that many wrote songs for them. Since then, Vocaloid music has grown from there. Since 2007, the Vocaloid community has evolved and many music producers start off with Vocaloid.
One of the most well known Vocaloids is Hatsune Miku. She is one of the main reasons for Vocaloids’ huge popularity. Miku was developed by Crypton Future Media and was released in Aug. 2007 as a member of the character vocal series. Some of her most popular songs include: “World is Mine”, “Nyan Cat”, and “Ievan Polkka”.
Crypton launched the website “Piapro” in 2007 that allowed users to upload and share self created Vocaloid songs and artwork. In Aug. 2008 SEGA announced a collaboration with Piapro and created the game “Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA”.
The biggest turning point for Miku came in March 2010 for her first ever live Vocaloid concert. Using holograph technology as well as character models from Project DIVA, Miku was able to perform songs to a crowd in Japan. After the concert’s big success, more Vocaloid concerts were hosted, not just in Japan but eventually around the world.
Over the years, Vocaloid has left a significant impact for producers and the community. The small software, now a phenomenon for fans everywhere, brings a new era of entertainment and new possibilities for the music industry.
